How about some good news for a change?

A new study shows that there are 84,000 fewer smokers in Arkansas in 2007 than if smoking rates in 2002 had continued unchanged. The percentage of adults in Arkansas who smoke decreased from 26.3 percent to 22.4 percent in 2007.

Those are some significant, and encouraging, numbers.

There are lots of elements involved in creating a healthy lifestyle, but it seems apparent that not smoking ranks right near the top. The vast number of health problems associated with use of tobacco cannot be denied.

In fact, the top three causes of death -- heart disease, stroke and cancer -- are all linked to tobacco use.

It is so tragic to see a young person smoking today, understanding as we do the risks and hazards (not to mention the costs) related to the habit.

With that in mind, we are pleased that Arkansas wisely used its tobacco-settlement funds strictly for health programs, leading Gov. Mike Beebe to comment that the latest statistics show the wisdom of that investment.

The figures for youth are even more encouraging. Since 2001, the rate of cigarette smoking has dropped from 34.7 percent to 20.7 percent among Arkansas high school students. Those are tremendous numbers and translate into healthier lifestyles now and on down the line for thousands of young Arkansans.

The reduction in adult smokers is already leading to reduction in state hospital rates for heart disease, stroke, emphysema and bronchitis. The savings totaled $22 million in 2006 alone.

"This is encouraging news and we're definitely headed in the right direction," said Dr. Joe Thompson, director of the Arkansas Center for Health Improvement and Arkansas' Surgeon General, "but tobacco use continues to place too great a burden on our state." He said smoking-related health costs and productivity losses total $10.28 per pack sold. In Arkansas, that amounts to more than $2 billion a year.

We believe the Stamp Out Smoking coloring contests, and related poetry contests, which we sponsor each year in our local schools have played a part in educating our young people on the dangers of smoking. Hundreds of our youngsters have participated over the years and it is a "colorful" reminder that it is foolish to start smoking.

We thank all the teachers and school officials who have worked with us on this important project and we ask parents to encourage their children to participate in the contest each spring.

State officials are to be congratulated for the comprehensive program that has been developed to encourage Arkansas to stop smoking, or never begin in the first place. This is an example of wise decisions being made -- and positive trends resulting.

We believe Arkansas also is to be commended for the progressive move of banning tobacco use in restaurants throughout the state. It is disconcerting, and surprising, to walk into a restaurant in other states and be subjected to cigarette smoke. It is great for Arkansas to be in the forefront with this healthy lifestyle law.

Having said that, one must still look at the hundreds of thousands of Arkansans who are represented in the number above -- 22.4 percent of all adults still smoking -- or more than one in five. There is still a challenge ahead and we hope everyone will encourage friends and relatives to give up the habit -- or never start at all.

--REK