No Matter How Long You’ve Smoked, Quitting Can Help Improve Your Health

Why-Quit-Smoking-NowNo matter how old you are or how long you’ve smoked, quitting can help you live longer and be healthier. People who stop smoking before age 50 cut their risk of dying in the next 15 years in half compared with those who keep smoking. Ex-smokers enjoy a higher quality of life. They have fewer illnesses such as colds and flu, lower rates of bronchitis and pneumonia, and feel healthier than people who still smoke.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General:

  • Quitting smoking has a major and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages. These benefits apply to people who already have smoking-related diseases and those who don’t.
  • Quitting smoking lowers the risk of lung cancer, other cancers, heart attack, stroke and chronic lung disease.
  • The health benefits of quitting smoking are far greater than any risks from any small weight gain (which is usually less than 10 pounds).

Source: American Cancer Society