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Stop Smoking

Department of Health in Lee County

  •  239-332-9501
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    Mailing Address

    3920 Michigan Avenue 

    Fort Myers, FL 33916 

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    TTY users can contact us through Florida Relay by dialing 7-1-1 or one of the other Relay Toll Free Numbers. 

Tobacco Prevention Program
 Tobacco Program Specialist 239-332-9514
Tobacco Program Consultant 239-332-9651

Nicotine: A Powerful Addiction

If you have tried to quit smoking, you know how hard it can be. This is because nicotine is a very addictive drug. For some people, it can be as addictive as heroine or cocaine. Usually people make four to seven quit attempts before finally being able to quit for life.

Good Reasons for Quitting

  • Quitting is one of the most important things you will ever do. Quitting will help you live longer and better.
  • Quitting will lower your chances of having a heart attack, stroke or cancer.
  • Quitting will improve your chances of having a healthy baby.
  • Quitting will make the people you live with, especially your children, healthier.
  • Quitting will give you extra money to spend on things other than cigarettes.

A Body Changes…

When You Quit Smoking

Within 20 minutesBlood Pressure and pulse rate decreases Body temperature of hands and feet increases
Within 24-48 hoursChance of heart attack decreases Ability to smell and taste improves
Within 2 weeks - 3 monthsCirculation improves
Walking becomes easier
Within 1 to 9 monthsCoughing symptoms decrease
Sinus congestion, fatigue, & shortness of breath decrease
Within 1 yearRisk of heart disease drops by half
Within 5 – 15 yearsRisk for stroke reduced to level of those who never smoked
Within 10 yearsLung, mouth, throat, esophagus, bladder, kidney, and pancreas cancers also decrease
Within 15 yearsHeart disease rates similar to those who never smoked

Quit Now!

5 Key Steps for Quitting

1.      Get Ready. Set a quit date!

2.      Get Support. Talk to family, friends, and your healthcare provider. Individual, group or telephone counseling is only a free call away (1-877-822-6669)

3.      Learn New Skills and Behaviors. Change your routine!

4.      Get Medication and Use it Correctly.  Ask your healthcare provider for advice

5.      Be Prepared for Relapses or Difficult Situations.  Don’t be discouraged if you start smoking again.

Secondhand Smoke Stinks for Everyone...
 Secondhand smoke hurts kids! It can cause:

  • ear infections
  • bronchitis
  • asthma attacks
  • colds
  • coughs
  • increase chance of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (S.I.D.S.).

So, if you smoke perhaps its time to consider quitting by calling Florida Quit Lifeline at

1-877-822-6669 or call the Florida Department of Health in Lee County at 1-239-332-9514.

Students Working Against Tobacco
Students Working Against Tobacco is an anti-tobacco student advocacy program.

Be Active! Be Strong! Join SWAT!

Links to help you or your loved one with tobacco addiction: