Quit Smoking

DID YOU KNOW?
More people die from cigarette smoke and related illnesses than die from AIDS, alcohol, traffic accidents, illicit drugs, murder and suicide combined? Non-smokers who live with smokers have virtually the same risks of diseases as smokers! In addition to cancers, emphysema and heart disease, smoking causes a variety of other diseases and conditions including ulcers, stroke, infertility, cavities, bronchitis and even a greater likelihood of catching colds and flu.

IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO QUIT!
You don't have to go it alone when you decide to quit smoking. QUITNET and QUITLINE help you develop a plan and get support. And now, The Colorado Quitline (800.639.QUIT) is staffed from 7am-11pm. Calls and website visits are completely confidential and free of charge. Why wait? Do it for yourself, your family, and your wallet!

QUIT SMOKING AND...
20 minutes later
your pulse rate & blood pressure be the same as before you started smoking.
10 hours later
the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in your blood will return to normal.
3 days later
your lung capacity will begin to increase.
4 years later
you will reduce your risk of heart attack to that of a non-smoker.
10 years later
you will reduce your chances of dying of lung cancer to that of a non-smoker.

TIPS TO HELP YOU GET READY TO QUIT

• Cut back before you quit.
• Change to a brand of cigarettes you don't like.
• Don't buy cigarettes by the carton.
• Smoke low tar, low nicotine cigarettes.

TIPS FOR AFTER YOU QUIT

• Throw away all cigarettes, ashtrays, lighters and matches.
• Avoid stressful situations.
• Stay busy. Go places that are smoke-free.
• Spend time with non-smokers.
• Exercise.
• Keep a sucker, gum, or lollipop with you to help during cravings.
• Take lots of deep breaths to relax you and clear the toxins from your lungs.
• Avoid alcohol and bars while you are trying to quit. Drinking can trigger the urge to smoke.
• Drink lots of water!