Great American Smokeout: Commit to quit Published Nov. 13, 2014 By Public Health 82nd Medical Group SHEPPARD AIR FROCE BASE, Texas -- Great American Smokeout: Commit to Quit and Give Them a Chance On Thursday, November 20, military members and their families have an opportunity to go smoke-free for 24-hours during the Great American Smokeout. Smoking not only affects your health, but it poses significant risks to those around you, including your family, friends, children and pets. By quitting smoking- just for one day- you can commit to quit and give them a chance to avoid the negative effects of secondhand smoke. Help us spread the message that smoking affects everyone - www.ucanquit2.com · Tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of disease and premature death in the US, yet about 42 million Americans still smoke cigarettes --a bit under 1 in every 5 adults. · As of 2012, there were also 13.4 million cigar smokers in the US, and 2.3 million who smoke tobacco in pipes -- other dangerous and addictive forms of tobacco. Physical Improvements Following Cessation: Once you quit 20 minutes after a smoker quits: · Blood pressure drops to level close to that before the last cigarette · Temperature of hands and feet increase to normal. 8 hours after a smoker quits: · Carbon monoxide level in blood drops to normal. 24 hours after a smoker quits: · Chance of heart attack decreases. 2 weeks to 3 months after a smoker quits: · Circulation improves. · Lung function increases up to 30% 1 to 9 months after a smoker quits: · Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, and shortness of breath decrease. · Cilia regain normal function in the lungs, increasing ability to handle mucus, clean the lungs, and reduce infection. 1 year after smoker quits: · Excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's. 5 years after a smoker quits: · Stroke risk is reduced to that of a nonsmoker's 5-15 years after quitting. 10 years after a smoker quits: · Lung cancer death rate is about half of a continuing smoker's. · Risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidneys, and pancreas decreases. 15 years after a smoker quits: · Risk for coronary heart disease is that of a nonsmoker's.