Frequently Asked Questions

Tobacco

Q:  Why do people smoke?

A:  It is difficult to understand why anyone would begin to smoke. Because it is hard to see the long-term consequences of smoking, the new smoker has the attitude that nothing will happen to him or her. Young people often smoke because they are influenced to think that smoking is cool or looks grown-up. Some people use smoking when they are nervous. They do it to relax or to help them cope with the pressures of everyday life. Most people continue to smoke, even though they don't want to, because it has become a habit.

Q:  What happens when smokers quit?

A:  When Smokers Quit:
Within 20 minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begins a series of changes that continue for years.

20 Minutes After Quitting:
Blood pressure drops to a level close to that
before the last cigarette.
Temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

8 Hours After Quitting:
Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal.

24 Hours After Quitting:
Chance of heart attack decreases.

2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting:
Circulation improves.Lung function increases up to 30%.

1 to 9 Months After Quitting:
Coughing congestion, fatigue, shortness of
breath decreases.
Cilia regain normal function in lungs,increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection.

1 Year After Quitting:
Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half
that of a smoker's.

5 Years After Quitting:
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker's
5-15 years after quitting.

10 Years After Quitting:
Lung cancer death rate about half that of a
continuing smoker's.
Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat,esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decrease.

15 Years After Quitting:
Fisk of coronary heart disease is that of a
nonsmoker's.

Q:  Can't I just smoke a cigarette or two?

A:  Smoking only one or two cigarettes can cause dizziness and nausea. Smoking over many years can directly cause or contribute to serious and even fatal diseases. Although you may think it won't happen to you, just smoking one or two cigarettes may result in the development of a long-term habit.