"No more cigarette smoke in my clothes, my house, or my car." Keesha, 40

"My kids are really proud of me." Joseph, 51

I don't have to worry about offending people by lighting up in front of them." Fred, 43

"I'm a lot more active. I can move around much more easily." Carolyn, 72

I don't need to plan my day around when I'll be able to smoke." Megan, 29

Within:

•  20 minutes: Blood pressure decreases, and the pulse slows to its normal rate. Temperature in hands and feet increases to normal.

•  8 hours: Carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal, and oxygen level increases.

•  24 hours: Breath, hair, and body stop smelling like smoke. The chance of
having a heart attack starts decreasing.

•  48 hours: Damaged nerve endings begin to recover. As a result, sense of taste and smell begins to improve.

•  72 hours: The body is virtually free of nicotine. The bronchial tubes relax, making it easier to breathe.

•  2 weeks to 3 months: The lungs can hold more air. Exercise becomes easier. Circulation improves.

•  1 month to 9 months: Coughing, congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Cilia are better able to clean the lungs and prevent infection. Overall energy increases.

•  1 year: The risk of coronary heart disease is cut in half.

•  5 years: The risk of having a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker.

•  10 years: The risk of developing lung cancer is cut in half. The risk of other cancers decreases significantly.

•  15 years: The risk of coronary heart disease drops, usually to the level of a nonsmoker.