HEALTHIER TEENS

A study done for the federal government shows that smoking is declining
sharply among American teens. Furthermore, the recent sharp increase in the
use of the drug ecstasy is slowing, heroin use decreased and a gradual
decline in use of inhalants continued in 2001.

Lloyd D. Johnston of the University of Michigan, which conducted the study,
notes that there have been concerted efforts to curb smoking. That message
may be spilling over regarding illicit drug use.

Most people who smoke started smoking as teen-agers, so the drop in teen
smoking indicates that many fewer health problems associated with the habit
can be expected 30 and 40 years hence. Call it a very early Christmas present.