November 17, 2011 marks the beginning of the Great American Smokeout, an event sponsored by the American Cancer Society, and held annually on the third Thursday in November.

Smokers are encouraged to kick the habit – either by quitting or making a plan to quit smoking. More than 46 million Americans continue to smoke despite the fact that giving up the tobacco habit brings real health benefits, such as lower blood pressure, reduced risk of coronary heart disease, cancer and diabetes, just to name a few.

Smoking is an addiction that can be hard to beat. If you know someone who’s quitting, giving them encouragement and support will help them stay on course to meet their goal. Greeting Card Universe offers encouragement cards as well as congratulations cards for your friends and family who are taking the big step towards quitting smoking.