Great Care knows that the benefits of quitting smoking are wide-ranging, from lowering cancer risk and boosting immune systems to building strong bones and muscles and preventing emphysema. Even Disney has made its dedication to healthy families clear here in the U.S. by banning smoking and vaping from its parks in California and Florida starting May 1.

“When you quit, you’ll also protect your loved ones from dangerous secondhand smoke,” says Smokefree.gov, a collaboration between the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “You’ll set a good example and show your family that a life without cigarettes is possible.”

Smokefree.gov reminds smokers there is no safe amount of cigarette smoke. When you smoke, the chemicals in tobacco reach your lungs quickly every time you inhale.

“Your blood carries the toxins to every organ in your body. But after you quit, your body begins to heal within 20 minutes of your last cigarette. The nicotine leaves your body within three days.”

Smokefree.gov lists these long-term rewards to quitting smoking now:

• Quitting can help you add years to your life.

• Smokers who quit before age 40 reduce their chance of dying too early from smoking-related diseases by about 90 percent.

•  Those who quit by age 45–54 reduce their chance of dying too early by about two-thirds. You can take control of your health by quitting and staying smokefree.

• Over time, you’ll greatly lower your risk of death from lung cancer and other diseases such as heart disease, stroke, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and at least 13 other kinds of cancer.

The Smokefree.gov website offers valuable resources to help with smoking cessation, reminding smokers that everyone’s smoke-free journey is different.

“Smokefree is here to help no matter where you are on the path to quitting smoking—whether you’re just getting started, working toward staying smokefree, or giving quitting another try,” Smokefree.giv says. “Choose the part of the journey that fits your needs.”

This helpful page on the Smokefree.gov website helps smokers pick their own path to quit:

https://smokefree.gov/quit-smoking/pick-your-path

Or smokers can complete 7 easy steps to for a personalized quit plan via this page:

https://smokefree.gov/build-your-quit-plan

For more information on local smoking cessation programs through your hospital or community groups, contact your healthcare provider. The American Lung Association is also a valuable resource for helping with smoking cessation and support.

The American Lung Association’s Freedom From Smoking program has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit smoking since its first release in 1981. The program includes resources to help smokers quit, including in-person group clinics, an online support community, and the 1-800-LUNGUSA telephone counseling.

Learn more about the Freedom From Smoking program and how it can help you, too.

Believe, and anything can happen!

The professionals at Great Care are available to talk with you and your family about all of your home care needs, including respite care. Great Care is a non-medical in-home care agency providing quality and affordable elder care in Fishers, IN and the surrounding areas. Call (888) 240-9101 for more information.