It's Never Too Late to Quit Smoking

Here are five powerful reasons to quit smoking:

• 20 minutes after you quit smoking, your heart rate drops.
• 12 hours after you quit smoking, the carbon monoxide levels in your body normalize.
• 2 weeks to 12 months after you quit smoking, your heart attack risk drops and your lungs begin to heal.
• 1 to 9 months after you quit smoking, your shortness of breath improves noticeably.
• 5 years after you quit smoking, your stroke risk has dropped to the same as a non-smoker's.

More than 18 million American 45 and older and 4.5 million Americans 65 and older smoke, according to the U.S. Public Health Service. Since 2000, smoking in the 65 and older age group has increased 20%. Yet repeated studies show that 7 out of 10 smokers want to quit.

In the September 2008 issues of the AARP Bulletin, former U.S. surgeon general C. Everett Koop says he's not surprised by the high number of smokers in the U.S., particularly older smokers. "Research shows that nicotine is more addictive than cocaine or heroin. Quitting isn't just a matter of willpower." Many people have received the information and support they need to fight tobacco addiction and quit smoking through the free national tobacco quitline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Help is also available online at www.smokefree.gov.

The benefits of quitting begin almost immediately (see above list), no matter how old you are, says Koop. "Research shows quitting after age 65 reduces risk for coronary heart disease, emphysema, lung cancer, osteoporosis, hearing loss, cataracts, impotence, poor circulation and Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, abstinence can promote faster recovery from broken bones, surgery and illness."

What are you waiting for? Call the quitline today. Do it for yourself. Do it for your spouse, your children and your grandchildren.