Ring in the New Year with Good Health
January 03, 2012
Every year, 'quit smoking' is among the top 10 New Year's resolutions that Americans make, and for good reasons.
Quitting:
Lowers the risk for lung and other types of cancer.
Reduces the risk for coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
Reduces respiratory symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Reduces the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), one of the leading causes of death in the United States.
Reduces the risk for infertility among women during their reproductive years. Women who stop smoking during pregnancy also reduce their risk of having a low birth weight baby.
Helps protect children, family and friends from exposure to secondhand smoke that can cause immediate harm to the nonsmokers who breathe it.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider about quitting, call 1-800-QUIT-NOW, or visit www.smokefree.gov for free information and support.