Ann Landers:
August 6, 2001 Ann Landers:
August 6, 2001
Smokers: Here's Some Positive Information
Dear Ann: On May 17, 2001, I celebrated my birthday. It also was my fifth year of freedom from smoking. I credit your column, which I read in the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News, for giving me the incentive to quit. You printed a letter that gave positive information instead of the usual shaming criticism or scare tactics aimed at smokers. I appreciated that and paid attention.
I work for a physician and keep copies of that column on hand to give to patients when they mention they are trying to quit. I hope you will print it again. -- The Birthday Girl in Alaska.
Dear Birthday Girl: Thank you for letting me know I helped. Letters such as yours give me the incentive to keep on keepin' on. Here's the column that did it for you. I hope it will work for others as well.
You might think it's too late to quit smoking but here is some good news from the American Cancer Society:
As soon as you snuff out that last cigarette, your body will begin a series of physiological changes.
Within 20 minutes: Blood pressure, body temperature and pulse rate will drop to normal.
Within 8 hours: Nerve endings start to regroup. Agility to taste and smell improves.
Within 3 days: Breathing is easier.
Within two to three months: Circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung capacity increases up to 30 percent.
Within one to nine months: Sinus congestion and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia that sweep debris from your longs grow back. Energy increases.
Within one year: Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a person who smokes.
Within two years: Heart attack risk drops to near normal.
Within five years: Lung cancer death rate for average former pack-a-day smoker decreases by almost half. Stroke risk is reduced. Risk of mouth, throat and esophageal cancer is half that of a smoker.
Within 10 years: Lung cancer death rate is similar to that of a person who does not smoke. The precancerous cells are replaced.
Within 15 years: Risk of coronary heart disease is the same as a person who has never smoked.