I've been cigarette free for a year now!

[Musicman]

I quit back in 94... it's not that I didn't want to finish that last cigarette, I surely did.... but the heart attack that I was having at the moment made it real difficult. It did make my decision to quit a rather simple one however... I put out that last cigarette, and have never looked back.

Mike ( sometimes you just need a little kick in butt )

[Dave22443]

Heres a little chart I got from my doctors office.  Some of you may want to print it out and post in by your computer to help track your progress.  (Thats where I keep my copy)

WHEN SMOKERS QUIT

Within 20 Minutes of smoking that last cigarette, the body begines a series of changes that continue for years.

After 20 Minutes
* Blood pressure drops to normal
* Pulse rate drops to normal
* Body temperature of hands and feet increases to normal

After 8 Hours
* Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal
* Oxygen level in blood increases to normal

After 24 Hours
* Chance of heart attack decreases

After 48 Hours
* Nerve endings start regrowing
* Ability to smell and taste is enhanced

After 2 weeks to 3 Months
* Circulation improves
* Walking becomes easier
* Lung function increases up to 30 percent

After 1 to 9 Months
* Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath decrease
* Cilia regrow in the lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs and reduce infection
* Body's overall energy increases

After 1 Year
* Excess risk of coronary heart desease is half that of a smoker

After 5 Years
* Lung cancer death rate for average former smoker (one pack a day) decreases by almost half
* Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting
* Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, and esophagus is half that of a smoker's

After 10 Years
* Lung cancer death rate similar to that of nonsmokers
* Precancerous cells are replaced
* Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases

After 15 Years
* Risk of coronary heart disease is that of a non-smoker

(Source - American Cancer Society, contact for Disease Control and Prevention)

[charger_mike75]

All very good points, think I'll quit now. Hopefully I wont get charged with assault.   

[911bear]

  first congrats to you!!!!!!!!!!!1  12.11.07  made me 1 year snipe free ! i hope i never pick up another cigg.!!!!!!!!
911bear

[CaptMarvel]

Good for all of you!, my dad gave up smoking right after his 2nd grandchild was born in 1989 or so. Never went back (after 45 years + of smoking) Then he totally quit drinking too. The cool thing is how his grandkids noticed that and appreciated it. I am trying to lose weight, and I think I know a little of what he went through.

[squeakfinder]

Its easy to quit. I've done it 15 times.   

[Silver R/T]

good for you kid

[BMOTOXSTAR]

Man, I hope I can stop smoking as well. 

[TheGhost]

good for you kid

I'm 22.  Aren't you in your early 20s, too?

[Mike DC]

 
Props on quitting and staying quit. 

Nicotine may be legal and everything, but actually quitting that sh*t is as difficult as biker meth or heroin. 

[Khyron]

congrats!


I'll go celebrate with a smoke now

[Shakey]

 
Props on quitting and staying quit. 

Nicotine may be legal and everything, but actually quitting that sh*t is as difficult as biker meth or heroin. 

You've been through that.   

[PocketThunder]

good for you kid

I'm 22.  Aren't you in your early 20s, too?

No he's in his early 30's.

[BigBlockSam]

ver cool    cigs are the hardest things to give up .

[TheGhost]

good for you kid

I'm 22.  Aren't you in your early 20s, too?

No he's in his early 30's.

Are you serious?