Smoking is akin to crossing a frontier, a very treacherous frontier. Once across, rarely does one want to return, so formidable is the crossing. It is a challenging journey to be sure. A few individuals may be blessed with an easy crossing but my experience and that of many others, is that it is a hazardous passage.
Yet, amid the dangers, there are amazing and powerful healing effects. Right away, B/P decreases and pulse drops. At twenty four hours, chances of a heart attack begin to lessen. Forty eight hours later, nerve endings begin regrowth and the ability to small and taste improves.
Withdrawal symptoms are in full swing. At day four, physical cravings are at a peak. Individuals at this stage are often cranky and irritable. They may be tired and have difficulty concentrating. It is common to have a cough, a headache or a sore throat. Often there is tightness in the chest.
Between two weeks and three months, circulation improves, walking is easier and lung function increases. The worst of nicotine withdrawal symptoms subside within the first month. Sometimes psychological cravings last longer.
Starting at that first month and progressing for the next few months, there may be improvements in coughing, sinus congestion, fatique, and shortness of breath.
At one year, the risk of coronary heart disease is decreased by one half. At two years, relapse rates drop significantly. At five to fifteen years, stroke rates are reduced to that of people who have never smoked. At 10 years, risk of lung disease drops to half that of a smoker. At 15 years, the risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked.
Individuals who have stopped report the following benefits:
Energy increases, stamina is noticeably improved. It is easier to breath.
Clothes don’t smell. Can smell again. No fear of starting a fire.
More cash availale
Whiter teeth, fresher breathe. Sharper thinking.
And confidence to achieve whatever goal is set is increased.
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