The Checkup: 1 in 4 High School Seniors Smoke Cigarettes

U.S. Surgeon General Regina Benjamin says teens' tobacco use is a "pediatric epidemic."

• The U.S. Surgeon General came out with its first report on adolescent smoking in 18 years. Prepare yourself, folks—it ain’t pretty. As NPR reports, it found that a quarter of high school seniors smoke, and that every day over 3,800 kids under 18 smoke their first cigarette. Also sobering: “Nearly 100 percent of adults who smoke every day started smoking when they were 26 or younger.” Added to this is a 2009 report from the Philadelphia Department of Health, which found that Philly has the highest rate of regular teen smokers of any large U.S. city. My question is this: where the heck are these kids getting the money to fund their smoking habits? I mean, maybe I’m a particular brand of cheapskate, but if a pack of cigarettes in PA can run you nearly $7 a pop, you’re going to have to mow a lot of lawns to keep that habit going. Am I right?

• Happy Friday, ladies! Light to moderate drinking has been linked to a lower stroke risk in women!

• Listen to your mom: eat your fruits and veggies. No really—they can keep your skin looking pretty.