Smoking? It's Time to Quit!

Someone you know, perhaps even you, need to quit smoking. You understand the dangers and realize there is not one cell in your body that is unaffected by cigarettes. You even understand that no one in your immediate vicinity is safe from the fumes of your cigarettes or the fumes you exhale.

Yet . . . you find it difficult to quit. You are not alone. Statistics from 2004 indicated that 70% of smokers want to quit, and most people have to try more than once before they are finally able to quit.

Getting through the nicotine withdrawal is almost the easy part. At least it was for me so many years ago. What I remember to this day was the voices I started hearing . . . the ones that told me it was okay to have a smoke . . . no one was around, therefore no one had to know. My biggest enemy then was myself. I believe if you understand that the addicted part of your brain does not have your best interest in mind, you fill find it easier.

Here is some great information on what happens to your body when you quit smoking.

• Within 20 minutes, your heart rate and blood pressure begin to return to normal. In addition the temperature in your hands and feet increases as the effects of vasoconstriction begin to recede.

• Within 2 weeks to 3 months after you quit, your lung functions increase by up to 30%, continuing to improve each month.

• Your risk of a heart attack or other coronary event is diminished by 50% within one year, and becomes that of a non-smoker by 15 years!

• While quitting will not reduce the number of wrinkles in your face, you can definitely stop collecting wrinkles due to smoking.

• You will smell better, taste better and feel better. You’ll have more money, more time, more friends and more life.

Today is a good day to quit. The rest of your life is waiting.

About The Author:
©2005, Barbara C. Phillips, NP is the founder of OlderWiserWomen(tm) where women are inspired to embrace the freedom, magic and wisdom of successful aging. Visit http://www.OlderWiserWomen.com for your copy of Celebrating You: 50 Tips for Vibrant Living. In addition to writing about women's aging issues, Ms. Phillips uses her medical background teaching health and wellness issues to those who will listen.