You indicated that you have never used tobacco or have quit using tobacco. Congratulations on your
decision to not smoke or chew tobacco. Avoiding tobacco significantly decreases your risk for developing
tobacco-related diseases such as heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic lung disease. If you
are a female, abstaining from tobacco reduces your risk of infertility, preterm delivery, stillbirth,
low birth weight and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Long time and recent quitters
Congratulations on your chance for new, improved health. You have done a great act to help improve and protect
your health by quitting smoking or chewing. There are many short-term and long-term benefits to quitting.
Perhaps you have already experienced many of these.
Health benefits of being smoke free
Within 20 minutes your heart rate drops
Two weeks to three months your heart attack risk begins to drop, your lung function begins to improve
One to nine months your coughing and shortness of breath decreases
One year your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's
Five to 15 years your stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker's
Ten years your lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker's, your risk of cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney and pancreas decreases
Fifteen years your risk of coronary heart disease is back to that of a nonsmoker's
Ask your healthcare provider for more information about ways to continue to improve and protect
your health.
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), are oral devices that are battery operated and can be used to simulate smoking; they produce an aerosol of nicotine and/or other substances. E-cigarettes, “vaping,” and “juuling” come in many forms: e-hookahs, hookah, pens, vape pens, vaporizers, e-cigars, e-pipes are examples of a few known devices. No e-cigarette has been approved by the FDA as a cessation device.
For questions, options for additional support as a recent quitter, or options for a friend or loved one that wants to quit using tobacco products:
Tobacco Quit line call (800) QUIT NOW (784-8669)
You Can Quit! If you have tried to quit and struggled, or if you know someone who has tried to quit and cannot, this program can help you move toward becoming tobacco and nicotine-free. This free informational and motivational program will help you plan your journey to becoming nicotine-free. To schedule a session, call (608) 775-5442 or email [email protected].
Don't light up! Log on! Join Gundersen Call it Quits support group on Facebook and you will find mutual support from others who are trying or have already quit using tobacco and nicotine. You'll also discover helpful tips, strategies, information on cessation products and classes from Gundersen's certified cessation experts. Share what works for you and help your new Facebook friends, on Call it Quits. Simply search for Gundersen Call it Quits to join this monitored, closed online community.
Gundersen Getting You Started to Stop educational series helps you set up a quit plan and teaches strategies to prepare for the big day. Pre-registration is required for this four-week program. Cost is $45. Call (608) 775-5442 or email [email protected].
