Smoking and Your Health: Why Quitting Is the Best Choice You Can Make

Smoking remains one of the leading causes of preventable disease and death worldwide. Despite public awareness campaigns, millions still smoke — often underestimating its effects on the body. The good news? Quitting at any age can lead to immediate and long-term health benefits.

How Smoking Affects the Body

When you inhale cigarette smoke, you’re breathing in more than 7,000 chemicals — many of which are toxic. Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body, leading to:

• Lung damage – Chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and increased risk of lung cancer

• Heart disease – Higher risk of heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease

• Weakened immune system – Making it harder to fight off infections

• Cancer risk – Mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, pancreas, and more

• Reduced circulation – Leading to slower wound healing and increased risk of blood clots

The Impact on Others (Secondhand Smoke)

Secondhand smoke contains many of the same harmful chemicals and can cause:

• Increased risk of asthma and respiratory infections in children

• Higher risk of heart disease and lung cancer in nonsmoking adults

• Pregnancy complications, including low birth weight and premature birth

Benefits of Quitting Smoking

The body starts to heal almost immediately after quitting:

• 20 minutes – Heart rate and blood pressure drop

• 12 hours – Carbon monoxide levels in the blood normalize

• 2–12 weeks – Circulation improves and lung function increases

• 1 year – Risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half

• 5–15 years – Stroke risk drops to that of a nonsmoker

• 10 years – Risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a current smoker

Tips for Quitting Successfully

1. Set a quit date and prepare mentally and physically

2. Identify triggers and plan how to handle cravings

3. Seek support – from friends, family, or support groups

4. Consider nicotine replacement therapy or prescription medications

5. Adopt healthy habits – exercise, hydration, and stress management

How The Green Leaf Clinic Can Help

We provide personalized smoking cessation support, including:

• One-on-one telehealth coaching

• Tailored quit plans

• Guidance on nicotine replacement and medications

• Stress and habit management strategies

Bottom Line:

Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health and protect those around you. Whether you’ve been smoking for months or decades, it’s never too late to stop — and we’re here to help you succeed.