A better question to ask is why are you still smoking or chewing tobacco?

We know that the lack of willpower and being in denial about the need to quit are not to blame.

Here are some better reasons for helping you decide to quit using tobacco:

You'll have more money!
Smoking and chewing have become very expensive. The average price of a pack of brand name cigarettes or can of chew is now over $5.00. If you're a pack-a-day smoker, at the end of a year, you will have spent almost $1825 on chemically treated leaves and paper! And, that doesn't include the medical bills you'll probably face later.

You'll improve your health!
Health is one of the top reasons cited by people who successfully quit. You'll breathe easier, smell better and taste foods better than you have in years. You'll probably also look better, with whiter teeth and nails, as well as having less chance of getting premature wrinkles caused by smoking.

You'll also have a chance of being able to do those things you love in life. Quitting smoking will lower your chance of having a heart attack, stroke, or cancer. Plus, you'll have more energy on your way to your golden years.

You'll improve the health of those you love!

The people you live with, especially your children, will be healthier, as well as less likely to smoke themselves. They also won't be exposed to secondhand smoke, a proven health hazard to young children. If you are pregnant, quitting smoking will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.

Need another reason?

Tobacco-Free Ways' classes and services are FREE! Find out how you can join one of our community classes, or get more information, by clicking here or calling 243-7904.

Time to Quit!

When you quit using tobacco, the health benefits begin immediately. See for yourself:

After 20 minutes:

• Your blood pressure drops
• Your pulse rate normalizes
• Your body temperature stabilizes

After 8 hours:

• Your carbon monoxide normalizes
• Your blood oxygen levels increase

After 24 hours:

• Your risk for a heart attack lessens
• Urges for nicotine only last 2-3 minutes. KEEP BUSY!

After 72 hours:

• Your cravings begin to decrease
• Your sleep improves

After two weeks:

• You're not so cranky and irritable
• Smoker's cough is almost gone