February is American Heart Month, an annual event that focuses on assisting all Americans achieve better heart health.  There are lots of things you can do to help your heart, like eating lots of fruits and vegetables, working out, and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked on a regular basis.

Want another tip to a healthy heart?  Don’t use tobacco products and quit if you currently smoke cigarettes.

While it’s well-known that smoking is linked to several forms of cancer, individuals who smoke also aren’t doing their heart any favors.  According to the most recent U.S. Surgeon General’s report, smoking causes rapid damage to your heart and blood vessels,

But, even long time smokers can see rapid health improvements when they quit. Within a year, risk for a heart attack drops dramatically, according to the report. Quitting not only helps you prevent a heart attack or stroke, but also those around you.

More than 33,000 nonsmokers die each year from coronary heart disease caused by second hand smoke exposure. Please consider that the next time you want to light up around your loved ones.

Smoking also damages other parts of your body by hardening the abdominal aorta, which pumps blood to your abdomen, pelvis, and legs. A hardening of the abdominal aorta can also lead to aneurysms, which can be fatal.

The first piece of good news is that it’s never too late to quit smoking.  The second piece of good news is that free help is available here in Wisconsin.  If you smoke and you’re ready to quit, you can get free assistance from the Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line at 1-800-QUIT NOW.

For more on local tobacco prevention and control efforts, visit please visit our facebook site or call (414) 389-6505 for more information.