Resolve to be Tobacco Free in 2012 December 28, 2011 The New
Year brings reflection on our lives and the personal changes we
can make to feel better. Quitting smoking tops the list of New
Year’s resolutions—and for good reason. Tobacco use remains the
single largest preventable cause of disease, disability, and
premature death in the United States. Moreover, each year, about
70% of adult smokers in the U.S. report they want to quit
completely. You can make 2012 your year to be tobacco free, and
in doing so make one of the most important steps in living a
healthier life. The science is clear—smokers who quit now
greatly reduce serious risks to their health. Within a few hours
of stopping smoking, the level of carbon monoxide in a person’s
blood begins to decline. Within a few weeks, people who quit
smoking have improved circulation. Within several months of
quitting, people can expect substantial improvements in lung
function. Quitting smoking reduces the risk of cancer and other
diseases, such as heart diseas