We're off to Hawaii, where you now have to be at least 21-years-old to buy tobacco.
A new law has taken effect that raises the smoking age in the 50th state. Some cities and counties in the U.S. already have similar smoking laws, but no other state does.
Stores are expected to put up new signs and employees will be checking customers' ID's.
The goal is to cut smoking among youth. Smoking has been linked to a number of serious health problems, including heart disease and cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, cigarette smoking is the leading preventable cause of death in the United States.
Instructional Links
Website Article: Women's and Children Health Network, Kids' Health, Smoking and Its Effects
http://www.cyh.com/HealthTopics/HealthTopicDetailsKids.aspx?p=335&np=285&id=1607
Website Article: It's My Life, Smoking
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/body/smoking/index.html
Website Article and Charts: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Youth and Tobacco Use
http://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/fact_sheets/youth_data/tobacco_use/
Video: 7 Reasons to Be Smoke Free