The following was sent to the Bloomingtonian:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 30, 2023
Quit smoking for your brain health
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Cigarettes are full of chemicals and toxins that can harm every organ
of your body—including your brain. This June, celebrate Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness
Month by starting your journey to tobacco cessation.
“Smoking increases your risk for strokes and vascular disease, which increase a person’s risk
for dementia,” said IU Health Community Health Tobacco Prevention Coordinator Kristen Terry.
“I know quitting is a challenge, but it’s worth it.”
The body starts to repair itself as soon as a person quits smoking. Some major milestones to
keep in mind as you work toward tobacco cessation include:
Heart rate drops to a normal level 20 minutes after quitting.
Heart attack risk reduces 12 – 24 hours after quitting.
Lung function starts to improve 2 weeks to 3 months after quitting.
The risk of coronary heart disease is half of that of a smoker 1 year after quitting.
The risk of stroke goes down to that of nonsmokers 5 – 15 years after quitting.
And you don’t have to make this change on your own.
“Research shows support helps individuals successfully quit smoking,” said Terry. “And there
are people out there who want to help.”
If you want to quit and need some help, call the Indiana Tobacco Quitline (1-800-QUIT-NOW)
for free, evidence-based support to tobacco users who want to quit. Visit QuitNowIndiana.com
to find out more.
About Indiana University Health
Named among the “Best Hospitals in America” by U.S. News & World Report for 23 consecutive
years, Indiana University Health is dedicated to providing a unified standard of preeminent,
patient-centered care. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine – one of
the nation’s leading medical schools – gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative
treatments using the latest research and technology. Learn more at www.iuhealth.org.
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