Survey: Fewer Oklahoma teens smoking

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A new survey from the state Health Department shows fewer Oklahoma teenagers and pre-teens are smoking cigarettes. <br><br>But the Oklahoma Youth Tobacco Survey says one in four state

Friday, November 15th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- A new survey from the state Health Department shows fewer Oklahoma teenagers and pre-teens are smoking cigarettes.

But the Oklahoma Youth Tobacco Survey says one in four state high school students still lights up regularly.

The report says overall tobacco use _ including cigars, chewing tobacco, dip and snuff _ has gone down from 1999 to 2002.

Health Commissioner Doctor Leslie Beitsch says the challenge now will be turning the gains into long-term results.

Educators and students say prevention programs, the high cost of cigarettes and a crackdown on sales to minors are all reasons for the drop.