November 18 is the Great American Smokeout. Give up cigarettes for a day—and start giving them up for the rest of your life. Be good to yourself.

Monthly Events

American Diabetes Month. For years, the American Diabetes Association has used this month as an opportunity to communicate the seriousness of diabetes and the importance of diabetes prevention and control. For more information, visit http://www.diabetes.org/

Epilepsy Awareness Month. More than 3 million people in the United States have epilepsy, and 200,000 new cases develop each year. The purposes of Epilepsy Awareness Month are to dispel common myths about the disorder, promote public awareness, and inform people with seizure disorders and their families about service programs and informational resources. For more information, visit http://www.epilepsyfoundation.org/neam/

National American Indian Heritage Month. To honor the original inhabitants of North America and recognize the contributions American Indian and native Alaskan peoples have made to the U.S. For more information, visit http://&www.classbrain.com/artholiday/publish/article_248.shtml

Peanut Butter Lovers’ Month. Peanut butter is one of America’s favorite foods, and it’s found in about 75 percent of American homes. For more information and ideas, visit www.peanutbutterlovers.com.

Vegan Month. Just about every food made from dairy products or eggs has an animal-friendly alternative, with products easily available in shops and supermarkets. Go to www.veganmonth.com for information and ideas on cutting meat and other animal products out of your diet. For more information visit http://www.worldveganday.org/

Weekly Events

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, Nov. 7-13. Sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States in 1996 to acknowledge and promote the invaluable role shelters play in their communities, and to increase public awareness of animal welfare issues and shelter services. For more information, visit http://www.animalsheltering.org/programs_and_services/nasa_week/

Kids Goal Setting Week. Nov. 9–12. The driving force behind National Kids Goal Setting Week is to give the parents, teachers, and coaches of the world some practical suggestions and ideas to help children set goals that will equip them to lead a life full of meaning and direction. For more information visit www.goalsguy.com.

Geography Awareness Week, Nov. 14-20. Launched in 1987, Geography Awareness Week promotes the importance of geography education in the United States. Its goals: to draw attention to what geography is, why it is important, and how American citizens can ensure access to a robust geography education that prepares them to participate in global social and economic activities and to make decisions regarding people, places, and environments. For more information, visit http://www.nasm.si.edu/ceps/gaw/gaweek.cfm

National Games and Puzzles Week, Nov. 21-27. Encouraging families and friends to spend more time together playing games, doing puzzles, challenging their brains, and having fun. I could find no particular link for this week.

Daily Events

Diwali, Nov. 5. The Indian Festival of Lights, a five-day festival of Hinduism, Sikhism, and Jainism. This is perhaps the most well-known of the Indian festivals: it is celebrated throughout India, as well as in Indian communities throughout the diaspora. It usually takes place eighteen days after Dusshera. It is colloquially known as the "festival of lights"....For more information, visit http://www.sscnet.ucla.edu/southasia/Culture/Festivals/Diwali.html

Sadie Hawkins Day, Nov. 6. Usually the first Saturday in November. An American event that originated in the comic strip Li’l Abner, encouraging young girls to take the initiative in inviting the boy of their dreams on a date. For more information and a giggle, visit http://www.lil-abner.com/sadiehawk.html

Great American Smokeout, Nov. 18. Give up cigarettes for a day—and start giving them up for the rest of your life. For more information, visit http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/StayAwayfromTobacco/GreatAmericanSmokeout/index

Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 25. Give thanks for family, friends, health, and turkey. For more information, visit http://www.history.com/topics/thanksgiving