Measure CP & Social Media Outreach Fight the Silent Killer

“The Silent Killer”

Sound scary? It should.

Ovarian cancer, known among medical personnel as the “silent killer” is the most fatal type of female reproductive cancer. Approximately 14,000 women die of ovarian cancer each year, making it the fifth most fatal cancer overall.

For Kimberly Nasief-Westergren of Measure CP, a customer experience management, brand auditing and mystery shopping firm, these statistics are personal. Her mother passed away from ovarian cancer earlier this year.

For this reason, Measure CP fully supports ovarian cancer research and public education.

Ovarian cancer is known as the silent killer because many women aren’t diagnosed until it’s too late. The symptoms of ovarian cancer are so mild, they are frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.

Some common symptoms include:
·         Bloating
·         Lower abdominal pain
·         Abnormal menstrual cycles
·         Constipation
·         Indigestion
·         Gas
·         Weight gain or loss
·         Vaginal bleeding
·         Feeling full quickly after eating
·         Excessive hair growth
·         Excessive urination

It’s easy to see how these symptoms can be misdiagnosed. Bloating, indigestion and gas are frequently diagnosed as irritable bowel syndrome while lower abdominal pain and excessive urination are common signs of a urinary tract infection.

For this reason, many public relations campaigns are working to help educate the public on the symptoms and risks of ovarian cancer. A woman who knows the symptoms and risks is much more likely to get tested and treated early on, thus dramatically increasing her chance for survival.

Public education is just one of the goals of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance.
To help women better identify the symptoms of ovarian cancer and asses the risk, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance has created a smartphone app. The Ovarian Cancer Symptom Diary App allows women to track any symptoms they may be experiencing and create a personal risk file.

The Ovarian Cancer National Alliance also hosts a series of webinars aimed at helping women become more involved in their healthcare. Topics covered include health care reform, clinical trials and how to get involved with cancer fighting organizations. The most recent webinar covered the link between genetics and ovarian cancer. The video is still available on the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance’s site for those who wish to see it.

In addition to working to educate the public, the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance works as advocates. The organization works with federal policy makers including the president of the United States, Congress, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

The goal of all the lobbying the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance does is to reduce the number of women who die each year from ovarian cancer. The organization accomplishes this in two ways. The first is by pushing for increased funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness programs. The second is by pushing for legislation that will improve the quality of care available to cancer patients.

Measure CP is proud to support the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and their noble cause.

To show your support of the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance, please share this article on Facebook or Twitter.

Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach Encourage You To “Capture the Love”

This fall, Gifts that Give is awarding one charity organization $500 through their “Capture the Love” photo contest. Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach would like to encourage everyone to participate in the contest and help win their charity some cash!

Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach are proud supporters of Gifts that Give.

Anyone interested in winning $500 for their favorite charity must upload a picture of their organization in action. The charity that gets the most votes from the public wins the cash. It’s that simple.

In addition to the “Capture the Love” contest, Gifts that Give makes it easy to donate to  your favorite charity and score some cool stuff for yourself too every day. Every time you make a purchase on www.giftsthatgive.com, 20% of your total purchase price will be donated to a nonprofit of your choosing.

With over one million nonprofits to choose from and thousands of products to shop among, Gifts that Give offers a little something for everyone.

So purchase a new coat for your doggie and donate 20% to the SPCA or buy some new headphones and support music education in low-income neighborhoods. Whatever you want to buy, whatever you want to support the choice is yours!

Since September is blood cancer awareness month, Gifts that Gives has showcased the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society as its charity of the month. As one recently satisfied Gifts that Gives’ customer said, “I love that my gift for my mom is also finding a cure for my dad.”

The key to the success of Gifts that Give lies in its product line. Gifts that Gives offers products that consumers already need and/or want such as clothing, pet supplies, home goods, luxury goods and more. Therefore, they are not trying to change the consumer’s shopping pattern; they are simply allowing you to donate to your favorite cause while buying the things you would have purchased anyways.

In addition to supporting your favorite nonprofit through shopping, Gifts that Gives allows you to share your cause with your friends through Facebook and hopefully recruit them to help raise money. To start a Facebook campaign, simply choose your cause, select the products you wish to have in your Facebook “store” and share with all your friends. It’s as simple as 1-2-3!

Rostin Ventures founded Social Media Outreach to help give back to the community by utilizing social media for social good.

Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach are proud supporters of Gifts that Give and giving back. To show your support and help raise awareness for Gifts that Give and your favorite nonprofit, please share this article on Facebook or Twitter.

For more information on Gifts that Gives, check out their website  www.giftsthatgive.com or visit their YouTube channel.

For more information about Rostin Ventures, please visit www.rostinventures.com.

For more information about Social Media Outreach, go to our WordPress blog at https://socialmediaoutreach.wordpress.com or like our Facebook page.

These Storied Streets: Profiles in Homelessness

“3.5 million Americans will find themselves homeless this year.

          1.5 million of them will be children.

                    Homelessness has increased an estimated 18% since 2009.”

Thus introduces the film These Storied Streets, a documentary that examines homelessness through the lens of those who’ve experienced it first hand. Endorsed by The National Coalition for the Homeless, These Storied Streets shines a light on what it means to be homeless in America. It profiles homeless and formally homeless people, as well as volunteers and organizations dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those most in need.

“There are these incredible stories of those who have committed their lives to fighting homelessness. These stories, coupled with the fact that right now homelessness is growing at an unprecedented rate in America, is the genesis behind These Storied Streets. The film will provide a window into their struggles, question stereotypes and change the way you feel about homelessness.” asserts Tom Morgan, producer of These Storied Streets.

One of the most compelling profiles is that of a young man who, at the age of fourteen, was living on the streets of Las Vegas. When police discovered him staying in an abandoned house, they gave him citations for “Lodging without owner’s consent” and curfew violation. Rather than intervening by alerting Child Protective Services, the authorities treated him as a criminal.

“Being as I was a homeless youth, I wholeheartedly believe they should be considered victims. I don’t feel like they’re bad kids. I don’t feel like a kid’s homeless because he wants to be.” As an adult he endeavors to change the circumstances of homeless people under 18 in his community. He works for the William Fry Drop-In Center, an organization that aims to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth by providing services that lead them away from the streets and towards a quality future.

Also illuminating are the accounts given by chronically homeless men. These are the stereotypical faces of homelessness that are often overlooked or ignored altogether. Watching their stories on film, one can’t help but consider more closely the realities of long term homelessness: over 60% of chronically homeless people struggle with alcohol, drug abuse, or mental illness. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, “Mental Health problems provide one of the most difficult roadblocks for homeless individuals to overcome. When a person experiences both mental health and substance abuse disorders simultaneously, recovery becomes a much more complex process.” In light of this, programs across the country are developing new approaches to put an end to long term homelessness. Unfortunately, there are still over 100,000 chronically homeless people in America today.

“I’m honored to raise awareness of These Storied Streets through Social Media Outreach.” remarks Julie Ross, owner of Rostin Ventures, “With this film, Tom Morgan proves that one person can make a difference by using his talent as a catalyst for change.”  Please help Rostin Ventures and Social Media Outreach spread the word about this documentary by sharing it on facebook.

3 Simple Ways to Join the Fight Against Breast Cancer

Support Susan G. Komen for the Cure
As Simple as a Trip to the Store or a Click of a Mouse

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and no foundation does more to raise awareness of this issue than Susan G. Komen for the Cure. They understand that people today are busier than ever and they’ve made it easy to contribute to the cause in small, measurable ways. “Part of what drew us to support Susan G. Komen for the Cure through Social Media Outreach is their transformation of  everyday routines into action,” says Paul Casey, the developer of WOWPONS mobile grocery coupon app. “They’ve turned a trip to the grocery store, or a few minutes on facebook, into an opportunity to make a real difference.”

Throughout October, Komen for the Cure has made it especially easy to take action. Consider the list below and invest a few minutes in the fight against breast cancer.

1) Purchasing Power  Pick up one of the following products to help raise money for breast cancer research, education, screening, and treatment:

• Jersey Mike’s Subs, “Mike’s Way to a Cure” – From May 1, 2011 – October 31, 2011, Jersey Mike’s will raise money for Komen for the Cure through sales of pink souvenir cups, t-shirts, and and the Pink Ribbon Combo.
• Yoplait, “Save Lids to Save Lives” – Save those pink Yoplait lids! For each pink lid redeemed by customers, Yoplait donates 10 cents to Komen for the Cure, up to 2 million dollars.
• General Mills, “Pink Together” – During the month of October, General Mills will turn packaging pink in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. General Mills will donate 2.5 million dollars to Komen for the cure and consumers will be able to help choose how $1 million dollars of the donation will be spent.

2) Social Media  Raising awareness for breast cancer is just a click away.

• Text  – To stay informed and get updates about ways to get involved, text KOMEN to 6986
• Facebook
• Susan G. Komen for the Cure – Take a moment today to share what you would have missed if you (or someone you loved) didn’t get screened for breast cancer in time. Your story could help urge other women to get screened. Start sharing.
• Ford, “Warriors in Pink” – Simply “Like” the Ford Warriors in Pink facebook page during the month of October, and they will donate $1 to Susan G. Komen for the cure. 110 “Likes” generates $110 and will cover the cost of one mammogram. Tell your friends!
• Twitter
• Susan G. Komen Twibbon –  Show your support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month by adding a pink ribbon to your Twitter avatar.
• October 24 – Twitter Rally  – Join a world wide Twitter rally encouraging friends and family to make an appointment for their annual mammogram. Use hashtag #GetScreenedYet

3) Join a Race  The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is the world’s most successful charity event ever created. Participants honor those who’ve lost their battle with breast cancer, celebrate survivorship, and raise funds to support breast cancer prevention and research. Click here to sign up for a race today.

• Race for the Cure is a 5K run or fitness walk. The first race was organized in 1983, with 800 participants. Now there are more than 140 races per year and 1.6 million participants worldwide.
• 3-Day for the Cure is a 60 mile walk that raises millions of dollars for the breast cancer movement. Each day, walkers experience an outpouring of community support and, in the evenings, cheering volunteers welcome them to the portable tent city. There, they are treated to delicious meals, hot showers, and entertainment.
• Marathon for the Cure offers fitness enthusiasts the opportunity to raise funds for the fight against breast cancer while participating in some of the most elite distance events in the world. Runners or walkers can choose either a full or half marathon.

Whether grocery shopping for supporting products, spreading awareness through social media, or signing up for Race for the Cure, please join WOWPONS coupon app and Social Media outreach in supporting this important cause.

Habitat for Humanity and Social Media Outreach – Awareness Promoted by Z Mobile Ventures:

Habitat for Humanity Shines a Light on World Habitat Day
Recognizing that All People Have the Right to Adequate Shelter

Each year, the first Monday of October is designated World Habitat Day by the United Nations. It’s a time to reflect on the basic rights of people around the world to adequate shelter. Z Mobile Venturessupports Habitat for Humanity in their month-long effort to shine a spotlight on this important issue.

         

Statistics

• By the year 2030, about 40 percent of the world’s population will need access to housing. This translates into a demand for 96,150 new affordable units every day and 4,000 every hour. (UN-HABITAT: 2005)

• One out of every three city dwellers – nearly a billion people – lives in an area with a lack of water, lack of sanitation, overcrowding, and non-durable structures. That number is expected to double in the next 25 years. (UN-HABITAT: 2006)

• As much as 70 percent of the urban housing stock in sub-Saharan Africa, 50 percent in South Asia, and 25 percent in Latin America and the Caribbean is of poor quality and not in compliance with local regulations. (Kissick, et al: 2006)

Monday kicks off a month of Habitat for Humanity events meant to raise awareness of the global need for decent housing. Below is a sampling of opportunities available to show your support:

• ReStore Events – Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores accept donations of home improvement goods and sells them to the public at a fraction of the costs. The proceeds provide funding for Habitat’s community improvement work. In the first week of October, ReStores around the country will celebrate World Habitat Day in a variety of ways. There will be customer discounts, cookouts, documentary film screenings, and raffles. Contact your local ReStore about events in your community.
• Fundraisers – Each local Habitat for Humanity affiliate is independently run, working in partnership with Habitat for Humanity International. Each takes a varied approach to eliminating poverty housing, depending upon the needs of the community. Likewise, the many events planned this month also reflect this regional flavor. From Golf Outings, 5-K runs, and galas with silent auctions, to pledge supported hikes up Mount Holyoke, local Habitat chapters offer a variety of fundraising opportunities. Find one near you.
• Take Action: A Brush With Kindness – Across the country, Habitat for Humanity affiliates offer volunteers the chance to revitalize neighborhoods and connect with their communities thorough the A Brush with Kindness program. It’s a service for low-income homeowners who struggle to maintain the exterior of their homes. Volunteers paint, landscape, weather strip and do minor exterior repairs with donated materials. Habitat offers a no-interest loan to the homeowner to cover the cost of the project. Payments made by the homeowners are placed in a revolving fund to help others reclaim their homes with pride and dignity.

Help Social Media Outreach and Z Mobile Ventures spread awareness of World Habitat Day and the need for affordable housing. Contact you local Habitat for Humanity and get involved today.

American Red Cross Awareness Supported by Social Media Outreach

24 days and counting: Fires in Texas Continue to Burn
Thousands of Displaced Residents Still in Need of Assistance

A fire sparked on September 4th in Bastrop, Texas continues to burn 24 days later. The most destructive Texas wildfire on record, it has claimed 34,068 acres, 1,554 homes, and two lives. As of this writing, it is 98% contained.  In the early weeks of the disaster, donations poured in from across the country. However, assistance is still needed for thousands of displaced residents. Social Media Outreach promotes awareness of the American Red Cross and its efforts to provide relief to victims of disasters.

The American Red Cross is not a government agency. It depends on the financial support of the American public to respond to over 70,000 disasters each year. Your donation to the American Red Cross of Central Texas will directly support its response to the recent Texas fires. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. However, they do not collect personal items, food, or clothing. If you would like to donate these items, the following list will direct you to reputable organizations who partner with American Red Cross. Before you drop off, please contact the organization to confirm that they are still accepting donations.

• Food Donations
• Capital Area Food Bank, 8201 South Congress, Austin TX
• Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry, 806 Fayette, Bastrop, TX
• Giddings Food Pantry, (979) 540-6310, 190 North Harris, Giddings, TX
• Victory Christian Center, 7625 N I-35, Austin, TX – Baby food, water, non-perishable food items
• Clothing Donations
• Old Wind’s/Dollar General Store, 210 Main St, Smithville, TX
• Zion Church, Drop off Rundell Business Park, 704 Hwy 71 West, Bastrop TX
• St. Vincent de Paul South Congress Store, (512) 442-5652, 1327 South Congress Ave, Austin, TX
• St. Vincent de Paul Yager Collection Center, (512) 238-6737, 818 West Yager Ln, Austin, TX
• First Christian Church, 202 W San Antonio St, Lockhart, TX
• Food & Clothing Donations
• Dead Fish Grill, 2207 Lake Rd, Belton, TX
• Austin Disaster Relief Network
• Clothing & Furniture Donations
• Bits & Pieces Thrift Store, 4107 Hwy 71 East, Bastrop, (512) 332-0028.
• Appliances & Furniture Donations
• Victory Christian Center, 7625 N I-35, Austin, TX
• Housing Offers
• The American Red Cross is unable to facilitate the coordination of community members offering housing to evacuees. The American Red Cross cannot facilitate these offers because of the liability issues and also ensuring that evacuees receive the same equitable, quality care they get in a shelter.
• To offer housing, WWW.SPARKRELIEF.ORG

The people of Bastrop aren’t the only Texans affected by fire. According to the Texas Forest Service, firefighters have responded to 21,533 fires this year, with nearly 4,000,000 acres burned and 7,000 structures lost. With about 85 percent of Texas in the highest level of drought possible, counties across the state remain in danger. Re-post this acticle and join Social Media Outreach in raising awareness of the American Red Cross and their efforts to prepare for, and respond to, emergencies in your area.

Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center and Social Media Outreach Awareness Promoted by Rostin Ventures

Soaring Heat Challenges Those Most Vulnerable
Homeless in Texas: A Day in the Life of Jack

When you live in Texas, it’s a given: summers are hot and dry. However, the last few months of record temperatures have left even native Texans longing for relief. Most Americans have a hard enough time tying to imagine enduring 110 degree days, but consider the toll it takes on those who can’t afford air conditioning or a roof over their heads. 

As the heat continues to soar, communities across Texas are struggling to give much needed assistance to those who are most affected by the sweltering conditions. In Dallas, Oak Lawn Community Outreach Center offers financial assistance to those who need help paying their utilities. The City of Houston has designated more than a dozen cooling centers, where low-income and homeless residents can escape the extreme heat. Nonprofits in Austin are handing out bottled waters, hats and sunglasses to help stave off dehydration and severe sunburns. As helpful as these measures are, homeless Texans must use a variety of strategies to survive the summer.

A Day in the Life:  Jack M. is one out of roughly 79,000 people experiencing homelessness in Texas today. He’s a Vietnam Veteran who struggles with mental illness and has been homeless, off and on, for more than a decade. Every summer is challenging for Jack, but this year he is especially faithful to a routine that protects him from dehydration and heat-stroke.

He starts his day before dawn. Jack walks from his makeshift tent in a wooded area near the river to a busy intersection downtown. His sometimes debilitating mental illness makes it difficult for Jack to keep a consistent job. He misses the time when he could earn money as a day laborer, but those jobs go to younger, stronger men. Now he resorts to soliciting commuters on their way to work. In order for Jack to make it through the day he needs ten dollars.

After collecting enough to meet his basic needs, he buys breakfast and an all day bus pass. City buses are air conditioned and many drivers allow him to ride for hours to escape the heat. If it’s still bearable outside, he likes to go back to his camp to read in the shade. If not, he heads to one of the older city pools. Only three dollars buys him admission to a dressing room with a shower (where he can clean himself and his clothes), a cold water fountain, and a pool where he can float in the shade. After that, his evening routine consists of a dollar meal in a fast food restaurant and another long ride on the bus. He’s not sure if he can make it through another Texas summer, but doesn’t believe he has any other alternatives.

Jack is like many homeless people in America: 28% report they do not get enough to eat, 45% have mental health problems, and 45% also have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or cancer. Thankfully, civic and charitable programs across the state are working to protect this at-risk population. Rostin Ventures, Inc., through Social Media Outreach, promotes awareness of organizations who are doing their part to help those most in need this summer.

Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Social Media Outreach Awareness Promoted by WOWPONS Mobile Grocery Coupon App

Mammography: Often The Key to Early Detection, But is it Right for You?

Although mammography is considered to be the most effective breast cancer screening tool used today, its benefits vary depending on age and risk factor. And, for some women, mammography is not an appropriate choice at all. Through Social Media Outreach, the developers of WOWPONS grocery coupon app are helping Susan G. Komen educate women about early screening for breast cancer. The creators of WOWPONS understand that no two women are alike. They dress differently, shop differently, and come in all shapes and sizes. That’s why a cookie cutter approach to women’s health care isn’t the best route to take. To learn more about mammography, and whether or not it’s right for you, consider the following:

Mammography

• What is it?  For the majority of women, mammography is the best way to find breast cancer when it is most treatable. It uses X-rays to create an image of the breast and can detect early stage cancers, when they are too small to be felt by hand. Standard mammography stores these images on film, while digital mammography stores the images as computer files. Digital mammography is considered more accurate because the images can be manipulated on the computer. For instance, they can be lightened or darkened as needed. Sections of the image can also be enlarged for closer examination.

• The Procedure  To prepare for the exam, refrain from wearing perfumes, powders, lotions, or antiperspirants, as they can make mammograms more difficult to interpret. Also be aware that you will be asked to undress from the waist up, so dress accordingly. The screening only takes about 15 minutes, during which each breast is pressed between two plates so an X-ray image can be made. Two views of each breast are taken, one from top to bottom and the other from side to side.  Mammograms can be uncomfortable, but usually only for a few seconds. Taking a mild pain reliever an hour before the exam can help.

• Is it Right for You?  Because Mammography is so effective, Susan G. Komen for the Cure recommends all women of average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every year, starting at the age of 40. However, women at higher risk should be tested differently and for some, mammograms are not appropriate at all. Women at high risk include those who’ve had breast or certain other cancers previously, women with a strong family history of breast cancer or who’ve tested positive for certain genetic mutations, and women who received radiation treatment to the chest at a young age. If you believe you may be at high risk for breast cancer, follow this link to find the best screening method for you: Recommendations for Women at Higher Risk

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is dedicated to educating women about the causes, treatments, and prevention of breast cancer. Help WOWPONS and Social Media Outreach raise awareness of this amazing organization, and others like it, by joining the cause on Facebook.