On to the Next Year

Long Term Benefits of Quitting
1 year:
excess risk of coronary heart disease is decreased to half that of a smoker
At 5 years:
from 5 to 15 years after quitting, stroke risk is reduced to that of people who have never smoked.
At 10 years:
risk of lung cancer drops to as little as one-half that of continuing smokers
risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas decreases
risk of ulcer decreases
At 15 years:
risk of coronary heart disease is now similar to that of people who have never smoked
risk of death returns to nearly the level of people who have never smoked.

Yesterday it was a year. It was really difficult to quit the first week, but I was very determined. And there have been times "just one cigarette" would have been an easy self-con. But from my own experience I knew better. And here I am a year later... smoke free. My friend Bammy is quitting now, 40+ days...and I wanted to post these to inspire her to continue. She's had a hard year too, and it takes a lot of courage to walk through this when stressed out in real life. I am proud of you Bammy.
It would have been impossible to do this without the generous help of Rachael for many months, and so I must say "Thank you" to her as well.
And now, on the day after this goal has been reached I start on another. I was diagnosed with diabetes this year, and I have battled a weight problem my whole life. So this year's goal is to reduce in weight and build strength. Another goal that has so far eluded me no matter how long I've worked at it. I am built like my Mother, and the chances on me being tiny are slim (No pun intended) but I will reduce my chances of being dependant on insulin if I work diligently at this goal. So all the good thoughts, prayers, and support that have been extended to me during this year I hope will continue for this goal as well.