Quitting Smoking Quitting smoking is one of the most important things you can do for your own health and the health of those around you.
Smoking is a risk factor for many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Children who are exposed to cigarette smoke in the home have more ear infections and are more prone to other health problems. When you quit smoking, it doesn't take long for your body to start to heal and reduce your risk of health problems. Your risk of heart disease goes down almost immediately and after 10 years is close to that of a nonsmoker. Your lungs begin to heal, and after 10 to 15 years your risk of lung cancer is almost as low as that of a nonsmoker. It isn't easy to stop smoking.