Quitters Always Win

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) joins the American Cancer Society (ACS) in recognizing November 21 as the “Great American Smokeout”.  The ACS states tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the U.S., yet about 43.8 million Americans still smoke cigarettes — nearly 1 in every 5 adults.  One in 3 cancer deaths are attributed to smoking.  Another 8.6 million people live with serious illnesses caused by smoking.  

Began in the late 1970s, the “Great American Smokeout” has helped fuel new laws and save countless lives. On this day, smokers will take an important step towards a healthier life – one that can lead to reducing cancer risk. Research shows that smokers are most successful in kicking the habit when they have support such as smoking cessation hotlines, counseling, nicotine replacement products and quit smoking classes.

Quitting smoking is not easy, but it can be done.  According to U.S. Surgeon General’s Office, the effects of quitting begin almost immediately and improve over time—

·        after 20 minutes – heart rate and blood pressure drop

·        after 12 hours – carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal

·        after 2 weeks to 3 months – circulation improves, lung function increases

·        after 1 year – risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s

·        5 years – Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, and bladder are cut in half. Cervical cancer risk falls to that of a non-smoker. Stroke risk can fall to that of a non-smoker after 2-5 years.

·        10 years – the risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a person who is still smoking. The risk of cancer of the larynx and pancreas decreases.

·        15 years – the risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker.

To get help kicking the tobacco habit, call MCDH at 815-334-4510 or the Illinois Tobacco Quitline at 1-866-Quit-YES.