Going Tobacco Free

Banner Health recognizes the importance of good health and we want to offer you resources to become tobacco free. Get tips on how you can stop smoking. 

What Happens to Your Body When You Quit Smoking?

Within 20 Minutes

• Blood pressure drops to normal
• Pulse rate returns to normal
• Peripheral circulation increases, returning body temperature of hands and feet to normal

Within Eight Hours

• Blood levels of carbon monoxide and oxygen return to normal

Within 24 Hours

• Chances of heart attack decrease

Within 48 Hours

• Nerve endings start to re-grow
• Ability to taste and smell are enhanced

After 72 Hours

• Lung capacity begins to increase
• Previously paralyzed cilia hairs resume full functioning

Within Three to Five Years

• Risk of heart attack drops to that similar of a non-smoker

Within 10 Years

• Risk of dying of lung cancer drops to that of a non-smoker

(Source: American Cancer Society)