Quitting smoking is one of the most powerful steps you can take to improve your health and wellbeing. We can help to make your quitting journey easier and more successful. Here’s what you need to know.
Immediate and long-term health benefits
The health benefits of quitting smoking begin almost immediately and continue to grow over time:
- 20 minutes after quitting: Your heart rate begins to return to a normal level.
- 12 hours: Carbon monoxide levels in your blood decrease, improving oxygen levels.
- 72 hours: Your sense of taste and smell begin to improve.
- 1 year: Your risk of heart disease is reduced by half.
- 15 years: Your risk of coronary heart disease is similar to that of someone who has never smoked.
Quitting also lowers your risk of several cancers, including lung, bladder, kidney, and pancreas cancers.
There is support available
You don’t have to quit alone. Queensland Health offers several programs and services to support you on your journey:
- Quitline (13 78 48): A confidential telephone service that provides personalised advice and support to help you quit.
- Quit HQ: Offers tailored resources, quit plans, and information about nicotine replacement therapy.
- Quit for You…Quit for Baby: A program that provides targeted support for pregnant women and their partners, including multiple support calls and up to 12 weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy.
Tools and resources
Queensland Health provides a range of brochures and fact sheets to help support your quit journey. These resources outline the physical, psychological, social, and financial benefits of quitting, and give detailed information about available services.
You can access these materials through the Quit HQ website.
Take the first step today
Quitting smoking is a process, and every step forward counts. With the right information, tools, and support, you can successfully move toward a healthier, smoke-free life.
For more information or support, visit Quit HQ or call Quitline on 13 78 48.