Create a spark this Valentine’s Day…without the smoke

Surprise your loved one this Valentine’s Day by resolving to quit smoking. Valentine’s Day is the perfect occasion to trade in your cigarettes for a healthier heart. Smokers can draw motivation through the Canadian Cancer Society Driven to Quit Challenge. Butt out for the month of March and you could win prizes such as a romantic vacation getaway.

Spouses, significant others and friends can participate in the Challenge as a support buddy. With their encouragement, the heart will not only grow fonder, but also healthier. If you are single, quitting smoking is a great way to impress prospective partners. 

The Canadian Cancer Society Smokers’ Helpline provides personalized support and resources to help cope with cravings, withdrawal symptoms and stress through phone counseling, online tools and text messaging, including:

·         Personalized quit plan

·         Free self-help materials

·         Online discussion forums

·         Web-based “Quit Meter” with personalized feedback on financial and health gains

·         Instant messenger support

Health benefits of discontinuing tobacco use

Within 20 minutes	Your blood pressure drops, your pulse returns to normal and the temperature of hands and feet stabilizes
After 8 Hours	The carbon monoxide level in your blood drops
After 24 Hours	Your chance of having a heart attack decreases
After 48 Hours	Your ability to smell and taste improves
After 72 Hours	Lung capacity increases. Breathing can become easier
2 weeks to 3 months	Your circulation improves. Walking becomes easier. Lung functioning may increase by up to 20 per cent
1 to 9 months	Coughing, sinus congestion, fatigue, shortness of breath may decrease. Your cilia may even begin to re-grow and that can help clean the lungs and reduce chance of infection
1 year	Risk of heart disease is cut in half