Male smokers 65 years and older are twice as likely to die from a stroke than non-smokers, and female smokers in the same age group are one and a half times as likely to die than women who don't smoke, the American Lung Association says.
Even the health of a long-term smoker improves dramatically after smoking that last cigarette. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH),the healing process begins within 12 hours of quitting, and most of the nicotine in the body is depleted in three days. The body then goes to work almost immediately improving circulation, repairing lung damage and increasing the sense of taste and smell.
Smokers serious about quitting can start by cutting down the number of cigarettes a day; even postponing lighting up by one hour helps diminish the amount of tar and nicotine taken in. Replacing cigarettes with gum or juice, and leaving them at home when going out are just a few methods the NIH recommends for kicking the habit.
Smokers ready to quit can receive additional help from the American Lung Association through their smoking cessation brochures, audio and video tapes, and group clinics.
