Living Well Center Smoking Cessation

Smoking is an addiction that can be overcome with the right guidance, support and a committed mindset. The Washington University Living Well Center Smoking Cessation service provides personalized guidance to help you quit smoking for good and live a healthier life. 

How we support your quit journey

The Living Well Center smoking cessation service provides expert guidance and personalized support to help you stop smoking and build lasting, healthy habits. You can receive care virtually or in-person through one-on-one visits with nurse practitioner Sara Kellahan, MSN, APRN, AGPCNP-C, who is specially trained to help you create a quit plan that fits your needs.

Your visit may include nicotine replacement therapy (such as nicotine patches and gum) and direct access to additional health services like acupuncture and nutritional counseling to support you along your quit journey.

Together, you'll identify strategies to help you stay motivated, overcome barriers and work toward becoming smoke-free.

Ready to quit smoking? Call to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment today! 

 

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Did you know your health improves just 30 minutes after you quit smoking?

• After less than 30 minutes: your pulse, blood pressure, and the temperature of your hands and feet return to normal.
• After 8-24 hours: your blood’s oxygen and carbon monoxide levels return to normal and your risk of heart attack decreases.
• After 48-72 hours: your sense of smell and taste increases, nerve endings begin to regenerate and your breathing becomes easier.
• After 2 weeks to 3 months: your lungs work up to 30% better, circulation improves and walking is easier.
• One year after quitting: your risk of having a heart attack drops by 50%.
• 10 years after quitting: your risk of dying from lung cancer becomes about equal to that of a non-smoker.

Smoking and bone health

Smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and bones and decreases bone density, which can cause brittle bones. It can also lessen the production of white blood cells which increases the risk for an infection. In fact, smokers are six times more likely to develop a wound infection following surgery and 3.7 times more likely to develop osteomyelitis, or an infection in the bone. If you have an orthopedic condition, stopping smoking will allow your body to recover faster and prevent an infection after an injury or surgery. 

Become a quitter!

 

Source: Argintar E, Triantafillou K, Delahay J, Wiesel B: The musculoskeletal effects of perioperative smoking. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2012;20(6):359-63.