It's time to put it out for good

Not to sound hyper-critical, but it absolutely amazes me how many people still smoke. Not only do anti-smoking ads point to the dangers related to inhaling toxins directly into your lungs, but the tobacco companies themselves have even put forth evidence that their products are known killers. Nevertheless, the puffing continues.

But, what happens when you stop? Even for a short while? Amazingly, your body kicks right into high gear, endeavoring to repair the damage you have caused your lungs up until that very point. Here's a quick look at just how fast your body begins to heal as soon you quit smoking.

In 20 Minutes: Your blood pressure and heart rate begin to slowly drop

In 12 Hours: Carbon monoxide in your blood gets back to normal

In 3 Months: Lung function increases and circulation improves

In 1 Year: Risk of coronary heart disease is cut to that of what it was for you while you were still smoking

In 5 Years: Your risk of stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker

In 10 Years: Your chance of dying from lung cancer is cut to half of what it was while you were smoking

For some inexplicable reason, however, people will still continue to smoke, even knowing full-well that it may eventually kill them. Many point to the comfort in constantly taking a drag. To that I say: Your breath smells, your teeth are browning more and more each day, your clothes reek, your phlegm coughs are disgusting, and your fingernails look like the Crypt Keeper's - How comforting is that? Others go for the pity approach; claiming that it's far too difficult to quit. To that equally as poor excuse I say: You're a human being ... you're built and wired almost exactly the same as others who have walked on the moon, cured infectious diseases, invented the automobile, and climbed Mt. Everest - So, I think you're more than capable of quitting a meaningless habit.