BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DAY 2017

A breast cancer patient has a lot to cope with. From having a normal healthy life to living with the realization that a life-threatening disease is growing inside of them is just one of the numerous struggles.  

According to the World Cancer Research Fund International, Breast Cancer is most common in women worldwide, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed in 2012 (second most common cancer overall). This represents about 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women. It is the fifth most common cause of death from cancer in women.

The good news is that the mortality rate from breast cancer has progressively and steadily declined over the years.

However, the National Cancer Institute estimates that around 252,710 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017 in the US. In addition, in 2017 it is estimated that around 40,610 American women will die of breast cancer.

Between the years of 2007 and 2013, the 5 year survival rate after a breast cancer diagnosis was 89.7%. (National Cancer Institute SEER statistics).

Recent statistics show that between the years of 2010 and 2014 there were 124.9 (per 100,000) new cases of breast cancer. In comparison to this there were 21.2 (per 100,000) deaths.

These statistics are not meant to scare you but to stress the importance of being aware of the deadliness of this disease and to take the necessary preventive measures.

Lifestyle changes are most important in minimizing the chances of cancer in the breasts. Below are some measures each of us can take to reduce exposure to breast cancer.

·        Limit alcohol intake to less than 1 drink per day.

·        Do not smoke since accumulating evidence link breast cancer with smoking. Women in their premenopausal period have higher chances of getting breast cancer, and the condition is worsened with smoking.

·        Doctors have found that breast feeding reduces chances of breast cancer. Women who feed longer have lesser chances of having cancer.

·        Weight is linked to breast cancer as well. Obesity and overweight are the two reasons of developing breast cancer, particularly in women who become obese after menopause.

·        Exposure to radiation and environmental pollution lead to breast cancer. Various medical-imaging methods like high doses of radiation and computerized tomography increase chances of the disease by manifold.

·        The right diet could help in prevention of breast cancer. You should be aware of the foods that prevent breast cancer include leafy and dark green vegetables, eggplant, tomatoes, carrots, broccoli, peppers, foods rich in fiber like legumes, whole grains and beans, foods rich in vitamin D and foods with anti-inflammatory properties. In a nutshell, cut down on the junk foods and eat more natural, organic foods.

·        Conduct regular self-examination. Early detection and treatment save lives!

The above measures are only preventive in nature, as currently there is not sufficient knowledge on the causes of breast cancer. Therefore, early detection of the disease remains the cornerstone of breast cancer control. When breast cancer is detected early, and if adequate diagnosis and treatment are available, there is a good chance that breast cancer can be cured. If detected late, however, curative treatment is often no longer an option. In such cases, palliative care to relief the suffering of patients and their families is needed. Hence the importance of regular checks cannot be overemphasized.

Dealing with Cancer Diagnosis

What if all these steps were strictly adhered to, yet due to some unavoidable reason, a person is diagnosed with breast cancer? The good news is, Breast Cancer is not necessarily a death sentence. If detected early, there are curative treatment options.  If you as much as observe anything abnormal about the look or feel of your breasts, please see your physician immediately!

Support Systems

This journey is not a walk in the park and requires all the support a patient can get. Below are a few available support systems that have proved effective over time:

1.      Support from a spouse

2.      Children’s presence, understanding and assistance

3.      Care-givers’ help

4.      Support Group

5.      One-on-One Therapy

The greatest support you can get though comes from within! You are stronger than you know. Psychologically, the level of effectiveness you receive from any treatment is partly determined by self will and inner strength. If you are determined enough to heal, chances are you will! No matter what, keep the hope alive!

Whether we are directly affected or not, we all have a collective responsibility to join in this awareness campaign.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD

Like a flower, she was designed to beautify…Like a star, she is meant to shine…Like a bird, she is built to soar…Like a pillar, she supports…She loves selflessly, cares truly, listens with her soul, spreads joy wherever she goes…She is called GIRL!

    

Today we celebrate these beautiful creatures in our lives. As sisters, daughters, friends, we have all experienced their magic!

This article addresses some major issues affecting the Girl Child.

1.      CHILD NOT BRIDE

The issue of child marriage is one that has often been deliberated on. Why then has it been a reoccurring decimal? A possible reason is the misguided mentality that females are born to wash, clean, cook and make babies. The negative effects of child marriage are numerous, but we will mention just a few:

i.                    Killed Dreams

ii.                  Health Problems such as Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), which usually results from early childbirth 

iii.                Poor Parenting: A typical case of ‘babies making babies.’ What does a child, who is just beginning to discover herself, have to offer a new life? Nothing but ignorance and resentment. Surely, an innocent child deserves better.

The above are some of the ripple effects of child marriage. To all perpetrators and supporters of this practice, we appeal: Let the child be a child! Give her the chance to develop into a well-rounded out adult.

1.        CHILD MOLESTATION

This trend of pedophile activities has become really worrisome. Although children of both genders could be victims, studies have shown that females are more susceptible. A research conducted by www.rainn.org reveals that 82% of all juvenile victims of sexual abuse are female. This act is abominable to say the least.

Unfortunately, not all offenders are brought to book. Infact, a study conducted by the www.nsopw.gov/education/facts/statistics shows that approximately 30% of sexual assault cases are reported to the authorities. What becomes of the 70% unreported cases? This is disheartening. Many victims of molestation are too scared to say a word about it…scared of reaction of people, scared it may occur again and scared of being stigmatized. There exists a need for sensitization that victims of sexual abuse, juvenile or adult, did not bring it upon themselves. Stigmatization and discrimination against them must stop! Abusers must be brought to book; they need to understand that there is really little difference between sexual abuse and murder, one destroys a life physically, and the other does so emotionally and psychologically. Long after the physical effects wear out, the other damages remain.

Some victims are rendered incapable of establishing normal adult relationships. A tragedy indeed! Child Molestation is a sin against humanity and God.

EMPOWER, EDUCATE, ENCOURAGE!

There is no limit to what a person can accomplish, given the right circumstances. The Girl Child has been said to have some sort of ‘sixth sense’, a multiplying effect. Whatever you give her, she makes bigger and better. Surely, they deserve all the care and encouragement they can get. Help her reach her full potential.

 

Give that girl equal opportunities as you would the male child. Empower her to succeed; invest in her education; nurture her and watch her blossom into the beautiful flower she was created to be. Love, guide and protect her. You will be amazed at what blessings she brings back to you.

A TEAM ON A MISSION

Teamwork is a cardinal value for business success in today’s world of diverse associations. That is why the Raphael Lewu led Capitalfield Executives & Group Management meet often to deliberate best ways of delivering strategy to ensure we remain competitive and in touch with our various markets.

Kudos to a winning team, much more in store for our many stakeholders this year!

#BEBOLDFORCHANGE

The earliest celebration of the International Women’s Day was held in 1909 in New York City. Declared a national holiday in the Soviet Union in 1917, it spread to other nearby countries. It is now celebrated in many countries in the world.

The Purpose of the International Women’s Day is to promote respect, love and appreciation for the fairer sex. It is a day dedicated to celebrating women’s achievements, while calling for gender equality.

IWD is an event that comes up on March 8th, annually.

Activities marking the event include arts, performances, talks, rallies, networking events, conferences and marches. 

POWERFUL WOMEN IN HISTORY

Over the years, women have had to fight courageously and tirelessly to assert themselves as individuals and experts in their field, something men do not have to do.

Below is a short list of women who made a mark in history through their achievements and strong personalities.

1.Cleopatra  -   One of Egypt’s most powerful Rulers ever, who took the throne at just 17! A woman of surpassing beauty and extraordinary wit, charm and intellect!

   “I will not be triumphed over”

2.Rosa Parks  -   Started a bold rejection of racial segregation

    “I would like to be remembered as a person who wanted to be free, so other people would also be free.”

3.Elizabeth Taylor  -  Remarkable Actress, businesswoman, humanitarian.

 “I have been through it all. I am mother courage”

4.Oprah Winfrey  -  Media Proprietor, talk show host, actress, producer, philanthropist.

     “The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you are willing to work.”

5. Chioma Ajuwa  -  First African Female Athlete to win an Olympic Gold Medal. Interestingly, she is also an officer with the Nigerian Police Force. 

6.Flora Nwapa  -   Often referred to as the Mother of modern African Literature,  she is acknowledged as the first African woman novelist to be published in the English language in Britain and achieve international recognition.

 “The African Woman is intelligent, beautiful, hardworking and everything an ideal woman should be. . . She has great independence of spirit”

7. Maya Angelou   -  American poet, memoirist, and civil rights activist.

     “Nothing will work unless you do.”

8.   Ellen Johnson Sirleaf   -  First African Female President. (Liberia)

  “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.” 

9. Agbani Darego   -   First Native African to win the Miss World Pageantry.

10. Chimamanda Adichie   -  Award winning writer.

      “Of course I am not worried about intimidating men. The type of man who will be intimidated by me is exactly the type of man I have no interest in.”

These are women of different times and walks of life. However, they all share a common quality – STRENGTH. Against all odds, they expressed their beliefs, held on to their values, and pursued their goals. That is how much the strength of a woman can achieve.

WOMAN-LOVE YOURSELF!

This year’s IWD theme is #beboldforchange.  Such boldness can only be achieved by a woman who loves herself.

The Dos and Don'ts of Loving Yourself

1.Discover yourself. Know what is good for you and what isn’t.

2.Appreciate yourself. Identify your strengths and harness them. Always be the best version of you.

3.Be confident. Never apologize for who you are.

4.Spend quality time with loved ones.

5.Eat good food.

6.Listen to beautiful music

7.Spend time with yourself. Some ‘me’ time is allowed every now and then.

8.Exercise! Your body will thank you!

Take a vacation. It’s good for your soul.

10.Laugh a lot! It’s good for your heart.

11.Take lots of pictures. Beautiful memories are worth keeping.

12.Find something you can excel in, and pursue it.

13.Read books. A knowledgeable mind is a powerful one.

14.Stop comparing yourself to others.

15.Let go of the past. Forgive others. Forgive yourself. Anger is poison.

The list could go on and on. The bottom line is love yourself enough to do the things, choose the relationships and cultivate habits that are good for you.

                                  

          

THE SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEUR

Entrepreneurship: A word that has occurred to a great percentage of people with goals, dreams and a vision. For some, it is a burning desire, for others, it is just a wish.

Whichever the case may be, almost everyone desires to be their own boss someday, to answer to themselves, to start up their own business.

Who is an Entrepreneur? The Business Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “a person who sets up a business, taking on financial risks in the hope of profit. In the same vein, The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise” 

One word that jumps at us from both definitions above is RISK. This denotes a level of uncertainty. There is no business you would venture into that promises you a 100% success. Thus, when it comes to starting up a business, caution is needed. An individual who intends to become an entrepreneur must make informed, well thought-out decisions.  That is the first step to avoiding the potholes and bumps that characterize the road to a successful entrepreneurial journey. Let us now take a look at the qualities that make a successful entrepreneur.

• ·        Discipline – These individuals are focused on making their businesses work, eliminating all distractions and hindrances. They have a clearly defined goal and they don’t stop until it is achieved.
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• ·        Confidence – The entrepreneur has no doubts about his ability to succeed. He is confident in his knowledge of his business and the value of his services. The confidence he exudes has a positive effect on the people he deals with. 
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• ·     A Realist – It is often advised that we expect the worst and hope for the best. What this means is that a self-starter must be aware of the challenges that lie ahead. For him, there are no ‘rose-colored’ glasses. That way, he would be mentally prepared for obstacles and unshaken by disappointments.

• ·     Creativity – Every market has existing players. You need to understand that you are offering a product or service that has been offered before. Something has to set you apart from your predecessors and competitors. It is at this point that a businessman has to look inwards. There must be no end to creative ideas. It is an ongoing process, undergoing continuous refinement. This requires an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a deep understanding of the market. Creativity is definitely a quality that every business owner must possess.

• ·     Strong People Skills – Funny enough, this is one attribute that has often been underrated.  The beauty of people skills however, is that it gives you an edge over your contemporaries who may even have more strength and years of experience than you do. Strong people skills includes a host of qualities-empathy, integrity, courtesy, humility to mention a few. People need an extra reason to keep coming back to you. Strong people skills can be described as an incentive, cake icing…that good feeling that people get just from dealing with you. Add this to good product quality and you are just good to go!
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• ·     Work Ethics –The successful entrepreneur always upholds principles. His professionalism and high sense of morality can be seen in everything he does.

·     Passion – Passion motivates you to make sacrifices. You put in extra hours. You don’t settle. You do what you love and love what you do. It is not all about the money. Passion is all important for an entrepreneur.

The qualities discussed so far are just a few key attributes required for success as an entrepreneur. Every individual has their own strengths and are gifted in their unique way. We may possess some of these traits. But some of them may have to be cultivated. If you are considering starting a business of you own soon or in the future, we hope you find this article helpful.

At Capitalfield Investment Group Ltd, we witness the fruits that a resilient entrepreneurial spirit can bear. This is why we proudly operate eight (8) subsidiaries across diverse sectors of the economy. It all began with a goal!

To learn more about our products and services, please visit our website: www.capitalfieldinvestments.com. You can also follow us on Twitter @capitalfield03

Enjoy the rest of your week! Cheers!