The 2015 Burden of Tobacco in Wisconsin reports that 14% of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) deaths in Wisconsin are caused by smoking cigarettes.

The Wisconsin Hispanic Latino Tobacco Prevention Network, believes that’s just one of the many reasons for tobacco users to think about quitting during American Heart Month this February.

“Smoking damages your body, especially your heart,” said Marquette University student Dulce Castro. Castro’s father had open heart surgery last year, which led them to close their family restaurant on Milwaukee’s South Side.

As damaging as smoking can be to the heart, quitting tobacco use can also be incredibly beneficial to one’s heart health. Once quitting, individuals can experience immediate improvement in breathing, more stamina and more energy. Since quitting, Castro’s father has taken up walking and doing other exercises.

“He goes on and on about how much better he feels since he quit, and how he wished he’d done it before having heart problems,” Castro said.

The Wisconsin Tobacco Quit Line (1-800-QUIT NOW) is available to help those ready to give up tobacco use. Since it was established in 2001, the Quit Line has helped more than 200,000 callers, including Castro’s father who speaks only Spanish. Spanish speakers who wish to quit can access the Quit Line by calling 1-877-2NO-FUME. For more information about WHLTPN efforts you can contact Tina Rivera at 414-389-6501.