What happens when you stop smoking?

During my surfing, I found this interesting article at at site called "Breaking The Silence".
I found it interesting and the article fits in well with Gimme's "Cancer Be Gone" Month Theme

I apologize to smokers who may feel uncomfortable with my stand here.

I (Breaking The Silence) found this article from a Stop-Smoking Program Handbook. Thought I'd share it with you.

What happens to your body when you stop smoking:

Within 20 minutes

• Blood pressure normalizes.
• Pulse rate normalizes.
• Body temperature of hands and feet returns to normal.

Within 8 hours

• Carbon dioxide level in your body goes back to normal.

Within 24 hours

• Heart attack chances decrease.

Within 48 hours

• Nerve endings regrow.
• Blood circulation improves on hands and feet.
• Ability to taste and smell changes dramatically.

Within 72 hours

• Breathing is easier.
• Lung capacity starts to increase.

Within 2 1/2 weeks

• Lung function improves by 30%
• Risk of heart attack significantly reduces.
• Circulation will continue improving.

Within 1 to 9 months

• Incidence of coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue and shortness of breath decreases.
• Oxygen level in the body normalizes.
• Cilia (hair-like structures) in lungs regrows, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean start the lungs reduce infections.
• Body's overall energy level increases.

After 5 years

• Cancer chances greatly decreases.
• Risk of heart disease is significantly reduced.

After 10 years

• Lung cancer chances are kept to a minimum.
• Pre-cancerous cells are replaced.
• Chances of other cigarette-related cancers decreases.

Hope I have encouraged you to quit using the "death stick".