It's NEVER Too Late to Kick This Dangerous Habit
You’ve heard it a million times before: “Smoking is bad for you.”
If you’re still lighting up, I bet you remember a time when smoking wasn’t just accepted—it was downright fashionable.
Remember when you could smoke in restaurants, on airplanes, and even in hospitals? Heck, movie stars even made it look cool and sophisticated.
Well, times have changed. And if you’re still clinging to that old habit, I’ve got news for you:
It’s NEVER too late to quit.
Now, I realize that’s easier said than done. Quitting is no walk in the park.
But what if kicking the habit could add YEARS to your life—regardless of age?
A groundbreaking new study from the University of Michigan has shown that quitting smoking at ANY age increases life expectancy.
They found that quitting at 35 could give you a whopping 8 more years of life compared to those who keep puffing away.
But even if you’re way past 35, don’t despair—quitting at 45 could add 5.6 years to your life. At 55, it’s 3.4 years. And get this—even if you stop smoking at 75, you could gain the better part of a year.
Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m already 65 (or 75). What’s the point?” Well, let me tell you—it’s NEVER too late to improve your health.
In fact, this study found that people who quit smoking at 65 have a 23.4 percent chance of gaining at least one full year of life. At 75, it’s still 14.2 percent.
Think about that. One more year to spend with your grandkids. One more year to travel, to garden, to enjoy life.
And remember, these numbers are just averages. Your personal health improvement could be far more dramatic.
I won’t sugarcoat it. Quitting smoking is tough. Breaking the habit isn’t easy. But it’s NOT impossible.
And the benefits start almost immediately:
- Within 20 minutes of your last cigarette, your heart rate drops.
- Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in your blood returns to normal.
- Within 2 weeks to 3 months, your risk of heart attack begins to drop, and your lung function improves.
Here are a few tips to help kick the habit…
First, talk to your doctor. They can provide resources and medication to help with cravings if needed.
Second, find a support system. Whether it’s a quit-smoking program, a support group, or just a friend who’s been through it, having someone to lean on can make all the difference.
Third, replace the habit. When you feel the urge to smoke, try something else—chew gum, take a walk, or practice deep breathing.
Finally, don’t give up if you slip. Many people try several times before quitting for good. Each attempt is a step in the right direction.
Remember, it’s never too late to make a positive change for your health. Your body has an amazing ability to heal itself once you stop bombarding it with toxins.
P.S. Learn how to send lung cancer survival SOARING—over 90 percent!
SOURCE:
Le, T.T.T., et al. “Life Expectancy Gains From Smoking Cessation by Age.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine, June 25, 2024.
Written By Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D.
For years he’s been the trusted doctor for celebrities, world-class athletes, and countless seniors looking to reclaim their health.
And now…for the first time ever… he’s making his medical breakthroughs available to readers all across America.
Dr. Richard Gerhauser, M.D. is one of the most pioneering and innovative minds in medicine today – and he delivers cutting-edge cures each month through his Natural Health Response newsletter.
Natural Health Response readers get full access to Dr. Gerhauser’s protocols for chronic pain… heart disease… diabetes… Alzheimer’s… and even cancer. These are the very same treatments Dr. Gerhauser recommends to his own patients at his practice in Tucson, Arizona.
In addition to being a board-certified medical doctor, Dr. Gerhauser has earned two master’s degrees and has served as a clinical professor at the University of Arizona.
And as a physician at the world-famous Canyon Ranch, Dr. Gerhauser treated celebrities from around the world who paid dearly for the type of next-generation health information he provides Natural Health Response readers each month.
View More Free Articles
5 Ways to “Beat the Bloat” This Thanksgiving
As we prepare for Thanksgiving week, there’s a lot to look forward to and be thankful for. Family gatherings, football games, great food, and even better desserts top the list. Then there are all the leftovers. It’s not a holiday that’s known for moderation. But if you’re not careful, overdoing it on Thanksgiving could leave […]
Eat THIS to Reduce Your Risk of 14 Cancers
I’m a meat-and-potatoes guy. I’ll never turn down a big, juicy steak. But even more than that… I’m a fish guy. There’s not much I like more than a perfectly grilled salmon. I hope you do, too, because salmon contains two potent nutrients tied to a reduced risk of 14 types of cancer. Omega-3s are […]
The Bad Habit Robbing YEARS from Your Life
I often get eye-rolls when I stress just how essential lifestyle factors like light reducing pollution and grounding are good for health. But new research continually proves that I’ve been right all along. Today, a critical new study shows that something I’ve warned you about for YEARS is tied to a 34 percent increased risk […]
Reduce Colon Cancer Risk by 30%
More than 150,000 people are diagnosed with colorectal cancer yearly. Another 35,000 will get a liver cancer diagnosis. But if you have type 2 diabetes, your risk of developing one of these skyrockets—a 47 percent increased risk of colorectal cancer, and a two to three times higher risk of liver cancer. That’s why I’m excited […]
“Dinner Plate” Danger Raises Prostate Risk
Did you know that prostate cancer is FAR more prevalent in developed parts of the world than in less developed regions? Strange right? What is it about our modern, developed society that’s attacking our male population? There are MANY answers to this question. The primary one I will focus on today is a significant environmental […]
The 5-Minute Solution to Better Blood Pressure
Are you one of the millions who battle the so-called “silent killer” hypertension? And do you have five minutes to spare daily? If so, you could be well on your way to significantly healthier blood pressure. Sound too good to be true? A new study proves it. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy If […]
“Eye-Opening” Benefits of Pistachios
Imagine if there were a daily snack that could protect your vision. Well, a recent study brings good news for the 20 million U.S. adults already battling macular degeneration—the leading cause of vision loss for those over 60. Adding a handful of pistachios to your diet might help shield your eyesight. Let’s take a “look.” […]
Get Better Blood Sugar This Holiday Season
Let’s face it. The holidays are NOT good for your waistline… or your blood sugar levels. Potlucks, family dinners, cookie exchanges, Christmas parties… you know the drill. So, if you’re one of the 98 million people on the brink of type 2 diabetes, it’s VITAL to take steps to manage your blood sugar levels as […]
Common Vitamin Is a Hidden Colon Cancer Shield
With aggressive colon cancer on the rise in younger people, I’m always on the lookout for research showing how we can all lower our risks. Over the past few months, I’ve shared studies showing that stress, oral bacteria, obesity, and circadian disruption are all tied to colon cancer. And just last week I revealed how […]
Ditch Dieting for Better Blood Sugar Control
I’ll just say this right upfront… Type 2 diabetes is a lifestyle issue. And while diet is PART of the equation, it’s not the only thing to consider when managing your blood sugar. Over the past few months, I’ve highlighted research showing that factors like your bedtime and activity levels impact diabetes risk. Today, I […]