Public health officials in Kentucky have announced a new phase in the campaign to help residents who want to stop smoking. In addition to broadcast, media and digital ads, the new phase will also include outreach to medical providers and community engagement initiatives aimed at boosting public awareness.
The program already offers a free tobacco quit line (1-800-QUIT-NOW), which provides free counseling and support. Kentucky has the nation's second-highest smoking rate with 24.6 percent of residents reporting daily tobacco use.
According to the American Lung Association, the human body immediately begins the process of repairing damage caused by smoking as soon as a person quits.
20 Minutes After Quitting:
- Your heart rate drops to a normal level
12 Hours After Quitting:
- The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops to normal
2 Weeks to 3 Months After Quitting:
- Your risk of having a heart attack begins to drop
- Your lung function begins to improve
1 to 9 Months After Quitting:
- Your coughing and shortness of breath decrease
1 Year After Quitting:
- Your added risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's
5 to 15 Years After Quitting:
- Your risk of having a stroke is reduced to that of a nonsmoker's
- Your risk of getting cancer of the mouth, throat, or esophagus is half that of a smoker's
10 Years After Quitting:
- Your risk of dying from lung cancer is about half that of a smoker's
- Your risk of getting bladder cancer is half that of a smoker's
- Your risk of getting cervical cancer or cancer of the layrnx, kidney or pancreas decreases
15 Years After Quitting:
- Your risk of coronary heart disease is the same as that of a nonsmoker