The benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately

In the 15 years since voters approved the Smoke Free AZ Act, Arizona has made significant progress in the battle to reduce smoking and improve public health in our state. When the measure passed in 2006, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 18.6 percent of Arizonans smoked. Today, that number is down to 13.1 percent, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

But there is more to do. As we approach the annual Great American Smoke Out on Thursday, Nov. 18, an estimated 840,000 Arizonans still smoke, and about 8,300 die on average each year from smoking-related causes. Even more suffer from the effects of secondhand smoke,

Quitting smoking is a marathon, not a sprint; and ADHS is here to help every step along the way.

Smokers trying to quit can call the Arizona Smokers’ HelpLine (ASHLine) at 800-55-66-222, where you can be matched with a Quit Coach to help on your journey. Open since 1995, the ASHLine operates Mondays through Saturdays and will always call you back within 24 hours.

Smokers who quit can see immediate improvements to their health. After just 12 hours, carbon monoxide levels return to normal and oxygen levels increase. After just two days, the harmful effects of nicotine disappear. After a year, your risk of a heart attack drops. The longer you go smoke-free, the more health benefits you’ll realize.

For more information on quitting smoking, please visit ASHLine.org.

By Sheila Sjolander|2021-11-17T12:11:47-07:00November 17th, 2021|Prevention|Comments Off

About the Author: Sheila Sjolander

Sheila Sjolander is the Deputy Director of Public Health Services at the Arizona Department of Health Services. Sheila oversees the divisions of Prevention, Preparedness and Licensing, a team of more than 700 people working toward the vision of health and wellness for all Arizonans. Prior to her appointment as deputy director, she served as Assistant Director for Prevention Services for more than a decade. In her 22 years at ADHS, Sheila has been a dedicated leader in health improvement, strategic planning, and the state’s work to reduce opioid overdoses. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from Temple University, and received the Outstanding Achievement in Rural Women’s Health from the Arizona Rural Women’s Health Association in 2016, and the CHW Champion Award from the Arizona Community Health Worker Association in 2017.