During the Great American Smokeout, we encourage all Ohio smokers to put out their cigarettes for at least one day – and perhaps for a lifetime.

Within 20 minutes after you smoke that last cigarette, your body begins a series of changes that continue for years...

20 Minutes After Quitting
Your heart rate drops.

12 Hours After Quitting
The amount of carbon monoxide in your blood drops to normal.

2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting
Your heart attack risk begins to drop.
Your lungs begin to work better.

1 to 9 Months After Quitting
Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease.

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

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

10 Years After Quitting
Your lung cancer death rate is half that of a smoker's.
Your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.

15 Years After Quitting
Your risk of heart disease is like you never smoked.

The Ohio Tobacco Quit Line puts smokers in touch with a counselor who can talk about habits, triggers, and tools such as nicotine replacement therapy, prescriptions such as Wellbutrin and Zyban, and local support programs. They work with a smoker through five calls, from setting a date to quit to follow-up.

Smokers who complete the Quit Line program are FIVE TIMES more successful than those who quit cold turkey. Please encourage those who are considering quitting to call 1-800-934-4840 for this free service. Your personal support and encouragement can also make a difference!

Great American Smokeout Tip Sheet
This publication includes the benefits of quitting for men and women, free programs and services, and ideas to help you quit (220 KB).

Links to Help You Quit Tobacco

For more information about programs in your area, call your American Cancer Society at 800-ACS-2345.