Quitting smoking can have wondrous effects on your wellbeing and health. Let Thursday, November 21 be the start of your journey toward a smoke-free life.

On this day, thousands of people who smoke across the country will take an important step toward a healthier life and reducing their cancer risk. Brought to you by the American Cancer Society, the Great American Smokeout helps people learn about the many tools available to help them quit and stay smoke-free.

Shannon M. Hartman, PharmD, Kellogg Cancer Center Pharmacy, says before you choose to quit, make sure you have a plan. “Research has found that quitting ‘cold turkey’ is not the most successful way to stop smoking,” she said. “The combination of support from a trained professional and the use of tobacco cessation tools and medication increases the chances of quitting successfully. Ask for help!”

There are various types of nicotine replacement therapy and medication treatments available for quitting smoking.  It can be in the form of gum, lozenges, patches, nasal sprays, inhalers, and oral medications. One type of treatment does not work for everyone so it should be tailored to each individual.

Remember that it is never too late to quit smoking, and often it takes more than one attempt to be successful. For more information about quitting smoking, call the Illinois Tobacco Quitline: 1-866-QUIT-YES or visit https://quityes.org.

Did you know? After…

• 20 minutes: your heart rate and blood pressure drop.
• 12 hours: The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal.
• 2 weeks to 3 months: Your lung functions start to improve.
• 1 to 9 months: Coughing and shortness of breath improve.
• 1 year: Your 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 half that of a smoker’s.
• 10 years: Risk of dying of lung cancer is half that of a smoker’s.
• 15 years: Risk of coronary heart disease that of a nonsmoker.