Web produced by: Jessica Noll
The use of tobacco and its ties to cancer rates have been well publicized: Cigarette smoking causes 87 percent of lung cancer deaths and is responsible for most cancers of the larynx, oral cavity and pharynx, esophagus and bladder.
Secondhand smoke is responsible for an estimated 3,000 lung cancer deaths among U.S. nonsmokers each year, according to the National Cancer Institute.
But many don’t realize that quitting smoking also improves heart health. When you quit:
- After 20 minutes, your blood pressure and pulse rates drop to normal, and the temperature of your hands and feet increase to normal.
- After 24 hours, your chance of heart attack decreases and your ability to smell and taste enhances.
- After two-12 weeks, your circulation improves.
- After one year, your risk of heart disease drops to half that of a smoker.
- After 15 years, your risk of coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker.
If you want to improve your heart health and decrease your risk of lung and other cancers, two programs may be of assistance:
The Cooper/Clayton smoking cessation program is a 13-week course that combines nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum, etc.) with group support to help participants quit. The program is free, but participants may be asked to cover the cost of the nicotine replacement therapy, if used.
Research has shown that for every 100 smokers who try to quit smoking “cold turkey,” only five succeed.
For every 100 smokers who try to stop smoking by using only nicotine patches, lozenges or gum, only nine to 15 succeed. For every 100 smokers who try to stop smoking by participating in the Cooper/Clayton group method 40 to 45 succeed.
For more information about the Cooper/Clayton smoking cessation program, call (859) 442-3525.
Kentucky also has a free tobacco quit line, (800) QUIT NOW. It is a statewide telephone service that will provide brief intervention and support for people who want to stop smoking or using other tobacco products. Callers, both smokers and nonsmokers, can receive information about tobacco dependence and treatment options.
Tobacco cessation counselors will staff phone lines Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
For more information about smoking cessation or secondhand smoke, contact the Northern Kentucky Health Department at (859) 341-4264.
