Health Benefits of Stopping Smoking

After 20 minutes – Heart rate and blood pressure begin to drop.
After 8 hours – Oxygen levels return to normal, and carbon monoxide levels drop by half. After 24 hours – Carbon monoxide is eliminated, and the risk of heart attack starts decreasing.
 
After 48 hours – Sense of taste and smell improve as nerve endings start regenerating.
After 3 months – Lung function improves, and breathing becomes easier.
After 1 year – Risk of coronary heart disease is reduced by 50%.
After 10 years – Risk of lung cancer is cut in half compared to a smoker.
After 15 years – Risk of heart disease is similar to that of a non-smoker.
 
Financial Benefits;
 
Smoking a pack a day costs around £5,000 per year.
Quitting can save thousands, which can be used for holidays, savings, or hobbies.
 
Mental & Lifestyle Benefits:
 
Better sleep and more energy.
Improved skin and slower aging.
Fresher breath and whiter teeth.
Reduced stress – despite common myths, smoking actually increases stress levels.
 
How to Quit?
 
NHS Stop Smoking Services – Free support, medication, and nicotine replacement therapy.
Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – Patches, gum, lozenges.
Prescription medications – Varenicline (Champix) or Bupropion (Zyban).
Apps & helplines – Try NHS Quit Smoking app for tracking progress.
E-cigarettes – A safer alternative that helps many quit completely.
 
References:
 
 
Dr Geranmayeh