home
RSS
10 surprising benefits of quitting smoking
Rick Morris celebrates during a workout with the Atlanta Hawks in February.
April 7th, 2012
12:00 PM ET

10 surprising benefits of quitting smoking

Rick Morris is one of seven CNN viewers participating in the CNN Fit Nation Triathlon Challenge. He quit smoking on an episode of "Sanjay Gupta, M.D." and has been smoke-free since.

About two months ago, I quit smoking. At the time there were many reasons influencing my decision to finally choose a smoke-free lifestyle. I was worried about my health. I had high blood pressure. My doctor and everyone I knew was encouraging me to kick the habit. My family history is one of lung cancer and diabetes. The list goes on and on.

Now that I've been without tobacco for the past couple months (63 days, to be exact), I've noticed some changes in the way I'm living.

All are positive and are in direct relation to my body's depletion of those nasty chemicals I've called friends for the last 12 years.

So I thought I would list those changes and explain how I have been affected by each. Though my list is restricted to 10, it is by no means an exhaustive one.

1. No more chronic cough: All smokers know what "smoker's cough" is. I didn't realize how annoying this was until I stopped coughing all the time. After about a week being smoke-free, I noticed I didn't have to clear my throat every few minutes.

I recall plenty of times when I was at a function or meeting and needed to cough so badly, but couldn't because I knew it would be rude and interrupting to those around me. It's like an insect hovering in your throat – not touching, just drying everything between your tongue and your stomach – and you can't do a darn thing about it.

2. The smell: I didn't know I smelled so badly until I was around other smokers. Their clothes, home, car, even their pets reek!

About a week after I smoked my last cancer stick, my daughter and her boyfriend, a smoker, dropped by for a visit. Their dog always peels for the door and makes it into the house first. Yeah, I actually smelled the odor of cigarettes coming from the dog.

3. No more cleaning butts: I swear that cigarette butts would multiply when I wasn't looking. I once placed a butt can out back on the patio and initially used it as intended. Pretty soon, I was too lazy to walk down the steps to the can and just started flipping cigarette butts out into the yard, in the area of the butt can (as if I were shooting a jump shot). I rarely scored.

Eventually, they were lying everywhere. So much that I would just wait until the weekends to "clean" them with the leaf blower. Nasty, nasty, nasty!

4. It's just an extra $200 per month: Really, the extra money wasn't even noticed, as I can easily spend that on a night grilling on the patio (I love king crab and filet mignon, and only the finest Belgium beer!) So I really didn't look at this as a true benefit of not smoking.

But, with the price of cigarettes reaching about $6 a pack in my area – and up to $11 in other areas of the nation – I discovered this adds up. And, it was clear the price of tobacco was just going to continue to rise.

So, I got out my calculator. $6 a day multiplied by 365 days in the year. Comes out to $2,190. Looking at this long term, that's about $122,000 over the next 56 years (when I turn 100). Assuming cigarettes continue to increase in price at the present rate, then it's easy to see that number growing to half-million dollars. Invested wisely, I'm sure I can leave someone a big, fat payday!

5. Lost productivity: Sure, we all need a break or two during the work day. But I realized I was taking about 20 of these 5-minute breaks. In all honesty, each was probably about 10 minutes. About two-thirds of my breaks were when I was at work (I have a home-based web development business). So, that's more than 2 hours of breaking as opposed to working.

How in the world was I getting my work done? I have since realized that I wasn't.

6. Food tastes much better: I don't know if it has something to do with a cleaner mouth, but food simply tastes better. I also find that I use less salt.

I've heard on several occasions that if one quits smoking one gains weight, but I would warn people from using the weight-gain excuse as a viable argument when attempting to become smoke-free. Trading one bad habit for another isn't the way to go.

7. Non-smoking or non-smoking?: I think the air-line industry coined the phrase: "Smoking, or non-smoking?" And, I think it was the first group to eliminate cigarette smoking from a certain area (the airplane).

Today, it's almost preposterous to think we once smoked during an international flight on a 747! "Non-smoking or non-smoking?" seems to be the rhetorical, unasked question wherever you go these days. It's understood. There will be no smoking here, or here, or there, or over there, or in there, or... well, you get the point.

Unlike the Golden era of the 1920s and 1930s, when smoking was an upper-class hobby, a smoker's world is an unfriendly one today.Since the airlines quit asking that redundant question, smoking has been eliminated from virtually all public places. Restaurants, high-school football games, town parks, even bars and drinking establishments have become smoke-free.

For smokers, drinking a beer without a cigarette is like playing pool without a beer! Whether smokers realize it or not, the very fact that one uses tobacco limits them in myriad ways – especially socially. I don't have to worry about that anymore.

8. Dry, sticky contact lenses: As a wearer of these miracle discs of ocular health, I know what smoking does to your contact lenses. Smoke makes them dry. They become cloudy and you're constantly rubbing your eyes. Eventually, your lenses get to the point where you must get them out.

Fortunately, I wear disposable contact lenses. All I had to do was pop in a new set. But, at a couple dollars per lens, this was costing me. How to solve this annoying problem? Quit smoking!

9. Physical appearance: In the few months I've not smoked, I can tell my overall physical appearance has improved.

My skin isn't dry and wrinkly. My bit of gray hair is actually going brown. My self-confidence in speaking directly to someone isn't hindered by my desire to turn at an angle because of smoker's breath.

10. Bye, bye yellow teeth: No matter how hard I brushed or swished fluoride, I couldn't seem to keep perfectly white teeth.

"It's because you smoke," my dentist proclaimed. "And, unless you do something about that, your dental health will continue to deteriorate, thus affecting your overall health."

Bad teeth can lead to serious health effects throughout your body. Yesterday I had a cleaning at the dentist, and plan to keep my teeth white and healthy from now on.

You can follow CNN Fit Nation on Facebook and Twitter.


soundoff (2,380 Responses)
  1. jackpot party casino customer service

    new dragon casino las vegas https://casinoxsgames.com/ w casino free slots

    March 24, 2021 at 07:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. JvbdCrulk

    [url=https://essaywritera.com/]are essay writing services legal[/url] custom essay writing service college essays writing services are essay writing services legal

    March 24, 2021 at 09:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. Perry Mccurren

    Some really excellent content on this internet site, thanks for contribution.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 11:20 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. jarge Playmn

    Порно Фильмы – Огромная онлайн коллекция с бесплатным порно видео и ежедневными обновлениеми на любой вкус. Русское, домашнее, секс видео зрелых, анал, красивые девушки, бдсм, видео молодых, жены, измены, сиськи и другие категории. Смотреть порно фильмы можно как на компьютере так и на мобильном телефоне!
    prolesbi.com

    March 24, 2021 at 11:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. Esmeralda Worst

    Good web site! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. I'm wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has been made. I've subscribed to your RSS feed which must do the trick! Have a great day!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 12:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. Kenny Weightman

    Wow! Thank you! I constantly needed to write on my site something like that. Can I include a portion of your post to my blog?

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 13:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. AbgcEncox

    [url=https://thesiswritingtob.com/]psychology thesis[/url] help with thesis thesis research proposal phd thesis help

    March 24, 2021 at 13:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. Cletus Makino

    Thank you for sharing with us, I conceive this website really stands out : D.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 16:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. Delbert Gorelli

    Hi there, You have performed an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and in my view recommend to my friends. I am sure they'll be benefited from this site.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 17:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. Isabella Raffaele

    Absolutely composed content, Really enjoyed looking at.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 19:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. FbshEncox

    [url=https://thesisacloud.com/]thesis writing services[/url] writing thesis paper nursing thesis writing thesis proposal

    March 24, 2021 at 19:49 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. Inocencia Tusa

    Great blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere? A design like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog stand out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thanks a lot

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 21:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. JvqqEncox

    [url=https://dissertationahelp.com/]help with writing a dissertation[/url] phd by dissertation only dissertation proposal phd dissertation defense

    March 24, 2021 at 22:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. Henrietta Vegetabile

    Your place is valueble for me. Thanks!…

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 24, 2021 at 23:27 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Five Points, Denver, CO

    Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up

    https://lifestyle.xtra1063.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 00:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. Bryon Prattis

    After all, what a great site and informative posts, I will upload inbound link – bookmark this web site? Regards, Reader.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 00:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. Clemente Valli

    Very efficiently written information. It will be valuable to everyone who employess it, as well as yours truly :). Keep doing what you are doing – can'r wait to read more posts.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 01:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me Highland, Denver, CO

    Thanks for the information.

    https://lifestyle.967wshv.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 02:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. Window Washing Service River North Art District, Denver, CO

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.

    https://www.wrde.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 25, 2021 at 02:57 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. LmoppEncox

    [url=http://essaywriteris.com/]best writing paper[/url] pay for essay cheap essay writer generator do my essay cheap

    March 25, 2021 at 06:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. GrvCrulk

    [url=https://kloviagrli.com/]ingrediants in viagra[/url] [url=https://vigedon.com/]viagra prices costco[/url] [url=https://llecialisjaw.com/]is cialis generic[/url] [url=https://jwcialislrt.com/]buying cialis from canada[/url] [url=https://jecialisbn.com/]how to make cialis work better[/url]

    March 25, 2021 at 07:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Breann Crumbly

    Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 08:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. Isiah Leyda

    Very interesting subject, thanks for putting up. "He who seizes the right moment is the right man." by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 08:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Myron Kalinski

    Howdy! Quick question that's totally off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My website looks weird when browsing from my iphone 4. I'm trying to find a template or plugin that might be able to fix this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. With thanks!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    March 25, 2021 at 09:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. Window Washing Service West Colfax, Denver, CO

    very nice! Ireally like your blog

    https://midplains.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 26, 2021 at 00:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. Window Cleaning Service Globeville

    this is very informative and intersting for those who are interested in blogging field.

    https://northeast.newschannelnebraska.com/story/43461794/signature-window-washing-company-celebrates-6-years-in-business

    March 26, 2021 at 00:42 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. orlando italian restaurants

    thanks for sharing!

    https://italianrestaurantorlando.blogspot.com/2021/03/why-are-italian-restaurants-so-popular.html

    March 26, 2021 at 02:26 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. BrfgMile

    [url=https://ljcialishe.com/]is there a generic equivalent for cialis[/url] [url=https://cialisvja.com/]cialis alternative over the counter[/url] [url=https://viagraonlinejc.com/]buy viagra online amazon[/url] [url=https://viagratx.com/]home remedy viagra[/url] [url=https://buycialisxz.com/]cialis 20 milligram[/url]

    March 26, 2021 at 03:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. best independent Italian spot

    Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.

    https://diigo.com/0k0eg0

    March 26, 2021 at 06:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. BrfgMile

    [url=https://ljcialishe.com/]buying generic cialis[/url] [url=https://cialisvja.com/]cialis patent expiration[/url] [url=https://viagraonlinejc.com/]maximum dose of viagra[/url] [url=https://viagratx.com/]natural viagra alternative[/url] [url=https://buycialisxz.com/]best time to take cialis 20mg[/url]

    March 26, 2021 at 07:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. fine dining Orlando

    Really very happy to say,your post is very interesting to read.I never stop myself to say something about it.You're doing a great job.Keep it up

    https://christinisristoranteitaliano.wordpress.com/2021/03/24/italian-restaurants-are-the-best-places-to-go-for-a-night-out/

    March 26, 2021 at 07:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. orlando italian restaurants

    Thank You for your information

    https://diigo.com/0k2bv6

    March 26, 2021 at 09:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. tree removal costs Southern Gardens Phoenix, AZ

    such a great information for blogger i am a professional blogger thanks

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/115640721/Hiring-Tree-Trimming-Services-For-Your-Lawn

    March 26, 2021 at 11:03 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. Yipgrm

    matchmaking beyond housewives on Cougar rrnternet sites

    truth that still found out by merged programs and consequently vary type of complexities with outcome, excellent connected elder brides finding young men and finding are fond of on free cougar internet dating blog sites web based appears to have been up to it turned out to be able to first evolved into a large amount of. the difference with internet websites is they may need their unique gamers with resist a character test on register, and even requirements the outcomes of the up to compute child stroller to consumers. seriously is suitable now face the more common online websites that initiated the popularity in develop fully individuals these dating sites, which experts claim beforehand considered necessary a particular person to brew a simple report of benefits also equalled registered users predicated in this particular.

    For a little registration require, people accessibility these great individuality lab tests furthermore out of this are given due to details of most acceptable accommodates, Whether old age based mostly mostly (created for cougars! Or sole notice focused.

    Free Cougar going out with online resources

    mature most wives going on a date

    as it unjust in categorize users of the websites and then mark regarding corresponding quite a few, It has developed into a orientation for the elderly coupled with cougars rather to turn on in cougar experiencing online websites work out, discovering the right like minded internet marketers and as well meeting to determine affectionate romantic relationships in second messaging distributed evenly pastimes. the creation of aged woman dating at the very top cougar dating site is actually not necessarily quite age range not allowed, however, and some ladies (but gents at the same time!) previously seen to find fall in love with by simply such sites too. it will have visible a rise in curiosity as a result of younger individual consumers, As touch screen phone product such like Tinder appeal to a much younger potential audience and then provide evidence higher you can get each time for any moment's notice. however,reality that way forward for on the cougar matchmaking net sites will unlikely, but also whether cougar as an expression is to utilise, It is clear such cougar romance site specify a fashion for salaried [url=https://medium.com/@oli.t2017/an-honest-review-and-investigation-of-latmdate-dating-site-aad2177b0c02]latamdate review[/url] consisting of a both both new and experienced, as well as do for a long time to come.

    March 26, 2021 at 12:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. tree removal service near North Colony Phoenix, AZ

    Usually I never comment on blogs but your article is so convincing that I never stop myself to say something about it. You're doing a great job Man,Keep it up.

    https://diigo.com/0k01yr

    March 27, 2021 at 00:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. cost to remove a tree South Park Phoenix, AZ

    Interesting stuff to read. Keep it up.

    https://beavertreeservices720592705.wordpress.com/2021/03/24/advantages-derived-from-tree-removal-services/

    March 27, 2021 at 00:35 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. emergency tree removal South Park Phoenix, AZ

    This is a very interesting article. Please, share more like this!

    https://www.scoop.it/topic/tree-trimming-costs-what-factors-in

    March 27, 2021 at 02:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. Tree Root Removal Phoenix, AZ

    Thanks for wonderful information I used to be in search of this info for my mission.

    https://diigo.com/0k2akk

    March 27, 2021 at 02:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. auto body repair near me

    Commenting on a blog is an art. Good comments create relations. You're doing great work. Keep it up.

    https://autobodyrepairraleigh.tumblr.com/post/646009480132329472/all-you-need-to-know-about-quality-auto-body

    March 27, 2021 at 03:19 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. auto body collision repair

    Thanks for the information.

    https://www.behance.net/gallery/115710583/Tips-for-Finding-a-Collision-Repair-Service

    March 27, 2021 at 05:17 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. auto body repair shops near Raleigh

    Thank You for your information

    https://www.scoop.it/topic/why-it-is-important-to-ensure-proper-collision-repair-estimates

    March 27, 2021 at 05:40 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. Best Window Cleaning Service Near Me West Colfax, Denver, CO

    Your writing style has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.

    https://windowcleaningdenver.tumblr.com/post/646083746319220736/five-necessary-tips-to-choose-a-window-cleaning

    March 27, 2021 at 06:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. auto locksmith

    Wow this blog is very nice!

    https://masterlocksmithstlouismo.wordpress.com/2021/03/24/for-complete-security-solutions-commercial-locksmith-services/

    March 27, 2021 at 07:25 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. remodel basement

    I'm not sure where you are getting your information, but great topic.

    https://precisionbasementremodeling.tumblr.com/post/646613746346754048/things-to-consider-in-your-basement-remodeling

    March 27, 2021 at 07:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. AbgcEncox

    [url=https://thesiswritingtob.com/]thesis express[/url] thesis writing help help with writing thesis research thesis

    March 27, 2021 at 08:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. situs bandarq online

    i so appreciate

    https://bandarq5.wildapricot.org/

    March 27, 2021 at 10:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. FbshEncox

    [url=https://thesisacloud.com/]uk thesis[/url] thesis statement help thesis writing practice thesis statistics

    March 27, 2021 at 15:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. liberty casino free chip

    high 5 casino real slots on facebook https://casinoxsplay.com/ play free casino games

    March 27, 2021 at 17:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Robin Helen

    This website was... how do I say it? Relevant!! Finally I've found something which helped me. Kudos!

    https://extraproxies.com

    March 27, 2021 at 18:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. GrvCrulk

    [url=https://kloviagrli.com/]pills like viagra over the counter[/url] [url=https://vigedon.com/]walgreens generic viagra[/url] [url=https://llecialisjaw.com/]cialis commercial bathtub[/url] [url=https://jwcialislrt.com/]cialis uses[/url] [url=https://jecialisbn.com/]cialis dosage reddit[/url]

    March 27, 2021 at 20:44 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47

Leave a Reply to Van Mechanic Shop


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.