Once you quit smoking:

After 20 min. -- Blood pressure and pulse return to normal

8 hrs -- Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half. Oxygen levels return to normal.

24 hrs -- Carbon monoxide will be eliminated from the body. Lungs start to clear out mucous and other smoking debris.

48 hrs -- There is no nicotine left in the body. Ability to taste and smell is greatly improved.

72 hrs -- Breathing becomes easier. Bronchial tubes begin to relax and energy levels increase.

2-12 weeks -- Circulation improves

3 - 9 months -- Coughs, wheezing and breathing problems improve as lung functions are increased by up to 10%

5 yrs. -- Risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker

10 yrs. -- Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Risk of heart attack falls to the same as someone who has never smoked.