Quit smoking resources
The Benefits of Quitting Smoking
You can save money and be healthier if you quit smoking today.
Do the math. A pack of cigarettes costs around $8. If you smoke a pack a day, you can save over $2,900 in a year. If you smoke 2 packs a day, you can save almost $6,000. Save the money and feel great again!
Here are some of the health benefits:
- Lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure can return to normal in as little as 20 minutes.
- No more poison gas. Carbon monoxide (a toxic gas) levels in your bloodstream could drop by half in only 8 hours.
- Breathe easy again. Oxygen levels will begin to return to normal.
- Lower your chance of a heart attack. Your chances of having a heart attack can decrease in 48 hours and be cut in half in 1 year.
- Taste and smell better. These senses can go back to normal.
- More energy. Your bronchial tubes will relax in about 72 hours.
- Better blood flow. Circulation will increase and improve for the next 10 weeks.
- Less coughing and wheezing. Your lung capacity will improve by about 10% in only 3 to 9 months.
Many medicines that can help you quit smoking are included in your AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia benefits.
Teens and E-cigarettes
What are e-cigarettes?
Electronic cigarettes, also called e-cigarettes, are battery-operated. They turn highly addictive nicotine and other chemicals into a vapor. The user inhales this vapor. E-cigarettes may also come in flavors. The rise in popularity, especially among youth, has sparked concern. This is because e-cigarettes are not regulated and can contain harmful chemicals.
Did you know?
Teens are more likely to use e-cigarettes than cigarettes.
Teens who use e-cigarettes are more likely to start smoking cigarettes in a year.
Resources To Help You Stop Smoking
Phone support:
- DC Quitline (1-800-QUITNOW): Local resources for quitting smoking, getting anti-smoking lozenges, nicotine patches and coaching support.
- Lung HelpLine (1-800-LUNGUSA): Speak with registered nurses and respiratory therapists who can help answer your lung health questions, including smoking cessation help.
TTY 1-800-501-1068: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. (Central Standard Time) - National Quitline (1-877-44U-QUIT): General questions and answers for smoking cessation.
- Smoking Quitline (1-866-459-8766): U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs service for military enrollees and their families.
Online resources:
- Quitnet.com: Web-based resources and support.
- www.ucanquit2.org: Resources and education for enrollees of the U.S. military and their families to help them stop smoking - sponsored by the Department of Defense.
- www.ffsonline.org: Group clinic and online smoking cessation programs.
- http://www.lung.org/stop-smoking/join-freedom-from-smoking: Group clinic.
Department of Health Smoking Cessation Programs
District of Columbia
DC Tobacco Free Coalition (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
Providence Hospital
Phone: 202-854-7726
Fax: 202-269-7048
Tobacco-Free Families
www.dctff.org