Changes Start the Minute Smoking Stops

Millions of people have health problems caused by smoking. Cigarette smoking and second-hand tobacco smoke cause an estimated average of 438,000 premature deaths each year in the United States.

Of these premature deaths, about 40 percent are from cancer, 35 percent are from heart disease and stroke, and 25 percent are from lung disease. Smoking is the leading cause of premature, preventable death in this country.

Of current smokers, an estimated 32 million smokers (about 70% of all smokers) report they want to quit smoking completely.

Smoking is a physical and psychological dependency, and smoking cessation involves a lot of work for most people. The good news is that many people do successfully quit.

On November 16, the Medical College of Wisconsin, along with the other organizations on the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center campus, will be implementing a completely smoke/tobacco free environment policy for faculty, staff, students, patients, and visitors. Beginning that day, the use of all tobacco products will be prohibited indoors and outdoors on all on-campus and off-campus properties owned or leased by the College.

Despite the physical discomforts that may accompany cessation, benefits accrue almost immediately according to the American Cancer Society and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These benefits include the following:

After 20 minutes:
Acute effects of nicotine on pulse rate, blood pressure, and body temperature are eliminated

After 8-12 hours:
Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal

After 24 hours:
Chance of heart attack decreases

After 48 hours:
Nerve endings begin to rejuvenate; ability to smell and taste improve

After 72 hours:
Bronchial tubes relax; lung capacity increases

After 4 days:
All nicotine is eliminated from the body

After 10 days:
Stamina and vigor improve as a result of increased oxygen in the system and improved circulation

After 2 weeks to 3 months:
Circulation improves; walking becomes easier; lung functions increase by 40%; enhanced self-image is brought on by a sense of accomplishment

After 1 to 9 months:
Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decreases; cilia rejuvenates in lungs; ability to handle mucus in the lings increases, cleaning the lungs and reducing infection

After 1 year:
The risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's

After 5 years:
Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker 5-15 years after quitting

After 10 years:
Lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker, and the risk of cancer of the mouth, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases

After 15 years:
The risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker

The discomforts associated with smoking cessation are temporary. Once free of nicotine, many people look back and wonder why they didn't quit sooner.

It takes courage to put down that last cigarette and quit smoking. Most people feel an intense combination of fear and excitement leading up to their quit date. If you want to quit, don't let that fear paralyze you. The benefits you'll experience once you quit are well worth the work it takes to achieve.

Each year, Medical College of Wisconsin physicians care for more than 180,000 patients, representing nearly 500,000 patient visits. Medical College physicians practice at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Froedtert Memorial Lutheran Hospital, the Milwaukee VA Medical Center, and many other hospitals and clinics in Milwaukee and southeastern Wisconsin.