Most importantly, it may save your life. Those who quit smoking decrease their risk of lung disease, heart disease, emphysema and cancer. They are proud to be rid of the hacking coughs, the messy ash trays, the smell of stale smoke at home, in their cars and on their clothes and hair, and the nicotine stains on their fingers and teeth.
Some people report a rejuvenation in their senses of smell and taste as well as increased vitality.
Smoking affects not only yourself, but secondary smoke can substantially affect the health of those around you. Children with parents who smoke are sick more often. More frequent colds and flu, ear infections, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia may be due in part to cigarette smoke. Babies born to smokers may have a lower birth weight and have slowed lung development. They are more likely to be hospitalized in their first two years of life.