I would be concerned for you to take the pill because of your smoking. Its more likely to cause a stroke.

I thought you were going to get healthy to hike the Grand Canyon this summer! Doesnt that mean not smoking? My last experience with the pill was 40 years ago, and it made me very stiff, even tho i was exercising and losing weight and getting cute (which is why i wanted the pill!). So i went off it, but the newer ones are lower dose, i understand.

Getting healthier is a gradual change. You dont really notice a difference until like two months of consistently doing something. Nobody tells you that! Or maybe i wasnt listening.