Smoke Stop

Twenty minutes after quitting the habit, blood pressure and pulse rate return to normal. Circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.

Eight hours: Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in the blood are reduced by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hours: Carbon monoxide levels are eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hours: Nicotine eliminated from the body. Sense of taste and smell are greatly improved.

72 hours: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax. Energy levels increase.

Two to 12 weeks: Blood circulation improves.

Three to nine months: Coughs and breathing problems improve. Overall lung function may improve by five to 10 per cent.

Five years: The risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years: The risk of getting lung cancer is only slightly greater than that of a non-smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to almost the same as someone who has never smoked.