Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. It causes many different cancers as well as chronic lung diseases such as emphysema and bronchitis, heart disease, pregnancy-related problems, and many other serious health problems. Eastern Shore Healthy Communities promotes tobacco-free environments and has partnered with local organizations to achieve this goal.
Get information on creating a smoke-free environment. (link)
Why is quitting so hard?
Tobacco is an addictive substance because it contains the chemical nicotine. Like heroin or cocaine, nicotine changes the way your brain works and causes you to crave more and more nicotine. This addiction to nicotine is what makes it so difficult to quit tobacco. Nicotine is in all forms of tobacco and there is no “safe” way to use tobacco. Smoking tobacco is also exposes those around you to second-hand smoke and this is a major health risk also.
What happens after you quit?
- Within 20 minutes — Your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
- Within 12 hours — The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
- Within 3 months — Your circulation and lung function improves.
- Within 9 months — You will cough less and breathe easier.
- After 1 year — Your risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.
- After 5 years — Your risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Your risk of cervical cancer and stroke return to normal.
- After 10 years — You are half as likely to die from lung cancer. Your risk of larynx or pancreatic cancer decreases.
- After 15 years — Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a non-smoker’s.
Source: BeTobaccoFree.gov
