By Yael T. Abouhalkah, Kansas City Star Editorial Page columnist

Critics will see it as yet another "do as I say, not as I do" action from President Barack Obama.

But Obama, who has smoked cigarettes for years, on Monday is signing a strong and needed measure aimed at reducing smoking in America, especially among young people.

The bill passed by Congress this month gives the Food and Drug Administration the power to regulate tobacco.

Under the measure, the FDA can -- and should -- ban candy flavorings in cigarettes and block labels that promise "low tar" or "light," which are meaningless come-ons from the industry.

But the best part of the bill will allow the government to prohibit any marketing campaigns aimed at getting children to smoke.

Obama has smoked for years and has said he has tried to quit.

Fortunately, he understands the damage that cigarette smoking can do to Americans. And -- unlike former President George W. Bush -- Obama is willing to sign a bill making it more difficult for the industry to attract young people to the harmful habit.