Rankin man has new look after helping friend kick habit
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Rankin Inlet (May 28/01) - Rankin Inlet's James Sandy had tried a multitude of quit-smoking strategies in the past, all with no success.
This time around, however, he didn't worry about chewing gum, sticking patches over his body or swallowing anti-depressant medicine.
This time, Sandy took a different path to becoming smoke-free and he walked the razor's edge all the way to success. Sandy entered into a bet with co-worker Doug McLarty on his ability to toss the cigarettes once and for all.
"If I wasn't able to quit for three months, I would have lost $100, but I did make it and I got to shave Doug's head," Sandy said through howls of laughter. "To be honest, that's one bet I really enjoyed collecting on."
Sandy admitted to being surprised by how successful his latest attempt at quitting smoking has been.
The only time his desire to smoke is refueled is when he smells cigarettes outside.
Sandy began smoking at 14, and smoked about three-quarters of a pack each day for the past 16 years.
He said this was the first time he ever bet on his ability to quit and he found it a genuine incentive.
"The bet played a major role in my ability to quit. My co-workers didn't want me to smoke either, because they really wanted to see Doug bald.
"Everybody was telling me not to have a smoke because I'd have so much fun shaving his head.
"I have to be honest. I'd love a cigar, but I'm determined I won't have another ."
For his part, McLarty said he didn't mind getting his head shaved to help a friend quit.
He said the culprits behind the wager even approached his wife to make sure it was OK to shave his head.
"My wife (Karen) said, 'Sure, no problem,'" said McLarty. "I figured that's what you like to see, support on the home front. It started out as more of a challenge at first and then slowly evolved into a bet.
"It's worked out OK. James is healthier, I'm a lot lighter and we're still friends."
