No Tobacco

You’ve heard it before, tobacco puts you on an unhealthy track. Ready to stop that slippery slope? Many resources are available to help. Start by reading now.

First of all, congratulations for taking the first and most important step – making the decision to quit smoking and using tobacco products!

It’s Not Too Late
Currently, one in four Americans smoke cigarettes. Most people think that smoking harms only a person’s lungs. The truth is, smoking causes damage to almost every organ in the body. Smoking is linked to 10 different types of cancer, and 435,000 Americans die annually as a result of smoking.

Immediate Health Benefits
Many people think the damage has already been done, so why quit? Those people are wrong. After quitting smoking there are immediate changes including:

Within 24 hours chances of heart attack decrease
Within 48 hours mucus begins to clear from the lungs
Within 3 months lung function increases up to as much as thirty percent
Within 9 months coughing, sinus congestion and shortness of breath all decrease
Within 1 year risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker’s
Within 5 years lung cancer death rate decreases by half
Within 10 years lung cancer death rate is equivalent to that of a non-smoker
Within 15 years the risk for heart disease is as if a person never even started smoking

Freedom from Smoking Classes
Saints Heart & Vascular Institute offers the resources you need to become tobacco free. That’s why we’ve partnered with the America Lung Association to bring you an 8 week Freedom from Smoking program. The 8-week sessions are led by a trained smoking cessation coordinator. The program uses positive behavior change that shows you how to become a nonsmoker. Courses cost $12.50. Call (405) 231-8866 or email St_Anthony@ssmhc.com to find out about the next scheduled class.

More Resources
For more information about beginning a tobacco-free life, visit the Oklahoma State Tobacco Use Prevention Service or call the Oklahoma Tobacco Hotline at 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669).

Take the next step to live a healthier life and Make Your Promise. Membership is free and provides access to free healthy tips and recipes, fun family activities, discounts and much more. Click here to make your promise.