Are you already aware of all of the negative impacts that smoking has on your health? Are you ready to learn some of the AMAZING restorative abilities that your body possesses? If you are considering quitting smoking,

Great News for Those Thinking of Quitting Smoking!  by Jeff Ptak, D.C.

The list below provides a general timeline for healing. If you know someone who is ready to kick the habit - cut this out and pass it along. The knowledge that the body already knows what to do to repair and restore is a great confidence booster!

After you quit:

Within 20 minutes : Your blood pressure and pulse rate drop to normal. Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal.

Within 8 hours : Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal and oxygen levels in blood rise to normal. Smoker's breath disappears.

Within 24 hours : Chance of heart attack decreases.

Within 48 hours : Nerve endings start regrowing. Ability to taste and smell enhances.

Within three days : You'll breathe easier.

Within two weeks to three months : Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung function increases up to 30%.

Within one to nine months : You'll cough less. Sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. The cilia that sweep debris from your lungs will grow back. You'll feel more energetic.

Within one year : Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker.

Within two years : Your heart attack risk drops to near normal.

Within five years : Lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (of one pack a day) decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker five to 15 years after quitting. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's.

Within 10 years : Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a nonsmoker's. Precancerous cells are replaced. Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases.

Within 15 years : Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.

Sources : American Cancer Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

YOU MAKE THE CHOICE - YOUR BODY WILL DO THE REST!

Submitted By:Jeff Ptak, D.C., and Ptak Chiropractic Life Center are committed to serving the true health needs of as many people as are within reach. Dr. Ptak's practice is located in Santa Monica, CA.