Compete September 2017

BOSTON

UNCOMMON 2017 GAY BOWL JACK MACKENROTH

Football TWINS!

SPEAKS OUT

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MAKE LGBTQ+ HISTORY GET READY TO RODEO

SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOL. 11 NO. 9 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

TRAINING TOMORROW'S LEADERS TODAY

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

TM

WWW.SPORTSDIVERSITYLEADERS.COM SPORTS DIVERSITY LEADERSHIP COUNCIL IS A TRADEMARK OF MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC

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16 SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOL. 11 NO. 9 COMPETENETWORK.COM ONE-ON-ONE 16 Face Off With Jack Mackenroth FEATURE 18 Competition, Connections and Unity: The NGFFL Gay Bowl XVII

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MVP 24 Adam Vavrek ATHLETES 30 The Milan Twins: Double Your Teammates, Double Your Fun

32 34

SPORTS 32 The Rodeo’s Coming to Town 34 The Boys of Portland Swinging for the Fence HEALTH

36 Your Jello Brain

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46 38

FITNESS 38 Newton’s “Laws” of Injury Prevention EVENTS 44 September Events STYLE

46 Wellness Trends Can be Stylish

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COVER ATHLETE: BOSTON

UNCOMMON 2017 GAY BOWL JACK MACKENROTH

Football TWINS!

SPEAKS OUT

Cover Athlete – Adam Vavrek Sport – Flag Football Photographer – Patrick Lentz Photography & Design

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS MAKE LGBTQ+ HISTORY GET READY TO RODEO

SEPTEMBER 2017 • VOL. 11 NO. 9 $3.95 • COMPETENETWORK.COM

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FROM THE GAY BOWL DIRECTORS

W

GAY BOWL XVII BOSTON – HISTORY IN THE MAKING!

elcome to Beantown! On behalf of Boston’s FLAG (Friends Lesbians and Gays) Flag Football community we are excited to be the first to welcome you to our home town. Our league embraces anyone who wants to play, regardless of skill level; it’s a community that gives back because the more you give, the more you receive. That belief is ingrained in everything that we do – it’s the core of our vision: “Tackling stereotypes, building community and transforming lives through sport for the LGBTQ and ally community.”

Our city prides itself on being a leader (we were first in marriage equality) and now Boston is the first city to have all its professional sports teams recognize the value and importance of Gay Bowl and its athletes. We were ecstatic to announce that the New England Patriots joined our long-term partner, Planet Fitness as presenting sponsors of Gay Bowl XVII. Their support was a huge help in taking our message to the Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Revolution who all, without hesitation jumped in.

The Patriots recognized that our vision mirrors their belief in LGBTQ inclusiveness, including marriage equality. The Patriots have been engaged with us throughout the planning process and we are confident we will continue working with them in the future. And the Red Sox honored us during pride and had our committee at the mound while the first pitch was thrown at their official Pride Night at Fenway.

We sincerely thank all our sponsors, committee members, volunteers, friends and family for your support. We could not have done this without you. And a special thank you to our presenting sponsors Planet Fitness and the New England Patriots; your support of this tournament is truly a game changer. Most importantly, we want to thank all the athletes, referees and their friends and families for making the trip to participate in what we believe will be an historic event for LGBTQ sports. There would not be a tournament without you. We can’t wait for kick off!

Yours in sport,

Danny and Dave DIRECTORS, 2017 GAY BOWL XVII

Gay Bowl Directors Dave Hamilton (L) and Danny Tyrrell (R) Photographer: Patrick Lentz Photography & Design

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THE CATBIRD SEAT: FROM THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

KICKING OFF A NEW SEASON, A NEW LOOK

A NEW OUTLOOK!

T

he NFL football season (my personal favorite) has begun and we kick off this issue with the story of the National Gay Flag Football League’s (NGFFL) 17th Annual Gay Bowl AND one of their presenting sponsors – the New England Patriots! And wait until you hear who some of their other sponsors are. Trust me – this is one story you won’t want to miss. It appears that sports diversity has taken a huge leap forward.

Our latest photo shoot captures the multiple great looks of Boston flag football player Adam Vavrek for our cover and MVP feature. Also highlighting the city of Boston is a great story about the Milan twins who play for the same team but don’t belong to the same team. Curious? You’ll have to read the story of Boston’s FLAG Flag Football team, the Hancocks and how they’ve doubled their teammates and doubled their fun with the Milans.

Falling in line with our football theme is Dr. Sutherland’s jello brain experiment for his health column. Not only do you get solid medical information, you might just become the hit of this year’s Halloween party circuit. And in fitness our columnist offers advice on how to prevent sports injuries à la Sir Isaac Newton’s laws of motion.

We are also kicking off a new look for Compete that we hope you’ll enjoy as much as all of us at Compete. As you look through its pages, you’ll find that this issue includes some of your current favorites as well as some new and updated items to interest you. Let us know what you think; we’d love to hear from you.

As the sports diversity movement continues to expand, giving closeted athletes at every level of play the courage to finally come out, there is a renewed spirit of hope in the air. It offers all of us a new outlook on sports as a vehicle of positive change for inclusion, diversity and equality not only in sports but in every area of life. And we LOVE that; after all, Compete’s mission is “To unite the world through sports.” I’d like to personally invite you to join us in making that happen.

And on a similar note, I'd also like to invite you to attend our 2017 Compete Sports Diversity Awards on November 10 in Kansas City, Missouri. I really hope you can join us for our 8th Annual Petey Awards (and if you don't know what Petey stands for, you definitely need to be there!).

Keep Smiling,

Connie Wardman, M.A., SDL Editor-in-Chief connie@competenetwork.com @CompeteConnie

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COMPETE EDITORS SPORTS EDITOR David "Dirk" Smith With a B.S. in exercise science and nutrition from MSU Denver, David is ACSM, AFAA and AFPAIcertified and a medalwinning swimmer who conquered obesity by losing over 50 pounds.

HEALTH EDITOR Dr. John Sutherland A graduate of Harvard and the University of Michigan Medical School, Dr. John Sutherland is a board certified internist and cardiologist and the founder of the North Mountain Cardio programs for health and well-being.

STYLE EDITOR Bobby Ciletti A graduate of Boston University, Bobby is a lifestyle and travel expert and founder of TheDaysoftheChic.com, an online destination for simply elegant living.

Twitter @bobbyciletti MISSION STATEMENT Compete unites the world through sports.

COMPETENETWORK.COM

FACEBOOK.COM/COMPETEMAG

@COMPETESPORTS

COMPETE MAGAZINE

PUBLISHER Eric Carlyle • eric@competenetwork.com COMPETE MAGAZINE Editor-in-Chief Connie Wardman • connie@competenetwork.com Sports Editor Dirk Smith • davids@competenetwork.com Health Editor Dr. John Sutherland • johns@competenetwork.com Style Editor Bobby Ciletti • bobby@competenetwork.com Art Director Heather Brown • heather@competenetwork.com Graphic Designer Kristi Wayland • kristi@competenetwork.com Contributors Harry Andrew, Ian Colgate, Jeff Kagan, Kelli Kulick, Miriam Latto, Bryan Lee, Brian Patrick, Jeff Sloan.

Jake Tommerup and Andy Winder Staff Photographer Ariel Stevens • ariel@competenetwork.com COO Barbara Harwell • barbara@competenetwork.com Sales Gale Fitzgerald • gale@competenetwork.com Jared Garduno • jared@competenetwork.com Richard Myers • richard@competenetwork.com Administration Bethany Harvat • bethany@competenetwork.com Copyright © 2017 MEDIA OUT LOUD, LLC All Rights Reserved.

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Compete is available by subscription, online, on the Compete app, at local and national events and at 250+ pick up locations nationwide.

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HIGH FIVE

HIGH FIVE

C

Celebrating Sports Diversity ompete Magazine each month salutes the people, organizations and businesses that are supporting diversity, inclusion and equality in sports.

1. The professional athletes who have shown ongoing support for

transgender athletes in Texas by speaking out against the now-failed Texas version of the bathroom bill; they included ally Emmitt Smith, retired NFL running back and LGBTQ athletes Layshia Clarendon, WNBA guard for the Atlanta Dream; Brittney Griner, WNBA center for the Phoenix Mercury; Megan Rapinoe, MLS midfielder/winger for the Seattle Reigh; Jason Collins, retired NBA center; and Chris Mosier, trans triathlete and member of Team USA.

2. Additional kudos go to Griner for donating $5,000 she earned for

winning the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award to the Phoenix one-in-ten center for LGBTQ youth following an arson fire.

3.

The NFL for the launch of “NFL Pride,” its LGBTQ affinity group. Created by the league’s Diversity Council and led by NFL employees John Cora and Michael Castor, it joins the league’s other affinity groups: the Women’s Interactive Network, Black Engagement Network and Community Teammates.

4. Katie Sowers for becoming only the second woman to be hired as

a full-time assistant coach by an NFL team, the San Francisco 49ers.

She then announced that she was a lesbian and praised the 49ers and the Atlanta Falcons, where she previoulsy interned, for making her feel welcome.

5.Kurt Warner, newly enshrined NFL Hall of Famer hailed as the

GOAT (greatest of all time) of perseverance, for showing athletes (and non-athletes) everywhere that your dream really can come true if you believe in yourself enough to never give up.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “The more we can create an environment that welcomes all types of people, no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, the more we can help ease the pain and burden that many carry every day."

– KATIE SOWERS, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS ASSISTANT COACH

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COMPETE READER SURVEY & GRANDSTANDING

FAVORITE TAILGATING FOOD

LETTERS to COMPETE GRANDSTANDING

Burgers

40%

Dogs

25%

Chicken

25%

Ribs

10%

GSWS Hits a Home Run (August 2017) I was drawn to the August issue of Compete by the hot cover. The model is amazing. But what I really enjoyed was the article featuring 40 years of the Gay Softball World Series. It is amazing to see a group so devoted to their sport that 40 years later they are going stronger than ever before.

Patty Lane Los Angeles Olympic Endeavor (August 2017) Great to see the Olympic Channel covering such an important topic by airing “Identify.” While I am not a transgender individual, I am a member of the LGBTQ community and totally “identify” with the athletes profiled in this documentary.

En Chang Orlando, FL

Please submit all Letters to Compete via email to letters@competenetwork.com.

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ONE-ON-ONE

FACE OFF WITH JACK MACKENROTH

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

J

Photo courtesy of Jack Mackenroth

ack Mackenroth has a multitude of talents and accomplishments that include his athletic ability as a medalwinning masters-level swimmer, a recognized fashion designer, fashion and fitness model, radio and television personality, business owner and HIV activist. Any of these alone would be significant. But together, they create the picture of a true champion, a fact that made him Compete’s 2012 Athlete of the Year. What enables him to be such a positive role model for so many, however, is his courage to be open about who he is – to share with the world the fact that he is a gay man who is HIV-positive. And his visible support for the LGBTQ community has also turned him into a primo fundraiser for many worthy LGBTQ causes.

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$56k

BRAKING AIDS® Ride is a three day, 285-mile, fully supported bike ride from Boston to New York.

As a first year BRAKING AIDS® rider in 2014, Jack personally raised $56,000

This year Jack is back with an even larger personal fundraising goal; it’s now upped to $75,000 for Housing Works.

Proceeds benefit Housing Works, a New York organization that works to end the dual crises of HIV/AIDS and homelessness.

For another year Jack is raising money for the BRAKING AIDS® Ride, a three day, 285-mile, fully supported bike ride from Boston to New York. Proceeds benefit Housing Works, a New York organization that works to end the dual crises of HIV/AIDS and homelessness. A powerful advocate for the HIV/AIDS community, Jack is determined to break the stigma of the disease and the fear it triggers in those unfamiliar with it and its new treatments. Those fears create barriers for HIV/AIDS patients in every area of life – from basic needs like housing and healthcare to being able to be honest and open when in a relationship.

As a first year BRAKING AIDS® rider in 2014, Jack personally raised $56,000 – the official goal per rider is $3,500. In an innovative guerilla marketing campaign, he used his chiseled body as a billboard, “selling” personalized semi-nude selfies for donations over $250.

Tagging the name, business, website or social media handle of any major donor, he posted photos on all his social media outlets; the larger the donation, the more provocative the ad placement became. In a day when so many are ashamed of their bodies, Jack is unabashedly sex-positive, body positive and confident – and with a twinkle in his eye, his bold and shameless attitude is irresistible.

This year Jack is back with an even larger personal fundraising goal; it’s now upped to $75,000 for Housing Works. To put that number into perspective, $75,000 can provide three months of primary care services for 300 low-income New Yorkers, two years of hot meals for HIV-positive clients in need and twenty-five computer workstations for HIV-positive job trainees. And that’s just

Jack is also fielding another team of like-minded individuals called “The Mack Pack,” and his team-building philosophy is simple: More is More.

Jack’s personal fundraising.

Jack is also fielding another team of like-minded (and bodied) individuals called “The Mack Pack,” and his team-building philosophy is simple: More is More.

The 2014 Mack Pack raised almost $200,000. In true Jack fashion, he’s aiming even higher this go-round. He’s already secured $10,000 in sponsorship from HORNET, a gay social app that promises users a community built around shared experience and common interests.

Riders of all levels are welcome to join The Mack Pack, which promises to be an exciting, dynamic and supportive team. Jack supports the group by providing fundraising tips, training rides and lots of energy to keep riders going strong throughout the event. In 2014 he made his team 21 red tutus for day two of the ride known as “Red Dress Day.” Noting today’s negative political climate, Jack says that “doing the ride is a great way to feel like you are making a real difference when you feel powerless.”

Jack is one of the lucky survivors of the horrific HIV/ AIDS outbreak of the late 1980s that by 1993 had infected over 200,000 individuals. When he was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1989 at age 20, his life expectancy was two or three years at best – ultimately, it was a death sentence. He saw first-hand how organizations such as Housing Works provided critical care, resources and hope to the LGBTQ community when those things were scarce.

The fact that he has outlived his predicted death for the past 28 years has turned him into one of the most visible and committed advocates for HIV testing and treatment, and for eliminating the stigma attached to being HIVpositive. To contact Jack directly on social media, go to @jackmackenroth.

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FEATURE

COMPETITION, CONNECTIONS and UNITY: NGFFL GAY BOWL XVII

BY ANDY WINDER

Y

ou never forget your first Gay Bowl. Shigeo Iwamiya, a current director of the National Gay Flag Football League (NGFFL) and liaison to the Gay Bowl, first stepped in during Gay Bowl XIII held in Phoenix, Arizona. Iwamiya, who then served as captain’s director for the New York Warriors branch of the NGFFL, remembered promising his team that they would win the B-Division title: a prediction which, “sure enough,” came true with a final score of 7-0.

“From my first Gay Bowl experience, I was completely hooked,” said Iwamiya, “and I never looked back from that moment.”

Boston, Massachusetts is hosting Gay Bowl XVII from October 5-8, a national LGBTQ flag football tournament held by the NGFFL every Columbus Day weekend. Since its inaugural competition in 2002, every Gay Bowl is a time for LGBTQ players and allies alike to play ball with passion, show plenty of team pride and enjoy the camaraderie a gay sporting event like this brings with it.

Thanks to its inclusionary player policy, no matter how they identify or who they love, the Gay Bowl’s atmosphere captures the essence of other athletic tournaments but still remains unique in important ways. According to current NGFFL commissioner Thurman Williams, the Gay Bowl’s spirit can be summarized by three things: “competition, connections and unity.”

“Competition that seeks to bring the highest level of sports enthusiasts together who are of like minds with a passion for the game and connections that speak to the impact of NGFFL on moments that matter most,” he concluded. Williams described the unity he’d seen present at every Bowl Game,

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saying “We promote inclusion, respect and judge not. We support our brothers and sisters, motivating and inspiring one another as well as giving back more than we take.”

For various reasons, not all LGBTQ athletes felt comfortable enough to play on their high school football teams as a teen. Or if they did, their teams might not have fostered a safe enough environment for these athletes to openly express themselves. The Gay Bowl offers an opportunity for all players to receive the respect they deserve without worrying about league and individual team or player hostility.

But this understanding atmosphere doesn’t mean that teams hold back from giving it their all. Jared Garduno described the tournament as inclusive with a healthy dose of friendly competition. To NGFFL players across the country, the Gay Bowl is the central event that

their team prepares for all year long. Winning the Bowl is a great accomplishment. Players in every division – the Women’s Division, A-Division, B-Division and the newlyadded C-division all aim to win but they also play a game their teams can be proud of.

“Depending on the skill level of the team, there is always a good competitor that matches that skill level at the tournament,” said Iwamiya. “No one wants to lose a game 49-0 so it’s nice to be able to compete with fellow athletes in a way that showcases both of their talents, no matter what their skill levels are.”

It is an inspiring time to see professional leagues show their encouragement for LGBTQ athletics, particularly when it comes through sponsorship of the Gay Bowl. Teams connected to the Walking City (including the Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox) are sponsoring the Gay Bowl XVII alongside the New England Revolution.. “We are absolutely grateful for what all of Boston's professional teams are doing to support the Gay Bowl,” Williams said, “and we’re optimistic that this could be a partnership that creates value ... as we move the event from city-to-city.”

In previous years, the Gay Bowl received ceremonial contributions from the NFL (including a player initiating

Photo credits: Austin Capitals, NGFFL B Division Gay Bowl winner for 2016 Photographer, Amy Torres

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FEATURE

2017

IS THE FIRST YEAR THAT AN NFL TEAM, THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, HAS SPONSORED THE GAY BOWL. the Boston Gay Bowl coin toss in 2003) but has never received monetary donations until now. Those involved in the Gay Bowl hope that this signals a growing respect for LGBTQ sports and a connection between all athletes, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

The Patriots’ sponsorship is more than just a financial boost for this year’s Gay Bowl. It is also a rekindled hope that queer athletes are welcome in all organized sports. “For a team like the Patriots to come out and sponsor the Gay Bowl is pretty big ...,” Iwamiya said. “In many times in history it is the people in the majority who come out in support who give the power and voice to the folks who don’t have power. It’s that moment there all over again when a team like the Patriots comes out in support of an LGBTQ sports event.”

NATHAN LATKA

As for how the sponsorship money will enhance this year’s competition, the Patriots’ donation will definitely lighten the financial burden of running an athletic event. Securing a field or stadium, paying medical staff, organizing activities and donating a starter fund to next year’s host city can cost upwards of one hundred thousand dollars. This donation, along with additional funds raised will provide “the opportunity to not just make [the Gay Bowl] good,” Williams hopes, “but the best.”

Every Gay Bowl is a reflection of the host city and the NGFFL league. All money raised goes toward the

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THIS YEAR’S CEREMONIES WILL BE “VERY BOSTONIAN.” This year, Beantown plans to “elevate the experience and create a challenge for Denver [next year’s host city],” just as Washington, D.C. did the year before.

RUSTAN VALINO

competition and the community. A portion of the money will also go to a charity chosen by Boston, a way that the host city gives back to its own community every year.

Ultimately, the Patriots’ donation will aid in financing all of the best Gay Bowl events along with other sponsors pledged to the cause. “The Patriots can’t single handedly make this happen,” Iwamiya noted, “so amazing partners like Planet Fitness … come out and made generous contributions to make this work for Gay Bowl XVII.” Iwamiya, Garduno and Williams all agreed that the opening and closing ceremonies of each Gay Bowl are a highlight of the tournament. It is a way for the host city to express itself and make its year memorable for everyone attending. And according to Williams, this year’s ceremonies will be “very Bostonian.” This year, Beantown plans to “elevate the experience and create a challenge for Denver [next year’s host city],” just as Washington, D.C. did the year before.

Although those involved were careful not to spoil the surprise, this year’s ceremonies will include announcing initial tournament brackets, inducting new Hall of Fame members and unveiling a special music video courtesy of the NGFFL “Boston Boys.” After Gay Bowl XVII comes to a close, said Iwamiya, it’s back to planning once more and “shifting our attention to Denver for XVIII.” Although the competition has evolved over time, adding new divisions and making other changes as needed, its core messages of tolerance and inclusion remain the KEITH LIESCHESKI

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FEATURE same. Whether this is your first or seventeenth Gay Bowl, whether you come to play or cheer the teams on and whether you identify as LGBTQ or as an ally, you are welcome at Gay Bowl XVII.

BEST of LUCK TO ALL THOSE COMPETING IN OCTOBER. HERE’S TO A GAY BOWL THAT WILL GO DOWN IN FLAG FOOTBALL HISTORY!

CHIP HOUSE

ANDY WINDER Andy Winder is passionate about LGBTQ advocacy and spreading awareness for supportive organizations. When not writing, he enjoys hiking among the mountains and other natural wonders of Northern Utah.

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ASANAseries.org September 16th - 23rd, 2018 LOGO & AD DESIGNED BY:

MVP: SEPTEMBER 2017

TEAM COMPETE MVP:

ADAM VAVREK

Photos by: Patrick Lentz Photography & Design

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HOMETOWN: Midland, Texas.

CURRENT RESIDENCE: Boston, Massachusetts.

AGE: 32 CURRENT SPORT(S) PLAYED: Flag Football.

RELATIONSHIP STATUS: Single.

FAVORITE ATHLETE: G ronk (football) and Venus Williams (tennis).

FAVORITE TEAM: Patriots (sponsors of this year’s Gay Bowl XVII!) INTERESTS/HOBBIES: T ennis, traveling, volunteering, digital marketing.

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MVP: SEPTEMBER 2017 WHY YOU LOVE SPORTS: I love sports because it brings people together. It has created a lot of opportunities for me and introduced me to people I normally wouldn’t have met.

HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INVOLVED IN SPORTS: My mom encouraged my twin brother and me to get out of the house and stop playing so many video games.

OTHER SPORTS PLAYED: Tennis, softball, beer pong.

WHAT’S YOUR DAY JOB: Director of marketing at a content marketing startup.

GREATEST PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENTS: Valedictorian of high school; raised money to volunteer for two weeks in Tanzania; surviving growing up in conservative West Texas.

GREATEST ATHLETIC ACHIEVEMENTS: Volunteer of the year in 2016 for Boston’s FLAG Flag Football league; ranked in Texas in high school tennis.

BEST PHYSICAL FEATURE: Smile.

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WHAT’S YOUR PERSONAL STORY? Tell us something about you, what interactions you have had with the sports community, LGBTQ community, etc : As a teen, sports was merely a way to get out of the house and stay active. I learned it meant more in my life a few years later when I moved to Boston in 2010. In Boston I only knew a handful of people and had a tough time making new friends. A friend suggested I join the flag football league, where I instantly made friends and felt part of a tight-knit community.

I fractured my skull in four places competing in a national tournament a couple years ago. It was a very difficult time and many people wonder why I still play flag football after going through such a traumatic event. What I say to them is this – the sport has given me so much and continues to do so; it’s one of my outlets, something that brings me joy, something I look forward to week-after-week. I’ve met best friends, boyfriends and made lifelong connections through the league. It doesn’t make sense for me to stop doing something that brings me so much happiness.

IF GIVEN THE CHANCE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL/ TEACH YOUR YOUNGER SELF? And/or is there anything you hope to teach the younger generation that may be looking up to you? I wasted a lot of time being concerned with what others thought of me, therefore not pursuing what I was truly interested in. If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be to do what makes you happy and feel complete.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS? Eventually, to raise a family with happy and healthy children; lead a highly successful marketing team; run a local nonprofit. And of course, win a national flag football championship.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ABOUT THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY’S INCLUSION IN SPORTS DIVERSITY? I think it’s a great way of breaking down barriers and building a strong community. I think there are certain preconceived notions about gay people that no longer exist as more top athletes come out of the closet.

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ATHLETE

DOUBLE TROUBLE: GAY and STRAIGHT MILAN TWINS COMPETING IN HOMETOWN GAY BOWL

BY DIRK SMITH

I

f you haven’t already seen the publicity, the 2017 Gay Bowl is going to be quite a big deal!

The Gay Bowl, an annual event informally dubbed the “Super Bowl of Gay Flag Football” is the flagship event of the NGFFL (National Gay Flag Football League). But it’s not new; it’s their 17th Gay Bowl since the tournament began in 2002. And Boston is hosting the event for the second time this year.

But what makes this event more remarkable is the sponsorship from Boston’s professional sports teams. For the first time in the history of LGBTQ+ sports, a professional sports team is publicly sponsoring an LGBTQ+ sporting event.

Hold the phone, though; it’s not just one professional sports team, it’s all five. With the New England Patriots (NFL) taking the lead as a presenting sponsor, the Boston Red Sox (MLB), the Boston Bruins (NHL), the Boston Celtics (NBA) and the New England Revolution (MLS) are all bronzelevel sponsors for the 2017 Gay Bowl!

The significance of this year’s Gay Bowl has not been lost on the Milan brothers, twins born and raised in Boston who have been preparing to compete at this year’s event. We caught up with them and they have quite their own story to tell.

You

see,

while

they

both

play

on the “same team,” they don’t necessarily

play

for

the

“same

team.” Translation? One is gay and the other one is straight.

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Patrick Lentz Photography & Design

Twins Shane and Austin Milan are also teammates on the “Hancocks,” their team that is part of FLAG (Friends, Lesbians and Gays) Flag Football, Boston’s inclusive flag football league that is hosting the 2017 Gay Bowl. The Milan’s background in football goes all the way back to playing tackle football in high school and being part of an intramural flag football league in college. The brothers explained that: “As a twin, we grew up constantly competing with and against each other. People are always comparing the two of you in everything you do; academics, athletics, etc., so we always fought to be better than each other. I think that it really helped us bring out the best in each other, and I'm happy that we get to do it again.”-Shane Milan (It was easy to see the twin in each brother come out since they answered my question almost exactly the same, despite separate interviews.)

Shane was the first brother to get involved with FLAG at the encouragement of a friend and co-worker.

Shortly after returning to Boston for a new job he quickly found himself embraced in the welcoming camaraderie and community of the LGBTQ+ Flag Football League of Boston. For the first year Shane was involved with the league, Austin would often attend his brother’s games as a spectator and athletic supporter or, as he puts it: “I had gone to a few of his games to see him in action and find out why he was so excited to be playing. He encouraged me to join and that following spring we played on the same team together in my first season.”Austin Milan Gay Bowl 2017 is Shane’s fourth season and third major tournament while Austin’s third season and first tournament with FLAG. As a straight man playing for a predominantly LGBTQ+ league, Austin had this to say about his experience: “Having played in other organized leagues I can say that FLAG is rivaled by few in terms of inclusiveness, community pride and level of competition.”- Austin Milan There is something to be said about the high level of competition and PRIDE that LGBTQ+ sports teams and leagues have in common, something found across all sports. FLAG Flag Football signifies this in their moniker, “Friends, Lesbians and Gays.” It represents the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere found not only in FLAG, it also represents that for all LGBTQ+ sports. With this attitude

as a foundation, the Milan twins and other athletes can practice, train and play to their full potential as athletes and achieve their personal best for their teams at Gay Bowl 2017.

“I know The Hancocks, the team my brother and I play for has shown a new level of dedication this year.

There are a lot of great teams in this year's field but we think we have what it takes to win it all. And we can't wait to have the opportunity to prove it on the field.”Shane Milan With the gauntlet already thrown down, the 2017 Gay Bowl being held October 5-8 in Boston is certainly going to be one to keep up with as the athletes and teams head there ready to compete for the glory of winning this latest Gay Bowl. And big kudos go to the organizing committee who brought the Gay Bowl to Boston this year and also managed to get all five major professional sports teams in the city as sponsors. They have certainly set the stage for an amazing tournament.

But on a higher level they are also paving the way for the future of LGBTQ+ sports by organizing a high quality, competitive, inclusive and fun tournament that is going to set the bar high for all events to follow. With the recognition coming from multiple professional sports leagues, it gives LGBTQ+ sports and its athletes the visibility that both have always deserved.

Be sure to follow FLAG and Gay Bowl 2017 on social media; you can find their handles at www.gaybowl.org.

www.CompeteNetwork.com

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SPORTS EVENT SCHEDULE Thursday 10/19 Kick-Off Party - TBD

Friday 10/20 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.: Arena Set-Up Noon: Royalty Competition 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Registration 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.: Entertainment 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.: Opening Ceremonies 7:30 p.m. - 11 p.m. Royalty Competition Saturday 10/21 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Rodeo Competition Day 1 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.: Evening Entertainment

GET READY to RODEO

BY IAN COLGATE

Photos courtesy of Frank Harrell

I

f you’ve never been to a rodeo this is your chance to visit Albuquerque, New Mexico and experience a taste of the Old West done rodeo-style. October 20-22 marks the 31st anniversary of the World Gay Rodeo Finals (WGRF) and it will bring rodeo contestants from throughout the U.S. and Canada to show what they’re made of at this signature event of the International Gay Rodeo Association (IGRA), the sanctioning body for all LGBTQ rodeos.

Contestants have already been earning points since last year’s WGRF in local and regional IGRA-sanctioned events to earn a right to qualify for participation in this year’s WGRF. The rodeo events include the standard calf and team roping, horse barrel racing, flag racing and pole bending as well as the rough stock events, like bull riding, steer riding, bronc riding and steer wrestling.

But what makes the WGRF so much fun are the three special “camp” events; they are always huge crowd favorites.

They include steer decorating, goat dressing and the amazing and funny wild drag race in which a team of three try to get a fully costumed “drag” queen mounted on the back of a bucking steer.

If you have never seen someone decorate a steer, dress a goat or take part in the hilarious and unpredictable wild drag race, now is your chance – you won’t want to miss it!

Since only the “best of the best” are invited to compete

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Sunday 10/22 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.: Rodeo Competition Day 2 7:00 p.m. - Midnight: Banquet and Awards Dance in the WGRF, you can be sure that this year’s event will surely impress all the fulltime and recreational cowboys and cowgirls in attendance as well as those fans new to the sport. And if you should just happen to catch the rodeo fever while you’re there and want to be part of it, IGRA holds regular rodeo schools throughout the countries to teach proper safety skills and animal care. While they want you to learn how to stay safe while having fun, the teaching of proper animal care is also an important mission for IGRA members since so few people actually live on farms and ranches today.

Although the first Gay Rodeo was held in Reno, Nevada in 1976, it wasn’t until 1985 that IGRA was formed, thanks to the cooperation of gay rodeo associations in Colorado, Texas, California, Arizona and Oklahoma. So from its founding, IGRA’s mission has included collaboration with member associations in raising money for charities in their communities each year. To date, member associations have raised over $2 million for a diverse array of charitable organizations. But the organization has also kept up with the times and is very ally-welcoming.

Everyone is welcome at the rodeo!

To learn more about IGRA and its World Gay Rodeo Finals, please visit www.igra-wgrf.com.

SPORTS

BOYS of PORTLAND

W

BY CONNIE WARDMAN

hile the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance (NAGAAA) celebrates its 40th anniversary as an international LGBTQ and ally-friendly organization this year, from September 4-10 LGBTQ and ally softball players will be celebrating 41 years of love, family and gay softball provided by NAGAAA’s iconic Gay Softball World Series (GSWS).

A highlight of the 10-day event will be the induction of the 2107 Hall of Fame Class that includes: Tim Bias, Portland; DebraJean Lowrey, Dallas; Warren Mitchell, Boston; Brian Redar, Chicago; Larry Ruiz, Los Angeles; Chuck Saylor, Memphis; Dug Sharpe, Seattle; Tony Timmons, Los Angeles; Rick Twomey, Boston/ Los Angeles/San Francisco and Gary Vien, Chicago.

Congratulations to all of you!

Being played this year in Portland, Oregon, host for this year’s GSWS is the Rose City Softball Association (RCSA). Enjoy this preview of some of the Boys of Portland who will be playing their hearts out for a win.

Photos courtesy of NAGAAA Archives

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HEALTH

T

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU'RE DROPPED on Your HEAD Q: I f

BY DR. JOHN SUTHERLAND

you Google "jello molds," what happens?

A: Google returns 1,320,000 entries.

You can buy the "Fun World Brain Jello Mold," for example on Amazon Prime for $5.60. A box of Jell-O, the registered brand of Kraft Foods, costs about $1.25. Given today's prices, brains made of jello are a genuine bargain.

Personally, I'd guess that market demand for jello brain molds is being driven by people planning to host zombie-themed Halloween parties. But in the spirit of finding new uses for a brain made of jello, I propose the following thought experiment:

1. Buy some jello. (Feel free to pick your favorite flavor.)

2. Prepare the jello and fill the mold. Chill.

3. When the jello has set, unmold your brain onto a plate.

4. Cover the jello brain with a loose fitting plastic bowl.

5. Pick up the plate and bowl and hold them firmly while shaking them briskly from side-to-side.

6.

Remove the bowl and survey the devastation.

Voila! Your jello brain has just suffered a concussion.

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echnically, a concussion is "a self-limiting accelerationinduced traumatic brain injury." Because concussions are inadvertent events, we'd have to remain immobile for a lifetime to avoid risk – and we still couldn't exclude the possibility of someone or something crashing into us. In fact, as the 2017 Concussion in Sport Group Consensus Statement acknowledged, "There is minimal evidence to support individual injury-prevention strategies addressing intrinsic risk factors for sports-related concussion."

Since I can't offer a foolproof way to avoid concussions, what I hope to do instead is to offer some understanding of and a healthy respect for what a concussion actually means in terms of our brains' functioning.

I created the messy thought experiment above because: 1. the human brain has a consistency similar to that of jello, and 2. the inertial forces produced by shaking a bowl of jello would act in the same way on abruptly decelerating brain tissue.

But jello sets up as a homogeneous if wobbly solid while our brains are inhomogeneous organs made of millions of individual cells. What my smashed jello brain demonstration can't show us is the intracellular havoc that accompanies a concussion.

The ugly reality is that with a concussion, the axons of our brain cells literally have the stuffing knocked out of them. Cellular sodium, potassium and calcium channels suddenly leak like sieves, and the resulting flood of unencumbered charged particles initiates huge amounts of random brain cell firing. This is followed by depressed brain cell activity as brain cells short-circuit and the conduction of electrical impulses in the brain starts to fail.

Ordinarily, our brains are able to re-establish the correct balance of intracellular charged particles, but that process requires lots of energy. The swelling of the brain that occurs during a concussion causes blood flow inside the brain to decrease instead. As a result, our brain cells become starved for fuel at just the time their energy requirements are increasing.

Concussion symptoms – headaches, dizziness, drowsiness, "brain fog" and such – are non-specific. The concussee knows that something isn't right but he's unlikely to suspect just how widespread the degree of brain discombobulation is. Brain cell dysfunction will be patchy, and symptoms accordingly variable. Athletes may not even be aware of their deficits or of the extent of mayhem happening inside their heads.

Ultimately, the expectation is that our brain cells will eventually return to normal function. Since the repair process depends on events in each individual cell, patterns of recovery are often uneven.

But just how uneven? In 1928, JAMA, the Journal of the American Medical Association published a paper entitled “Punch Drunk.” The author wrote, "I am of the opinion that in punch drunk there is a very definite brain injury due to single or repeated blows to the head." It took another 90 years before full descriptions of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) started to be published.

My intended message this month is simple: a concussion is the result of having our brains knocked apart – literally. Please – take these injuries seriously.

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FITNESS

ISAAC NEWTON: FOOTBALL COACH

BY JAKE TOMMERUP, M.S.

A

h, September – a happy month that brings us lower temperatures, harvests' bounties and football. And if football comes, can footballrelated injuries be far behind?

Were he still here, Sir Isaac Newton would be 374 years old AND he would tell us that football is a game of accelerations and decelerations. This is the root cause of many injuries seen on the field, including the concussions that are the sport's current bête noire. But aren't football plays specifically designed to apply an external force to a body (usually someone else's) in motion? So what can a player do to avoid some of the unwanted consequences of Newton's laws?

There are a few core principles that apply to the prevention of all sports injuries. The first of these is that training for any sport is a year-round process. Deciding that we'll "get in shape" just before it's time to start playing and then slack off the rest of the year is a formula that increases the likelihood of injury.

A second basic point is that we should make our training season-specific. For practical purposes, it's useful to think in terms of off-season, pre-season and in-season training (assuming that we remember to plan for off-season training). The fact that a Costa Rican resort opened the Nayara Springs Sloth Sanctuary may be good for sloths; it shouldn't, however, apply to human athletes.

Off-season training focuses on conditioning exercises to improve general strength and flexibility and to increase aerobic and muscle endurance. Our goal is to maintain a solid level of overall physical fitness upon which we can build.

Transitioning to pre-season training requires that we both ramp up the intensity of training and focus on the sports-specific and position-specific skills we're going to need. This is a time when weight training and plyometrics come to the fore. We don't want to stop training in off-season; similarly, we want to avoid overtraining (too much, too soon) and mis-training (too much, too late) in pre-season and in-season.

Following this approach both prepares us to play and enables us to use in-season training to review and refine our actual performance and correct identified performance deficits.

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To translate these guidelines into specific examples, let's consider a couple of common injuries. Hamstring injuries are a classic example of acceleration/ deceleration; they occur when we speed up, slow down or stop abruptly. They also account for up to 29 percent of all lower extremity injuries. Muscle weakness, an imbalance between hamstrings and quadriceps muscles and impaired flexibility are frequently contributors to hamstring strains and tears.

To avoid this all-too-common injury, the first step is continued (four or five times a week) general off-season conditioning such as jogging and resistance training with both multi- and single-joint exercises. There will be more emphasis on multi-joint exercises – squats, cleans, pulls such as bent and upright rowing, lat pulldowns, shoulder and chest presses – with progressively increasing resistance and decreasing reps.

Anterior cruciate ligament knee injuries are

another example of Newtonian physics at work. Circumstances that can predispose to ACL injuries include: • changing direction rapidly • stopping suddenly • slowing down while running • landing from a jump incorrectly • experiencing a direct collision like a block or tackle Our knees are designed to do two things, flex and extend. One common denominator in some of the potential causes listed above is simply this: asking the knee joint to perform motions like rotating or tilting sideways for which it was never designed. Simply put, knees are not designed to rotate or tilt, which is why we're not able to point our feet backwards or extend our lower leg to the side.

Once we understand this, the type of training that can help prevent ACL injuries becomes clear; we'll want to strengthen the muscles around the knee that assist in stabilizing the joint during play. We continue to rely on squats, pulls, skipping, jumping, hopping, bounding and other plyometrics. (Rabbits, after all, rarely need to make appointments with orthopedists.)

To sum things up, injury minimization is possible if we're willing to think throughout the year like Boy Scouts and "Be prepared."

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Jake Tommerup M.S. is an exercise physiologist, an ISSA-certified Master Trainer and the founder of RxErcise.

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FOODIE

TRY a BRAIN SMART SMOOTHIE

G

BY MIRIAM LATTO

et ready to rumble, football fans – the season is finally here! Of course, it also comes with increased focus on concussions and the potential dangers inherent in playing contact sports. But if you’re an athlete, whether your sport of choice is football or any other sport that requires solid cognitive skills, you might want to start a new habit to enhance your brain’s function. Try this Brain-Smart Smoothie recipe from BrainMDHealth.

Using a variety of fruits, vegetables and protein powder, it has a basic tart and fruity taste. It gives you high levels of vitamin C and K in addition to lots of folic acid and minerals like manganese which may boost your brain’s health. It’s also something vegetarians can drink.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 cup frozen organic blueberries • 1/2 cup frozen cherries or blackberries • 1/3 banana • 8 ounces pure coconut water • 1 1/2 cups baby spinach • 2 chard leaves or 1 small cucumber • 2 tablespoons hemp seeds shelled • 1 tablespoon coconut butter • 1 tablespoon goji powder • 1 scoop vanilla protein or berry-flavored sugar-free pea protein powder (sweetened with stevia) • 1 tablespoon freeze-dried greens (Green Vibrance® is a favorite brand) • 1 dropper berry or vanilla crème-flavored liquid stevia INSTRUCTIONS • Add all the ingredients into a blender bowl; turn blender on to low at first then increase speed • Add additional almond milk or coconut water for desired consistency.

• Pour into large glass and serve cold.

This makes two drinks.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING PER SMOOTHIE 305 calories; 25g protein; 30.4g carbohydrates; 7.6g fiber; 14.2g sugar; 11g fat; 4.9g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol; 288 mg sodium.

HAPPY SMOOTHIE-ING! Source: www.brainmdhealth.com

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GYM BAG

GYM BAG

HOT ITEMS YOU SHOULDN'T DO WITHOUT SMART HALO™ BY CYCLELABS SOLUTIONS INC. Texting while driving is bad; messing with your phone while cycling is a death sentence. The Smart Halo™ is here to make navigation and bicycle safety easier with your phone by allowing you to stay focused on the road ahead. A lighted ring or “halo” is the central feature that consists of a full range of colors. The device connects to your phone, giving you all the information you need at a glance to navigate your way around the city. The device also notifies you on incoming phone calls and text messages as well as a functional indicator light for other traffic during the night. It can act as a bike alarm and a locator for your bike to keep your wheels safe and secure.

The device is the product of a Kickstarter campaign that began shipping in March of 2017 and is ideal for Urban Cyclists to reduce cell phone usage while on the road.

Currently available for $179 at www.smarthalo.bike CLIF BARS Food is fuel and what you put in your tank is important. Clif Bars are made for those day-long or multi-day adventures out on your bike, hiking in the wilderness, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, good long runs or other outdoor adventures we all enjoy having to help us stay active and fit. Clif Bars are very nutrient- and calorie-dense to help you sustain energy for periods of extended exercise and physical activity without making you feel full and weighed down. With a variety of flavors, brands and options available, it is certainly a great idea to pack a few of them in your bag before heading outdoors on another adventure.

Clif Bars are made with sustainable, organic ingredients; baked with clean, renewable energy; packed in environmentally friendly packaging; and delivered by non-polluting transportation. www.clifbar.com

PRIDE TAPE Stop homophobia one roll at a time! Pride Tape is more than just hockey tape, it is showing love and support for your fellow LGBTQ+ teammates, fans, rivals and other members of the community through everybody’s shared love for hockey. The tape itself is the most fabulous tape you will ever put on your hockey stick but don’t stop there – have fun, be creative.

Proceeds from every sale of Pride Tape go to LGBTQ+ causes, including You Can Play (YCP) and the Institute for Sexual Minority Studies and Services (ISMSS). Who thought that tape could have such a positive impact on the community? You can buy Pride Tape for $6.99 CAD a roll; $33.99 CAD for 5 roles; team packs of 18 rolls for $108.99 CAD and 36 rolls for $179.99 CAD. pridetape.com

PORTABLE KETTLEBELLS Take all the fun of Kettlebell training and bring it with you wherever you go. Portable Kettlebells (PKB) combine the versatility and effectiveness of the iron kettlebell with the stabilization requirements AND versatility of sandbag training into a highly versatile tool you can train with wherever you go. Hotel gyms and other facilities don’t always have consistent equipment but Portable Kettlebells make it easy to bring that equipment with you.

The Portable Kettlebell consists of a military-spec ballistic nylon, 1000D cordura fabric and a built-in reinforcement liner that can stand up to even the toughest workouts. You can fill the kettlebell with sand or water to your desired weight. When you’re ready to move again, empty the sand/water, fold it and stow in your bag.

Used as a kettlebell, dumbbell or weighted ball, Portable Kettlebells are perfect for different fitness and goal levels. Portable Kettlebells prices range from $25-$75, depending on size. www.portablekettlebells.com

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Photo Courtesy of the Gay Games 9 Photo credit: Matthew Cusick

EVENTS: FOR A COMPLETE CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE VISIT WWW.COMPETENETWORK.COM/EVENTS

SEPTEMBER 2017 EVENTS BOWLING Las Vegas Showgirl Invitational Tournament Las Vegas, Sept. 1 Show Me St. Louis Classic St. Louis, Mo., Sept. 1 ORBIT Raleigh Bowling Invitational Tournament Raleigh, N.C., Sept. 1 The Albuquerque Roadrunner Tournament Albuquerque, Sept. 22 RODEO Show Me State Rodeo Kansas City, Mo., Sept 1-3 Bay Area Rodeo San Francisco, Sept. 15-17 BigHorn Rodeo Las Vegas, Sept. 22-24 RUGBY 2017 Queen City Crown Charlotte, N.C., Sept. 30 RUNNING Boulder PrideFest Big Gay 5k Boulder, Co., Sept. 10 SOFTBALL Gay Softball World Series Portland, Ore., Sept. 3-10 SOCCER WeHo Sports Festival 2017 Los Angeles, Sept. 1-4 TENNIS 2017 Peach International Tennis Championships Decatur, Ga., Sept 1-4 Center Court 2017 Los Angeles, Sept. 2-4

Rose City Open 2017 Beaverton, Ore., Sept. 2-4 Capital Classic XXV Washington, D.C., Sept 15-17 Indy Tennis Classic 2017 Indianapolis, Sept. 22-24 GLTA/USTA National Clay Court Championships Naples, Fla., Sept 29-Oct. 1 VOLLEYBALL Labor of Love Volleyball Classic 25 Columbus, Sept. 2 WeHo Sports Festival 2017 Los Angeles, Sept. 1-4 Beantown Classic Boston, Sept. 9 Emerald City Cat Fight Seattle, Sept. 16 Steel City Classic Pittsburgh, Sept. 23 Minnesota Autumn Classic Minneapolis, Sept. 23 MULTI-SPORT TOURNAMENTS WeHo Sports Festival (WSF) Los Angeles, Sept. 1-4

A NIGHT OUT FOR TREVOR – DALLAS PRIDE Hosted by the Dallas Ambassadors of The Trevor Project and The Trevor Project, A Night Out for Trevor will be held on Saturday, September 16 at the W Dallas from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. A Night Out for Trevor - Dallas Pride is the inaugural event celebrating equality and individuality.

The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24. An astounding 34 percent of the calls The Trevor Project receives are from the Southern U.S. Funds raised through A Night Out For Trevor -Dallas Pride provide essential resources to forward The Trevor Project’s mission to serve youth all across the country. This support not only enables the Dallas Ambassadors to continue the important work of the crisis and suicide prevention lifeline but also outreach efforts to educators and online support to young people in crisis across North Texas and country.

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STYLE

LIVING THE GOOD

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BY BOBBY CILETTI hile healthy living is a priority many of us place on our lifestyles, it seems more and more that wellness trends are also appealing to our aesthetics, style and what’s hip. The most current wellness offerings emphasize style as much as their function.

RETREAT Retreat is the new vacay. How many vacations have you taken? Guy’s trips or girl’s weekends? Or maybe you just dreamed about it because you could never seem to find the time or people to organize it? Thanks to the popularity of boutique fitness classes, you now can take a fabulous vacation with all the details worked out for you. Flights, hotels, meals, activities and yes, days packed with plenty of fitness classes, usually on a sunny, sandy beach.

The retreat is not just for yoga anymore!

NETFLIX AND CHILL It’s not just a hashtag – it’s the new reality for most of us. Have you checked the Netflix stock price lately? Clearly, trading the nightclub for the comfort of your own home is more and more alluring; especially with how much we seem to get out of our day-to-day lives. You may feel guilty for staying in but you really don't have to – everyone else is doing the same thing.

CRYSTALS Other than being pretty to look at, do crystals really offer anything else for our lives? As crystal healing becomes more main stream, there are many who say “yes.” But can crystals heal you? While science is not backing the concept, many crystal healers are.

BOUTIQUE FITNESS Whether it was the Equinox in this neighborhood or that neighborhood, initially brand-centric fitness fanatics were devotees of a specific gym. With the national success of SoulCycle, Barre and Barry’s Boot Camp, the cult following has now overflowed into fitness classes. Studios like Rumble Boxing and New York Pilates are making classes highly stylized and sexy, providing a unique culture while getting you into shape.

INFLAMMATION Inflammation is the no-no word for health experts, nutritionists and holistic practitioners alike, basically saying it’s the cause of many health-related issues. A growing number of wellness experts are linking the foods we eat to triggering inflammation-related ailments, illness and diseases.

Your best bet is to maintain a balanced diet before overhauling your pantry with the latest anti-inflammatory ingredients. Make small gradual changes, and be sure to consult your medical provider if you believe diet could be a factor in your current wellbeing taking a turn for the worse.

PLANT-BASED The word vegan has had a certain negative connotation in spite of its health and wellness benefits. A rebrand was definitely in order. The term “plant-based” (essentially vegan) has now replaced “vegan” as a more approachable concept description. This trend now will have you dining at hot spots like LA’s Gracias Madre or trading in the protein shake for a nutritional beverage from Vega One. BOBBY SAYS …

Wellness trends are a revolving door.

Some stick and some fade away more quickly than we can keep up with.

It can be overwhelming when you are trying to learn about what’s new relating to your wellbeing, but do just that — learn. Before you put stress on yourself to incorporate the coolest or latest trend into your life, really take the time to investigate a trend to be sure it’s function is right for you and will add to your happiness and wellbeing.

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