Spring is a time for new beginnings. It is also a time to make good on those self promises to quit smoking. “Spring is the fresh start many have been waiting for,” states Copley Hospital Community Wellness Manager Linda Shaw, RN, referring to those who smoke. In an effort to help community members successfully quit smoking Copley Hospital, in collaboration with the Vermont Department of Health’s ‘Vermont Quit Network’ program, offers a six-week class that addresses strategies and provides support. This next series is scheduled to begin in April.
Why should you quit? Smokers are at far higher risks for developing cardiovascular diseases, cancers, emphysema, bronchitis and tuberculosis. These diseases cause serious illness, disability and premature death. In fact, Shaw says “One-third of all tobacco users will die prematurely from tobacco related diseases, shortening their own life span by 13.2 years in men and 14.5 years in women.
Regardless of how long you’ve smoked Shaw notes there are benefits of quitting and offered the following:
After 20 minutes of quitting your blood pressure decreases, pulse rate drops and your body temperature of hands and feet increases.
Within 8 hours carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal and your oxygen level increases to normal.
Within 12 hours your body begins to heal itself.
At 24 hours of quitting your chance of heart attack decreases.
In addition to your smell and taste enhanced by day 2, nerve endings start regrowing.
Your heart and lungs begin to repair the damage caused by smoke.
Circulation improves, walking becomes easier.
And, after 15 years of quit smoking the risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked.
Did you know that tobacco smoke contains more than 60 carcinogenic agents (a substance or agent producing or inciting cancer) that includes ammonia, arsenic, carbon momoxide and formaldehyde? Shaw explains that nicotine is not carcinogenic, it is the substances in cigarettes that causes addiction.
Quitting can be difficult, but Shaw notes one thing is for certain, “quitting is easier if you understand the effect of smoking and why you smoke.” She explains that education is key to successfully quitting. Knowing is Power. “When a smoker is aware of what to expect they are that much more ahead of working around those bumps in the road.”
“The program offers ways to help Vermonters quit smoking,” says Shaw. In addition to working with you and as your schedule allows, the program is available by phone, email or in person. For instance the online support provides options including self-help tools and chat groups where you can talk with other smokers who know what you’re going through.
If you are ready for a new beginning contact Copley Hospital’s Wellness Center at 802-888-8209.
Contact Information
Leah Hollenberger Senior Director Development, Marketing & Public Relations Copley Hospital 802-888-8301 lhollenberger@chsi.org
