VIDEO: Calhoun County Sheriff Gives Up Smoking

CALHOUN COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – When it comes to smoking, it’s not easy.

The nicotine is addicting and unhealthy.

In an attempt for a smoke free, healthier 2018, one local Sheriff is saying no more.

The Center For Disease Control reports that 1,300 people a day or 480,000 people a year, die from smoking cigarettes.

“For a long time I just didn’t care or it wasn’t a priority,” said Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollen.

It’s the effects tobacco has on most people who use. After 20 years of smoking, Calhoun County Sheriff Greg Pollen says enough is enough.

“I made up in my mind and said I’m tired of it. The health of it. When I looked at it I was spending nearly $500 a month in cigarettes and that’s ludicrous. I just woke up and said look there’s nothing that’s going to have that much control over me ever,” said Pollen.

On the eve of 2018 Pollan began a journey to quit smoking cigarettes, a habit he says kicked off in his teenage years.

“When I started in law enforcement, I was 19 years old. It seemed like everyone in the police department smoked. It was just the cool thing to do. I picked up one one day and never put them down,” said Pollen.

Stepp Saver Pharmacist/Owner Andy Stepp, says it’s a good thing the sheriff changed his mind.

“It affects every part of the body. It’s a stimulant. It’s going to affect your; heart, lungs, and your brain. The whole bit,” said Andy Stepp.

For Pollen, it’s been 9 days.

“It’s still a challenge. I miss it in the mornings after my cup of coffee or after a meal. Those are the worse times for me. But I’m eating hard candy,chewing gum anything to keep my hands busy,” said Pollen.

Pollen’s message to anyone looking to follow in his foot steps is just get started, you may surprise yourself.

“For 20 years smoking two packs a day when I put them down it hasn’t been nearly as bad as I had pictured in my mind. I’ve heard horror stories about the cravings and being ill and irritable and all these things I’m not saying it’s been easy but it’s not as bad as I thought it was going to be,” said Pollen.

For more information and tips on quitting visit quitlinems.com or call 1-800-784-8669.