Katie Couric's Notebook: Smoking

Katie Couric is on assignment. I'm Kelly Wallace.

We've all heard the excuses. Some of us have probably even made them - all the many reasons why we can't quit smoking. "It tastes good." "It gives me something to do with my hands." "It helps me when I get stressed out."

The fact is nicotine is addictive.

Today President Obama signed some legislation that could cut down the number of people who get hooked.

The FDA will now have the power to regulate the amount of nicotine in cigarettes, and prevent companies from promoting fruit or candy flavors. These things lawmakers say are meant to appeal to children.

While the bill has its critics in the tobacco industry, supporters applaud the efforts to improve public health and to try to keep cigarettes out of the reach of young people.

The President has personal experience with the struggle to kick the habit, and would probably agree that the best way to stop smoking is to never start in the first place.

I'm Kelly Wallace. CBS News.