Start your tobacco cessation journey this Heart Month

Smoking cessation and heart health go hand-in-hand, so make this February the month you start on—or recommit to—your tobacco cessation journey.

“Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, and smoking increases a person’s risk for this health issue,” said IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry. “The good news is that the risk falls sharply 1 – 2 years after quitting and continues to decline the longer you’re smoke-free.”

Cigarettes and other tobacco products can expose individuals to an estimated 250 toxic or cancer-causing chemicals, which can damage a person’s heart, blood vessels and much more. Second-hand smoke can even spread that harm to those around you.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that smoking is the leading cause of preventable death, with more than 7 million annual deaths caused by tobacco,” said Terry. “Whether you’ve been a smoker for decades or just smoked your first cigarette, tobacco cessation is vital for your health.”

This tobacco cessation expert knows how important a good support system is and encourages individuals to make a quit plan that reminds them about why they want to quit and what to do when the cravings hit.

Call 1.800.Quit.Now for help from a trained quit coach and to get started on a quit plan if you don’t already have one. You can also call this number for free, evidence-based tobacco cessation support. Visit QuitNowIndiana.com to learn more.

For local tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit the Tobacco Free Coalition of Monroe County on Facebook.