We all know that smoking is bad for your health. The benefits of quitting can help most of the major parts of your body, from your brain to your DNA.
Here’s what quitting now will do to improve your health:
Brain
- Re-wire your brain and help break the cycle of addiction. The large number of nicotine receptors in your brain will return to normal levels after about a month of having quit.
Head and Face
- Keep your hearing sharp. And even mild hearing loss can cause problems.
- Improve your night vision and help preserve overall vision.
- Brighten your smile after just a few days without cigarettes.
- Clear up blemishes and protect skin from premature aging and wrinkling.
Heart
- Lower your blood pressure and heart rate, within 24 hours reducing your risk of a heart attack.
- Thin your blood so it’s less likely to form dangerous clots and your heart can move it around your body more easily.
- Lower the levels of cholesterol and fats in your blood, which helps slow the buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
Lungs
- Prevent permanent damage. Within two weeks of quitting, you might notice that you’re less short of breath.
- Prevent damage to the delicate air sacs in your lungs, which will help protect you from developing emphysema.
- Allow the cilia to quickly regrow and regain normal function, making it easier to fight off colds and infections.
DNA
- Help repair DNA damage, prevent new damage and lower your risk of getting cancer.
Stomach and Hormones
- Reduce your belly fat and lower your risk of diabetes. If you already have diabetes, quitting can help keep your blood sugar levels in check.
- Return estrogen levels to normal, increasing your chances of a healthy pregnancy in the future.
Sexual Healing
- Lower your chances of erectile dysfunction and improve your chances of a healthy sexual life.
Blood and the Immune System
- Return your white blood cell count to normal, so it’s no longer on the defensive, allowing it to heal.
- Improve blood flow to wounds, allowing important nutrients, minerals and oxygen to reach the wound and help it heal properly.
- Strengthen your immune system, so you will be less likely to get sick.
Muscles and Bones
- Increase the availability of oxygen in your blood, so muscles become stronger and healthier.
- Reduce your risk of fractures, both now and later in life.
More Resources
Learn more about the effect of nicotine on your body and get more tips and tools for quitting at Smokefree.gov.
For one-on-one coaching or to enroll in our QCARE Kick the Nic!* stopping tobacco use program, call 800.235.7111 or 501.228.7111 and ask to speak to a Care Manager.
*Health plans vary. Check with your employer or plan administrator to see if QCARE is included.
