Did you know that 20 minutes after you quit smoking your blood pressure drops to normal, your pulse rate drops to normal, and the temperature of your hands and feet increase back to normal?
Did you know that 8 hours after you quit smoking the carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal and that the oxygen level in your blood increases to normal?
Did you know that 24 hours after you quit smoking your chance of having a heart attack decreases?
Did you know that 48 hours after you quit smoking your nerve endings start to regrow, your ability to smell and taste is enhanced, and that walking becomes easier?
Did you know that 2 weeks to 3 months after you quit smoking your circulation improves and that your lung function increases by 30%?
Did you know that in 1 to 9 months after you quit smoking coughing and sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. Also cilia regrow in your lungs, increasing the ability to handle mucus, clean your lungs, and reduce infection?
Lastly, did you know that after one year of not smoking, your risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a person who continues to smoke?

So whatever you do, DON'T GIVE UP what you have GAINED! If you feel you need support, you are not alone. Call the St. Joseph County Tobacco Quit Project's monthly support group hotline at (574) 239-8585.

The Lung Center also offers a quit smoking program called "Freedom From Smoking Program".

Are you having a hard time trying to quit and staying smoke free? Here is a positive behavior change approach!

WHAT IS IT?
Smoking cessation classes for people who are ready to break the ties of nicotine addiction for good.

HOW DOES IT WORK?
The program uses a positive behavior change approach that shows you step by step how to become a nonsmoker.

ARE THERE BENEFITS AS A GROUP?
Feedback from others can normalize your fears and concerns and group members support each other during and after the class.

HOW LONG ARE CLASSES?
There are two options: the 7-session clinic and the 4-session Self-Help Plus program offered by the Lung Center.

4 SESSION SELF-HELP PLUS

SESSION 1 Reasons for quitting. What is Tobacco? Stress Management	SESSION 2 Health effects Reasons for quitting Prepare to quit
SESSION 3 Recovery symptoms Benefits of quitting Changes in the body Planning ahead	SESSION 4 Coping strategies Planning for social situations Review stress management Self visualization Assertive communiation Graduation Ceremony

For more information about quitting smoking or any other support groups, please call the Lung Center at (574) 251-0041.

Don't hesitate. Pick up the phone and call.

Email: lungctr@memorialsb.org