What Do You Know About Quitting Smoking?

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, the excess risk of coronary heart disease is half that of a smoker's, and after 15 years smoke-free, the risk levels drop to that of someone who never smoked.

The success rate is higher among those who enter smoking-cessation programs with counseling and support.

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, counseling and medications can be effective in treating tobacco dependence when used individually. When used in combination, there is an even higher quit rate. Two types of counseling that have proved especially effective are “practical counseling” (problem solving and skills training) and social support.

Women smokers are less likely to conceive than nonsmokers within a year of attempting to get pregnant. Smoking also reduces men's sperm count.

Smoking at an early age results in a more severe addiction as an adult.

According to the CDC, each day approximately 3,500 young people ages 12 to 17 smoke their first cigarette. As a result, about 850 adolescents become daily cigarette smokers.

Today, more than 45 million Americans smoke.