Tobacco Prevention
Program
Tobacco Program Specialist 239-332-9651
 Nicotine: A Powerful Addiction
If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be.
This is because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people,
it can be as addictive as heroine or cocaine. Usually people make
four to seven quit attempts before finally being able to quit for
life.
Good Reasons for Quitting
- Quitting is one of the most important things you will ever
do. Quitting will help you live longer and better.
- Quitting will lower your chances of having a heart attack,
stroke or cancer.
- Quitting will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
- Quitting will make the people you live with, especially your
children, healthier.
- Quitting will give you extra money to spend on things other
than cigarettes.
A Body Changes…
When You Quit Smoking
| Within 20 minutes |
Blood Pressure and pulse rate decreases Body temperature of
hands and feet increases |
|
Within 24-48 hours |
Chance of heart attack decreases Ability to smell and taste
improves |
|
Within 2 weeks - 3 months |
Circulation improves
Walking becomes easier |
|
Within 1 to 9 months |
Coughing symptoms decrease
Sinus congestion, fatigue, & shortness of breath decrease |
|
Within 1 year |
Risk of heart disease drops by half |
|
Within 5 – 15 years |
Risk for stroke reduced to level of those who never smoked |
|
Within 10 years |
Lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas
cancers also decrease |
|
Within 15 years |
Heart disease rates similar to those who never smoked |
Quit Now!
5 Key Steps for Quitting
-
Get Ready Set a quit date
-
Get Support Talk to family, friends, and your healthcare
provider. Individual, group or telephone counseling is only a
free call away (1-877-822-6669)
-
Learn New Skills and Behaviors
Change your routine!
-
Get Medication and Use it Correctly Ask your healthcare provider
for advice
-
Be Prepared for Relapses or Difficult Situations Don’t be
discouraged if you start smoking again.
Second Hand Smoke Stinks for Everyone...
Second hand smoke hurts kids! It can cause:
- ear infections
- bronchitis
- asthma attacks
- colds
- coughs
- increase their chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.).
So, if you smoke perhaps its time to consider quitting by
calling Florida Quit Lifeline at 1-877-822-6669 or call the Lee
County Health Department at 1-239-332-9504.
 Students Working Against Tobacco
Students Working Against Tobacco is an anti-tobacco student
advocacy program.
Lee County Health Department - Tobacco Program Specialist –
239-332-9651
SWAT Coordinator – 239-332-9504
SWAT Website:
http://gen-swat.com/grids/about.shtml
Be Active! Be Strong! Join SWAT!
Links to help you or your loved one with tobacco addiction:
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