My First Smoke-Free Day

LONDON, United Kingdom

July 24, 2007 (Tuesday)

I was shocked when I calculated that I spent £1031.13 (€1539 | $2127) in one year on cigarettes only! I smoked about 10 fags of Marlboro Lights or L&M a day and my calculation was based on their prices in London. Apart from the financial side, I have noticed what cigarettes were doing to my health. I have decided to quit smoking and treat myself next year at this time with spare £1031.13 I will save from not buying cigarettes.

Well, hopefully, giving up smoking will improve my health, skin, teeth and finances. I am saying 'No' to tobacco and giving up smirting too. Below are some of benefits of quitting smoking. Well, I have picked up few NHS brochures from a local pharmacist.

The Benefits of Stopping Smoking (Source: NHS)

20 minutes: Immediately after quitting smoking the body will begin to cleanse itself of the tobacco toxins. Blood pressure and pulse rate returns to normal. A circulation improves in hands and feet, making them warmer.

8 hours: Oxygen levels in the blood return to normal and the risk of a heart attack starts to fail.

1 day: Carbon monoxide is eliminated from around the body and the lungs start to clear out mucus and other debris.

2 days: Nicotine is no longer detectable in the body and the ability to taste and smell is improved.

3 days: Breathing becomes easier as the bronchial tubes relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks: Circulation improves throughout the body, making walking easier.

3-9 months: Breathing problems such as coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing improve. Overall, lung function is increased by 5-10%.

5 years: Risk of a heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker.

10 years: Risk of a lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. The risk of a heart attack falls to about the same level as someone who has never smoked.

15 years: The risk of getting many of the diseases caused by smoking will be reduced to little more than that of a life-long non-smoker.

I did not smoke a single cigarette today and had no cravings. I hope to continue this way.

'Yes' to a healthier life,

~ζ