Breast cancer risk factors women need to avoid

October 1st, 2018

By Sumer Dene

Bay Group Media has and always will support Breast Cancer research. As a company we predominantly employ women and understand the importance of spreading knowledge to our readers. Information can save lives and help prevent tragedies. Our CEO, Rick Clapp has experienced the devastation and complexities of cancer and is a champion survivor.

Breast Cancer Awareness month is dedicated to spread awareness of the most common cancer among women. People gather at special events and fundraisers around the world to offer support. Health groups respectfully join together to discuss, inquire and evaluate a resolution to the pandemic we call cancer.

The goal of Breast Cancer Awareness month is to build a community of fabulous cognizant women who embrace their bodies, maintain a healthy lifestyle and unite in sisterhood. Being happy with who you are and mindful of your daily choices can go a long way and can lead others to do the same.

We encourage women to love and respect each other. Groups challenge the limited view of female sexuality and advocate for chemical regulations, a healthier work and home environment and transparent information regarding health and wellness.

RISK FACTORS
Risk factors for breast cancer include age, obesity, heavy drinking, smoking, chronic inflammation, high stress and toxins in our environment and diet. According to the National Cancer Institute, being exposed for a long time and/or to high levels of hormones is linked to an increased risk in breast cancer. Pesticides, synthetic chemicals and plastics leach harmful toxins that emulate estrogen in the body. These chemicals are found in processed foods, conventional health and beauty products, and the unnecessary plastic we use daily.

Excess estrogen is stored in fat and sequentially signals the body to store more fat. It’s a dangerous cycle that affects our lives in many ways. If something doesn’t seem right, ask pertinent questions. Answers become clear when you investigate. Educating yourself on important issues within a community brings everything to light to assess the bigger picture. In a free market with unlimited information and choice, where can we find solutions to complex, intricate issues for the betterment of society and the health of our people?

The “system” can be changed from the inside out. We can address obstacles to unite and lead towards a better world. Cancer rates have risen exponentially as time goes by, and so has the prevalence of many other diseases. U.S. taxpayers spend a groundbreaking $38 billion yearly to subsidize meat and dairy consumption including heavy subsidies on corn and soy. Nevertheless, experts and scientists advocate for a diverse diet rich in healthy fats, leafy and cruciferous vegetables, low-glycemic fruits, herbs and spices, and fibrous and fermented foods.

In a consumption driven industry, citizens pay for their own demise. This is an indicator of an issue that lingers in our government, food and education system and even within ourselves. We can all agree that changing government subsidies for the betterment of our people can save millions, advance healthcare and improve the quality of our lives.

SAVES LIVES
Early detection of breast cancer can save lives. Check yourself for any changes in breasts 4-5 days after your period. Notice any change in shape, color, size and contour. Caress breasts in different positions and gradually increase pressure applying three fingers in a U-shaped circular motion. Pregnant women can reduce their chances of breast cancer by breast-feeding, which results in lowered estrogen levels in the body. Learn to relax and be aware of how stress triggers you. High cortisol levels over time affect the production of hormones and weaken the immune system. Recognize negative thoughts and realize that most anxieties are not reality or truth. The best we can do is prepare for the worst, expect the best, and help others live with passion and to their highest potential.

Women are learning to embrace their femininity without limits. Female sexuality is elusive and mysterious, not until recently has culture allowed women to express themselves, connect to their body and discover their true potential as leaders in our world.

It is time to celebrate womanhood for the beauty and power that it contains. What messages do women receive growing up in this culture? Peer support groups are now spreading social messages to better lives by sharing relatable experiences. When we acknowledge and understand ourselves and the differences we have with the opposite sex we can deepen our relationships.

We strive to inspire men and women to live with intention and mindfulness to support a community of strong individuals that celebrate life together.

There is no rhyme or reason for a disease that affects people worldwide from many walks of life. Cancer has no prejudice or boundaries. It can affect anyone at any time of their lives for reasons unknown to science. The environment we are raised in dictates our habits and lifestyle choices. For any change to take place it must first happen within. A guideline for longevity is to enjoy a nutrient dense diet with healthy fats and wholesome foods, live life to the fullest, and be happy.

In the month of October, set aside a moment to honor the courageous people affected by this appalling disease and stand together to move forward to find solutions that can implement profound changes.

Young Professionals: Brandon Rowan

July 1st, 2016

Brandon Rowan, VP and Creative Director of Bay Group Media

Brandon Rowan, VP and Creative Director of Bay Group Media

Interviewed by Michelle Hundley

In this month’s young professional profile, we sat down with Brandon Rowan, VP and Creative Director of Bay Group Media. Brandon oversees all visual communication operations at Bay Group Media, including layout for multiple publications, logo and graphic design, photography and social media.

Have you always wanted to go into the magazine business?
Well when I was a kid, I really wanted to be a cartoonist or illustrator. I was always visually inclined and loved all kinds of art. As I continued to grow up, I got into skateboarding, guitar, fishing and surfing. I found myself reading all of the magazines that covered these interests. That’s when I started thinking about journalism and possibly working for a magazine in the future.

When I was at the University of Houston at Clear Lake, I did graphic design, photography and writing for our school newspaper. It was great to be able to take part in the different aspects of journalism that make up a story. That’s what really inspired me; an opportunity to integrate art, photography, and writing. I knew working for a magazine I may be able to have a hand in all those aspects.

How did you end up at Bay Group Media?
My first job was for a very small high school sports publication in Friendswood. I enjoyed it there, but wanted to do more; so I answered an ad for a sign company who needed a graphic artist. But when I got there and spoke with the interviewer, he suggested I speak with someone he knew who was looking for someone familiar with magazine layout and design. That’s when I first met Rick Clapp, the president and chairman of Bay Group Media, and I immediately liked the office and the working atmosphere. That was in May of 2008, and I’m still here.

Retention is a hot topic for businesses trying to attract and keep young professionals. What is it about Bay Group Media that has kept you there?
For me, it’s the atmosphere I work in. Here at Bay Group Media, everyone in the office is passionate about what they do. We all communicate well with each other and everyone gets along. Because we all have the same mission and vision for our organization, we always put our best foot forward and appreciate each other’s value in the final product. When everyone cares about what they do and the end product is more important than individual egos, it makes for a great environment to work. We keep the big picture in mind.

That sounds like a great environment! Because you publish different magazines, and everyone has a role in each one, it sounds like teamwork is key to your organization’s success.
Absolutely! We publish both Bay Area Houston Magazine and Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine. Our team has different roles they play in each one.

Since 1999, Bay Area Houston Magazine has been the premier information source and No. 1 publication for Bay Area Houston. It’s a monthly lifestyle publication that features information on local news, entertainment, healthcare, politics and business of the Bay Area. It reaches the upscale Bay Area work force and is designed to be reader-friendly.

Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine is the latest magazine from Bay Group Media and is celebrating its third year of publication. It highlights various coastal lifestyles, like boating, fishing, yachting, sailing, kayaking, surfing and all things marine. We go in-depth on many subjects, especially fishing, and feature articles from some of the best captains in Texas. Gulf Coast Mariner Magazine is published every two months and is based in Bay Area Houston, the third largest boating community in the nation. We love seeing pictures from the coastal community and publish several fishing, surfing and sailing shots each issue. I would encourage everyone to email their photos in to [email protected].

Both publications feature great stories, photography and highlights. Our team has a tale to tell in each issue and there are so many parts to that story. No one part is more important than the other. We embrace teamwork in our office. Once we bring all our individual parts together it’s so much more, well…awesome…than something one person could have pulled off on their own.

It sounds like you all have teamwork down to a science. What does it take to have a good team and be a good team member?
Be excellent to each other! [laughs] No really, first, you have to listen and communicate well with each other and keep a good attitude. One way to do that is to be able to take constructive criticism without taking it personally.

We each have our strengths, and we want to make our publications the best they can be. So, in order to reach that goal, we take each other’s viewpoints seriously and with an open mind and heart. You need to resist becoming too personally attached to one thing or another. You need to be able to take criticism professionally.

Second, you have to be able to be flexible. Even after we’ve worked hard on a part of the publication, sometimes it needs to be held off, or moved, or other changes from team members are made. Too many people let their egos get in the way.  It’s just part of the business. You have to be open to change and not be put off by it.

Finally, what I think is the most important part, is to have mutual respect for each other and each other’s ideas. We come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. Our team’s diversity is what makes us strong. When trying to reach a goal be flexible, be passionate, and create something you are really proud of.

For more on Bay Group Media:
www.baygroupmedia.com

Brandon Rowan enjoys the outdoors and various coastal pursuits in his free time. He resides in League City with his beautiful wife, Meagan, and their border collie, Murphy.

Michelle Hundley is president & CEO of Stratus Public Relations, a boutique PR firm specializing in Economic/Business Development, Stakeholder Relations, Government Relations, and Reputation Building & Management. More: www.stratuspublicrelations.com/

Bay Area Houston Magazine