Health PLUS Wellness, MAR-APR 2025

mar /apr

2025

HEART HEALTH TIPS FROM FITNESS TO FOOD

BROADWAY BACKWARDS RETURNS SPRING READS ON SEXUAL HEALTH

the

wellness issue THE HEALING TOUCH

JESS KING

IMPORTANT FACTS FOR BIKTARVY® This is only a brief summary of important information about BIKTARVY® and does not replace talking to your healthcare provider about your condition and your treatment.

(bik-TAR-vee)

MOST IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT BIKTARVY

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS OF BIKTARVY

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  Worsening of hepatitis B (HBV) infection. Y eal ca e p vide will es y f HBV If y ave b HIV- and HBV, y HBV may s ddenly e w se if y s p akin BIKTARVY D n s p akin BIKTARVY wi fi s alkin y eal ca e p vide , as ey will need c eck y eal e la ly f seve al m n s, and may ive y HBV medicine

BIKTARVY may cause serious side effects, including:  T se in e “M s Imp an Inf ma i n Ab BIKTARVY” sec i n  Changes in your immune system. Y imm ne sys em may e s n e and be in fi infec i ns a may ave been idden in y b dy Tell y eal ca e p vide if y ave any new symp ms af e y s a akin BIKTARVY  Kidney problems, including kidney failure. Y eal ca e p vide s ld d bl d and ine es s c eck y kidneys If y devel p new w se kidney p blems, ey may ell y s p akin BIKTARVY  Too much lactic acid in your blood (lactic acidosis), w ic is a se i s b a e medical eme ency a can lead dea Tell y eal ca e p vide i away if y e ese symp ms: weakness bein m e i ed an s al, n s al m scle pain, bein s f b ea fas b ea in , s mac pain wi na sea and v mi in , c ld bl e ands and fee , feel dizzy li eaded, a fas abn mal ea bea  Severe liver problems, w ic in a e cases can lead dea Tell y eal ca e p vide i away if y e ese symp ms: skin e w i e pa fy eyes ns yell w, da k “ ea-c l ed” ine, li -c l ed s ls, l ss f appe i e f seve al days l n e , na sea, s mac -a ea pain  The most common side effects of BIKTARVY in clinical s dies we e dia ea (6%), na sea (6%), and eadac e ( %) T ese a e n all e p ssible side effec s f BIKTARVY Tell y eal ca e p vide i away if y ave any new symp ms w ile akin BIKTARVY Y a e enc a ed ep ne a ive side eff ec s f p esc ip i n d s e FDA Visi www FDA v medwa c call -8 -FDA- 88 Your healthcare provider will need to do tests to monitor your health before and during treatment with BIKTARVY.

ABOUT BIKTARVY BIKTARVY is a c mple e, -pill, nce-a-day p esc ip i n medicine sed ea HIV- in ad l s and c ild en w wei a leas p nds I can ei e be sed in pe ple w ave neve aken HIV- medicines bef e, pe ple w a e eplacin ei c en HIV- medicines and w se eal ca e p vide de e mines ey mee ce ain eq i emen s BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS. HIV- is e vi s a ca ses AIDS Do NOT take BIKTARVY if you also take a medicine that contains:  d fe ilide  ifampin  any e medicines ea HIV-

BEFORE TAKING BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider if you:  Have ave ad any kidney live p blems, incl din epa i is infec i n  Have any e eal p blems  A e p e nan plan bec me p e nan Tell y eal ca e p vide if y bec me p e nan w ile akin BIKTARVY  A e b eas feedin (n sin ) plan b eas feed Talk y eal ca e p vide ab e isks f b eas feedin d in ea men wi BIKTARVY Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take:  Keep a lis a incl des all p esc ip i n and ve - ec n e medicines, an acids, laxa ives, vi amins, and e bal s pplemen s, and s w i y eal ca e p vide and p a macis  BIKTARVY and e medicines may affec eac e Ask y eal ca e p vide and p a macis ab medicines a in e ac wi BIKTARVY, and ask if i is safe ake BIKTARVY wi all y e medicines

BIKTARVY, e BIKTARVY L , GILEAD, Sciences, Inc , i s ela ed c mpanies ©

HOW TO TAKE BIKTARVY Take BIKTARVY

ime eac day wi

wi

f

d

GET MORE INFORMATION  T is is nly a b ief s mma y f imp

an inf ma i n ab BIKTARVY Talk y eal ca e p vide p a macis lea n m e G BIKTARVY c m call -8 -GILEAD If y need elp payin f y medicine, visi BIKTARVY c m f p am inf ma i n

e GILEAD L , and KEEP BEING YOU a e adema ks f Gilead Gilead Sciences, Inc All i s ese ved US-BVYC6

#1 PRESCRIBED HIV TREATMENT* *S

ce: IQVI

,

People featured take BIKTARVY and are compensated

by Gilead.

THERE IS

MORE TO LOVE. BIKTARVY® is approved for more people than ever before.

Ask your healthcare provider if BIKTARVY is right for you.

*T is inf ma i n is an es ima e de ived f m e se f inf ma i n nde license f m e f ll win IQVIA inf ma i n se vice: IQVI ,f e pe i d week endin week endin IQVIA exp essly ese ves all i incl din i s f c pyin , dis ib i n, and ep blica i n

BIKTARVY is a complete, 1-pill, once-a-day prescription medicine used to treat HIV-1 in certain adults. BIKTARVY does not cure HIV-1 or AIDS.

s,

Scan to learn more about BIKTARVY.

Please see Important Facts about BIKTARVY, including important warnings, on the previous page and at BIKTARVY.com.

contents

issue 165

8

MOTIVATING MAMA

Fitness expert, dancer, DJ, mother, and life coach Jess King is here to help you heal and live your best life possible.

Features

14 SHIFTING FOCUS How one

marketing exec made healthy changes in his life and career.

Buzzworthy

5 CLAP BACK A federal judge orders the reinstatement of several vital government health websites.

7 PREP PROBLEMS The Trump administration cuts PrEP out of PEPFAR.

Fitness

16 FOR YOUR HEART Five factors

to be aware of to keep your heart and body well.

18 EGGCELLENT While eggs

aren’t cheap these days, these delicious recipes will provide the most bang for your buck.

Wellness

20 DON’T STRESS These tips

will help you de-stress your life and thrive.

22 SEXY READS Some books to give some of the sexual education you never got in school.

Parting Shot

24 CENTER STAGE Broadway

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

ON THE COVER AND THIS PAGE: COURTESY PELOTON

Backwards returns to bring joy and funds for HIV causes.

2

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

editor in chief DESIRÉE GUERRERO executive creative director RAINE BASCOS EDITORIAL senior editor JOHN CASEY senior copy editor TRUDY RING ART graphic designer MARIUSZ WALUS digital photo editor NIKKI AYE EQUALPRIDE EDITORIAL vp editorial & special projects TRACY E. GILCHRIST editor in chief, out DANIEL REYNOLDS deputy editor, out.com BERNARDO SIM editor in chief, the advocate DESIRÉE GUERRERO editor in chief, advocate.com ALEX COOPER managing editor, out traveler DONALD PADGETT editor in chief, pride.com RACHEL SHATTO senior editor JOHN CASEY sr. national reporter CHRISTOPHER WIGGINS staff writers RYAN ADAMCZESKI, RICKY CORNISH, MEY RUDE, EVA BERRY community editor MARIE-ADÉLINA DE LA FERRIÈRE multimedia producer LAMONT BALDWIN ADVOCATE CHANNEL senior executive producer of programming MARY SCHWAGER vp, executive producer women’s programming & host SONIA BAGHDADY supervising producer, operations manager MICHAEL SMITH senior producer BRIAN KELLEY senior producer CARA GLASS host, producer JAYMES VAUGHAN host, producer STEPHEN WALKER video editors WALTER COLVIN, LACY VALENTI post production editor IRIS WALL

ADVERTISING & SUBSCRIPTIONS phone 212.242.8100 advertising fax 212.242.8338 subscriptions equalpride.com/plus-subcontact EDITORIAL editor.plus@equalpride.com

chief executive officer MARK BERRYHILL cofounder, equalpride MICHAEL KELLEY jan / feb chief financial officer JOE LOVEJOY 2025 chief operating officer BERNARD ROOK senior vice president, editorial KAYLA GAGNET executive vice president, corporate sales & partnerships STUART BROCKINGTON chief of staff CHRISTOPHER GO vp & publisher of out, the advocate, & plus MARK ISOM vp, corporate sales JOE VALENTINO ADVERTISING, BRAND PARTNERSHIPS & INTEGRATED SALES vp, brand partnerships TIM SNOW vp, brand partnerships JOSH BAREÑO senior creative director, brand partnerships MICHAEL LOMBARDO director, corporate sales KAYLYN BLACKMORE managers, brand partnerships ALEX HOFFMAN, ERIN MANLEY, KEIGHTON LEE, JOSE CARDENAS videographer and editor, brand partnerships STUART SOX coordinator, sales & advertising administration LULU DROPO coordinator, brand partnerships JULEAN DEJESUS account manager, corporate sales MARCUS HOEY ADVERTISING vp, ad operations STEWART NACHT manager, ad operations TIFFANY KESDEN MARKETING manager, social media CHRISTINE LINNELL specialist, social media JADE DELGADO senior marketing designer ERIK BROCK CIRCULATION director of circulation ARGUS GALINDO FINANCE/ACCOUNTING controller, HR director PAULETTE BARNOSKI accounts receivable LORELIE YU OPERATIONS vp, technology and development ERIC BUI

FREE BULK SUBSCRIPTIONS FOR YOUR OFFICE OR GROUP Any organization, community-based group, pharmacy, physicians’ office, support group, or other agency can request bulk copies for free distribution at your office, meeting, or facility. To subscribe, visit equalpride.com/plus-print-signup. There is a 10-copy minimum.

FREE DIGITAL SUBSCRIPTIONS Health PLUS Wellness magazine is available free to individual subscribers — a digital copy of each issue can be delivered to the privacy of your computer or reader six times per year. We require only your email address to initiate delivery. You may also share your digital copies with friends.

To subscribe, visit equalpride.com/plus-digi-signup.

NEED SUBSCRIPTION HELP? If you have any questions or problems with your bulk or individual magazine delivery, please email our circulation department at argus.galindo@equalpride.com Health PLUS Wellness (ISSN 1522-3086) is published bimonthly by equalpride.

Health PLUS Wellness is a registered trademark of equalpride.

Entire contents ©2025 by equalpride. All rights reserved. Printed in the U.S.A.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

3

e d i t o r ’s le t ter

DESIRÉE GUERRERO editor in chief

4

M A RCH / A PRIL 2025

Dear Readers, Health Plus Wellness provides more than trending topics and high-profile interviews. It can save lives. Just recently, our very own Marie-Adélina de la Ferrière shared her story — how, amid her transition, our sibling brand, The Advocate, became a beacon of hope in a world that often felt hostile.

Since 1967, The Advocate has been the most trusted source for LGBTQ+ news. From Stonewall to the HIV and AIDS crisis, the fight for marriage equality, and now the battle for trans rights, we’ve been there—reporting the truth, amplifying voices, and ensuring our community is seen, heard, and valued.

But we can’t do it alone.

Independent journalism like ours relies on support from readers like you. Your contribution, regardless of size, helps us continue telling stories that inform, uplift, and empower LGBTQ+ lives. It ensures that those who need hope the most can find it just as Marie-Adélina did.

The Advocate has been a lifeline for generations.

With your support, we can ensure it continues to be one for the next generation.

Will you help us keep this light shining? Consider giving today at advocate.com/1967.

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletters, and follow us on social at @hivplusmag. And you can now stream our Advocate Channel Originals series Candis Cayne’s Secret Garden, in partnership with Spotlight Productions, with all episodes available on Hulu.

Best Wishes,

Mark Berryhill, Chief Executive Officer advocatemarkb@equalpride.com @advocatemarkb

COURTESY (GUERRERO); ROL A ND FIT Z (BERRYHILL)

W

ellness is defined in the dictionary as “the quality or state of being in good health especially as an actively sought goal.” That last part especially struck me: especially as an actively sought goal. To be honest, I previously thought of the term as just another trendy, New Age catch phrase — but reading the actual definition caused something to finally click in my brain about what being “well” really means in our own lives.

It’s a choice. And one you must actively pursue.

But that’s easier said than done, right? In a busy, bustling world that often leaves us little room to breathe, the concept of wellness can feel abstract and distant. Also, many of us may come from families and communities where things like mental and emotional health are rarely, if ever, discussed.

Which is exactly why Health PLUS Wellness produces this annual Wellness Issue.

An expert on the subject of wellness is our cover star Jess King, who has dedicated her life and career to not only helping folks work toward improving physical health but also their mental wellbeing. With a focus on emotional healing, King’s wellness programs are designed to jumpstart your journey to be the best you possible and live your life to the fullest.

In this issue, we also bring you the latest news on how politics may be affecting your health, tips on how to keep your heart strong via simple changes to your daily routine, how the Broadway community continues to bring funds and awareness to HIV causes, and more.

Whatever brought you to flip through these pages today, I hope you find some useful information, hopeful inspiration, and a little bit of fun.

Be well,

a note from our ceo

buzzworthy F O R YO U R H E A LT H

THE FIGHT FOR FACTS

A federal judge orders the restoration of vital health agency web pages recently removed by the government — including ones devoted to HIV, assisted reproductive technologies, and youth health risks.

SHUT TERSTOCK

BY E VA B E R RY

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

5

His order instructed the agencies to restore the pages to their websites by 11:59 p.m. on February 11 after holding a hearing on the case the previous day. As of press time, the affected pages appear to have been restored.

The executive order driving the HHS, CDC, and FDA case was signed by Trump on his first day in office and stated that the U.S. recognizes only two sexes — male and female — and directed federal agencies to eliminate “all statements, policies, regulations, forms, communications, or other internal and external messages that promote or otherwise inculcate gender ideology.”

Days later, the Office of Personnel Management issued a memorandum instructing all agencies to remove by 5 p.m. on January 31 any websites, social media accounts, or other public-facing content that “inculcate or promote gender ideology.” In response, the CDC and FDA took down multiple web pages and data sets, including medical guidance for treating sexually transmitted infections and guidance for adult immunizations.

While some websites were modified to align with Trump’s directive and allowed to remain online, other resources — such as data from the CDC’s Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System — were removed entirely. The agency posted a notice on its main website stating that it was “being modified to comply with President Trump’s executive orders.”

The Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System is back online, albeit with the modification notice.

Doctors for America filed its lawsuit against the HHS, the CDC, and the FDA on February 4, alleging that the agencies violated federal law by bypassing required rulemaking procedures and failing to ensure the public has “timely and equitable access” to government information. As of press time, the suit was still pending.

SHUT TERSTOCK

I

n February, a federal judge directed the restoration of web pages and data regarding H I V a nd A I DS, a ssisted reproductive technologies, and health risks for youth on sites maintained by the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Food and Drug Administration. The content had been removed to comply with Donald Trump’s executive order on “gender ideology.”

Judge John Bates of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued a temporary restraining order in response to a request from the nonprofit Doctors for America, which argued its members depend on the affected websites for treating patients and conducting research. The organization claimed that the Department of Health and Human Services and its agencies, including the CDC and the FDA, violated federal law by taking down the information.

Bates determined that Doctors for America was likely to succeed in its lawsuit claiming that HHS, the CDC, and the FDA acted unlawfully when they removed medical data from publicly accessible websites. As of press time, the suit was still pending.

“It bears emphasizing who ultimately bears the harm of defendants’ actions: everyday Americans, and most acutely, underprivileged Americans, seeking healthcare,” Bates wrote.

Citing two doctors’ declarations that were filed in the case, he added that if they “cannot provide these individuals the care they need (and deserve) within the scheduled and often limited time frame, there is a chance that some individuals will not receive treatment, including for severe, life-threatening conditions. The public thus has a strong interest in avoiding these serious injuries to the public health.”

buzzworthy F O R YO U R H E A LT H

Left Out in the Cold?

The federal government freezes the disbursement of life-saving HIV prevention medications globally, stating that PrEP can now only be given to “pregnant and breastfeeding women” through PEPFAR.

H A JAR AH N ALWADDA /GE T T Y IM AGES

BY CHR ISTOPHER W IGGINS

I N L AT E J A N U A R Y, Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a 90-day freeze on foreign aid. Days later, he then issued a waiver for “lifesaving humanitarian assistance” that would resume some programs, including the distribution of HIV prevention medications.

A February 6 memo from the U.S. Department of State, first published by UNAIDS, spelled out the policy: “Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) should be offered only to pregnant and breastfeeding women.” The document goes on to declare that “people other than pregnant and breastfeeding women who may be at high risk of HIV infection or were previously initiated on a PrEP option can not be offered PEPFAR-funded PrEP” during the foreign aid freeze.

UNAIDS estimated that since the administration’s foreign aid freeze began, more than 3,000 new HIV infections have already happened worldwide as a direct result of the policy.

In addition, the funding freeze forced the closure of Fahari ya Jamii, a PEPFAR-funded HIV program in Kenya that provided services to over 72,000 people, according to The Washington

Kruish Mubiru, executive director of Uganda Young Positives, an organization that helps young people living with HIV, says that 95 percent of UYP's programs and staff have been impacted by the recent PEPFAR cuts.

Blade. The program, launched in 2022, focused on providing HIV tests, treatment, and prevention to high-risk groups.

With the program shuttered, over 700 healthcare workers have been placed on unpaid leave, and over 150 clinics have shut down indefinitely. And, as of press time, two other South African organizations, OUT and Engage Men’s Health, have also been forced to cut services.

The decision to specifically exclude LGBTQ+ people from PrEP access has been met with outrage from global health leaders. “ W i t h t h i s n ew g u i d a n ce, t h e Tr u m p Administration is choosing politics over science, discrimination over compassion, and ultimately, death over life,” stated the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, an international nonprofit focused on HIV prevention, adding that the move is a “death sentence for thousands of people at risk of HIV globally.”

For the latest updates on these stories and other developing news that may affect people’s access to health care, visit our sister site advocate.com.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

7

WELLNESS WONDER WOMAN Jess King is dedicated to inspiring others to live their best lives by nurturing their physical, mental, and spiritual wellness.

COURTESY PELOTON

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

BY DESIRÉE GUERRERO

8

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

9

WELLNESS

HE A LTH

JESS KING

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

knows the importance of loving and nurturing all aspects of one’s self — mind, body, and spirit — and continually works to incorporate this concept into her life and work. While she’s now found enormous success as a personal trainer and Peloton instructor with a heartfelt and energetic style, King started her career as a professional dancer who’s appeared on So You Think You Can Dance and toured with Cirque de Soleil. These days, she’s also a certified life coach, working DJ, and mother of two.

King says she was initially reluctant to transition from the world of dance into the fitness realm. But after an opportunity arose to work with Peloton as an instructor, she says many things in her life began to fall into place. The career shift opened her eyes to the idea that she could love and embrace new endeavors and challenges without giving up other passions.

“I don’t live in this caged approach to what’s possible for my life,” King says. “If you look at all the things I do, they all speak to each other, they all go hand in hand. They all are rooted in my core values and my life’s purpose, which is ultimately to heal myself. I’ve always been on a journey to heal, to really let go of small stories or past experiences that are still painting color onto my current landscape and my relationships, and really wanting to unravel and unpack that. That’s the journey that brought me to wellness on a deeper level, that brought me into life coaching, that brought me into starting Mindfull3.”

Mindfull3 is a wellness program King developed over seven years ago that focuses on “food fitness, physical fitness, and spiritual fitness.” The transformative three-month program is designed to help give people a jumpstart on the road to physical health and mental wellness. As its website states, “Change can be beautiful, but it’s messy,” so King and her team are there to lead folks through it. The 90-day program includes intimate group chats with King and other participants, a customized nutrition plan, virtual one-on-one fitness training sessions, and “no bullshit life coaching.”

King explains that going through some difficult times in her own life led her to start thinking more about wellness and mental health and its relation to physical fitness.

“I had come to this really dark chapter in my life where I hadn’t been dancing, I hadn’t been working, not moving, running, nothing. I hadn’t said hello to my body. In fact, the opposite. And when I decided to come back to myself after going through a really horrible breakup, meaning to heal my heart, I knew that I wanted to move my body again. I knew that I needed to eat and nourish in a way that was going to heal a lot of the really rough damage I’ve been doing to myself over the last few years.”

That’s when King says, “It started to click. My life started to change.

Peloton started to become the powerhouse that it is in my life and in others. I fell in love — my wife and I have now been together for 11 years.

We have two kids.”

10

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

BRIA N K ING

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

ABOVE & RIGHT Jess King with wife and musician Sophia Urista and their two children.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

11

12

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

to the process of something that was just out of my control.”

In addition to Mindfull3, King created ThoughtFULL “to connect more deeply with her community.” ThoughtFULL is an online platform that offers small-group life coaching sessions via Zoom designed to provide “a safe and supportive space for self-discovery, meaningful connection, and lasting transformation,” as its website states. It consists of two individual programs, ThoughtFULL 101 and Habits & Healing, both focused on emotional healing and developing personal empowerment.

K ing also recently launched On The Record (getontherecord.com), an online space dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups in sports, such as Latine, LGBTQ+, and women.

“I have this opportunity, this platform, to really highlight diversity, diverse creators, individuals who don’t really fit inside of the box like myself,” she says. “I’m a lot of things – I’m queer, I’m Latina, I’m a woman, I’m a female in sports. You know, I think we’re all multi hyphenated. I think we’re all multipolar. I just wanted to be able to highlight my people and in a way that was deeper than a social media conversation when that really could spotlight their talent, their expertise, their perspective, their stories.”

BRIA N K ING

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

King says the wellness tools and practices she teaches in her work have also truly helped her get through challenges and new experiences in her own life, like pregnancy and childbirth.

“I think something that caught me by surprise was how little I cared about the changes in my body,” she says of her motherhood journey.

“Maybe that’s a testament to a lot of the work I have been doing over the last decade or two to learn how to love myself, to learn what surrender means, to learn to connect or think deeper about my body, less about the reflection and more about what it can do or more about the magic and the miracle inside the healing power.”

While many aspects of childbirth were spiritua lly mag ica l for K ing, she does admit some of the physical changes were jarring. “I think the hardest part for me was breastfeeding and the boobs and the schedule and the boobs — just so much boobs!” she says with a laugh. “I don’t think anybody could prepare me for the relentlessness of becoming a mother. But as it relates to the body, I just had this approach of surrender. I could surrender to whatever was happening, whether my body was growing or doing something strange or something I wouldn’t want it to do otherwise.

I did a home birth because I was like, Ah, let’s see what this is all about. Like, I want to feel it all. So [I used] that mantra of just surrendering

JOEL KIM

BOOSTER MOST ELIGIBLE BACHELORS

GAY SCIENCE BEN PLATT’S NEXT ACT BABY REINDEER’S NAVA MAU OH, MARY! STORMS BROADWAY GUS KENWORTHY’S OLYMPIC ADVICE

FLIP OVER — FOR THE ADVOCATE!

A HEALTHY CHANGE

This marketing exec decided to make healthy changes in his own life and to help others.

MENTA LMIND/SHUT TERSTOCK

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

BY D E S I R É E G U E R R E R O

14

M A RCH/A PRIL 2024

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

WH I LE M A R T I N B A LC A I T I S first found career success as a marketing executive for restaurant chains like Krispy Kreme, Baja Fresh, Pick Up Stix, and Denny’s, his own struggles with body image and weight control eventually led him down a different path.

In 2017, he took the role of chief marketing officer at StretchLab, a health and wellness platform focused on the mental and physical benefits of stretching and moving the body.

Since then, Balcaitis has been a driving force behind the growth and success of multiple food and wellness brands, and in 2024, he was appointed president of Lindora Weight Loss + Wellness, a longtime leader in medically-guided weight loss and metabolic health solutions. We recently chatted with Balcaitis about his life and career transitions.

After already being quite successful as a marketing executive in the restaurant industry, you’ve now shifted gears into the world of health, fitness, and wellness. Why did you make this transition?

Martin Balcaitis

I’m always up for a new adventure! The restaurant industry was great, but I spent many years in field marketing where I was executing someone else’s vision and didn’t have control over the brand.

When the opportunity to join StretchLab came my way, I was attracted to it due to the chance to craft a brand in an up-and-coming modality. What did this brand need to be, what did it want to be and how could I get it there?

The challenge was so intriguing that I left pancakes and burritos behind!

I honestly didn’t think I could be as passionate about an industry as I was with food and beverage, but over the past seven years I have truly fallen in love with the wellness space and it’s been incredibly rewarding.

Can you briefly describe what Lindora is and your role there?

Lindora is a weight loss and wellness boutique studio that helps clients be the best version of themselves. We offer one-on-one nutrition and lifestyle coaching, weight loss medications, IV hydration therapy, hormone and testosterone replacement therapy and have an amazing fat-melting laser, too! As President, I help my team create winning strategies for our studio owners and help keep us on the forefront of developing metabolic health technology and services.

What’s been your experience in the corporate world, as one of its very few out gay CEOs?

I came out when I was 24 and in my very first corporate job as a marketing coordinator for the largest Krispy Kreme franchisee in Los Angeles. Since then, I’ve only come across a few people in my career who have been uncomfortable with me initially. I know this isn’t always the case, so I feel incredibly lucky that I haven’t faced more negativity in my career.

LGTBQ+ representation at the senior management level is so important – a diverse workforce will only help improve your operations, and different backgrounds allow for the contribution of new ideas and solutions.

COURTESY

Can you tell us a little bit about your passion for theater and how it helps you balance your life?

I took a 20-year break from acting after college and on a whim decided to audition at a local community theater near me about seven years ago.

Since then, I do about one to two shows per year and it is so fun! It’s a great creative outlet, something to get my mind off of work and just let loose.

It’s a lot of work, but really rewarding and a great way to meet new people.

Shamelessly, it’s a sales opportunity too. Two people from my last show are now Lindora clients!

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

15

PUWA DON SA NG NGERN/PE XELS

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

fitness

16

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

fitness F O R YO U R H E A LT H

MATTERS OF THE HEART Knowing about these four key factors can help you avoid a serious heart health syndrome.

I

n the U.S., 1 in 3 adults is at risk for a newly recognized syndrome that comes from a combination of heart disease, kidney disease, type 2 diabetes and excess body weight. This cluster of conditions, called cardiovascularkidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, is an example of how problems in one part of your body can affect other parts.

To avoid CKM syndrome, health experts suggest paying close attention to four of the American Heart Association’s “Life’s Essential 8” — blood pressure, lipids, body weight, and blood sugar level — which are core health factors that impact your metabolic health.

Good metabolic health means your body uses energy well and keeps these factors in a normal range. However, when numbers are off in one area, it can affect others, raising your risk for heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and diabetes.

Consider these tips from the American Heart Association to help keep your core health factors under control:

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, happens when the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is too high. High blood pressure is a leading cause of heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease.

Because high blood pressure doesn’t have symptoms, the only way to know you have it is to get your blood pressure checked. Healthy blood pressure is below 120/80. If your blood pressure is 130/80 or higher, talk to your doctor about checking your other core health factors.

Lifestyle changes can help reduce high blood pressure.

One example is a Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) eating pattern that’s low in fat and rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Losing 10 pounds and reducing alcohol consumption can also reduce blood pressure.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance your liver makes then circulates in the blood where your body uses it to build cells and make vitamins and hormones. You may also get cholesterol from eating animal products. If there’s too much cholesterol circulating, your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke may increase.

For optimal CKM health, your LDL cholesterol should be below 100 and triglycerides below 150. Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body. If your

triglyceride level is 135 or higher, talk to your doctor about decreasing your risk.

Losing body weight and increasing physical activity decrease triglyceride levels. In addition, DASH and Mediterranean (plant-based, highfiber, low-fat) eating patterns support healthy LDL and triglyceride levels.

Body Weight

Healthy weight may be determined by body mass index (BMI), a number that represents your weight in relation to your height. Extra body fat can mean a higher risk for many health problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes.

CKM syndrome starts when BMI is 25 or higher and waist circumference is 88 centimeters or higher for women and 102 centimeters or higher for men. Aim for a BMI between 18.5-25.

To lose weight and keep it off, start by setting realistic goals. Understand how much and why you eat, manage portion sizes, make smart snack substitutions, and be physically active.

Blood Sugar

High blood sugar can slowly damage the kidneys.

In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, and it increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Blood sugar is measured in two ways: a fasting blood glucose test (short term blood sugar) and an A1C test (long term blood sugar control). A normal fasting blood glucose level is 70-99 and a normal A1C level is below 5.7 percent. Fasting blood glucose above 125 and A1C of 6.5 percent or higher means you have diabetes.

Habits that help you avoid high blood pressure, weight gain and high cholesterol also keep your blood sugar in check. These are especially important if you have a family history of diabetes.

This article is courtesy of the American Heart Association. Learn more about CKM syndrome and how to manage your risk at heart.org/CKMhealth.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

17

fitness

Nourish Family Connections with Every Bite

Boost social, emotional, and physical health with these egg-inspired recipes.

Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls for added protein and fiber.

These egg-inspired recipes and more are part of the American Heart Association’s Together Tuesdays and Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland’s Best.

Both initiatives stress the importance of gathering at least once a week around the table with family or friends to satisfy cravings for connection, a delicious meal and overall healthy living.

In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.

Eggs, for example, can be included as part of a hearthealthy diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, whole grains, lean protein and fish, according to the American Heart Association. Remember not to isolate just one food — it’s not only about the egg, but also about what’s eaten alongside it. For example, eating eggs alongside foods high in saturated fat — like bacon — is different than eggs eaten with steamed veggies, whole grains, or a side of fruit.

FAUXELS/PE XELS

D I N E TO G ETH E R , S H I N E together. Weekly sit-down meals with family can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and make everyone feel more connected — all while sharing delicious, healthy, and easy-to-prepare food.

Give your family the opportunity to refuel and reconnect each week with recipes that bring everyone together.

Whether it’s 10 people or two, research shows that those who enjoy frequent meals with others, particularly parents with their children, have better social and emotional wellbeing, according to the American Heart Association.

Enjoying great conversation and camaraderie is at the heart of every meal, and with the right dishes, you can make every bite as delicious as it is nourishing. While eggs prices have gone up, they are still easy to use and versatile, making them the great choice in the kitchen to help you cook up conversation.

Gently cooked egg yolks take center stage in this Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds recipe — but if breakfast is the best time of day for your tribe to gather, whip up these

18

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

fitness F O R YO U R H E A LT H

D I R E C TI O N S Fill large pot with water. Bring water to gentle boil over medium-high heat.

In medium bowl, stir ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, thyme, orange zest and pepper.

Place four wrappers flour sides down on cutting board.

Spoon 1 ½ tablespoons cheese mixture onto center of each wrapper. Using back of spoon, press down on cheese mixture to create well about 1 ½ inches across (width of large egg yolk), leaving at least 1/2 inch space around edges of wrapper. Without breaking it, carefully place one egg yolk in center of each well.

Egg Ravioli with Sage and Almonds Servings: 4

NICOLE SOPER PHOTOGR A PHY (EGG R AVIOLI); COURTESY A MERICA N HE A RT ASSOCIATION (BRE A K FAST BOWL)

I N G R E D I E NT S 8 cups water ½ cup fat-free ricotta cheese 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese 1½ teaspoons fresh, chopped thyme ¼ teaspoon black pepper 8 gyoza wrappers, shumai wrappers or wonton wrappers 4 large egg yolks, unbroken 1 large egg white, lightly beaten 2 teaspoons olive oil ¼ cup sliced almonds, chopped 1 tablespoon chopped, fresh sage 1 tablespoon finely chopped red bell pepper (optional)

Using pastry brush, brush edges of wrappers with egg white. Place one top wrapper with flour side up on each bottom wrapper. Using thumbs and forefingers, firmly press edges together to tightly seal each ravioli. Set aside.

Using slotted spoon or spatula, carefully drop each ravioli into boiling water. Cook 2 ½ to 3 minutes, or until wrappers are al dente (cooked not too soft but not overdone). Using slotted spoon, gently remove raviolis from pot, draining well. Transfer to plates. Drizzle with oil. Sprinkle with almonds, sage and bell pepper, if desired.

Tips: Gyoza wrappers (or shumai wrappers) are preferred because they’re thinner than wonton wraps. Look for gyoza wrappers in the dairy aisle, deli department or freezer section.

Use these guidelines to determine how you want eggs cooked: At 2 ½ minutes, eggs are yellow and slightly thickened but not set around edges, similar to sunny-side up. At 3 minutes, eggs are deeper orange and slightly set around edges, similar to over-easy.

Southwestern Quinoa and Egg Breakfast Bowls Servings: 4

I N G R E D I E NT S ¼ cup uncooked quinoa, rinsed and drained 2 medium tomatoes (about 2 cups), chopped 1 cup no-salt-added frozen corn, thawed ½ medium avocado, pitted and diced ¼ cup chopped green onions ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional) nonstick cooking spray 4 large eggs 1/8 teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper red hot pepper sauce, to taste (optional) D I R E C TI O N S Cook quinoa according to package directions. Remove from heat.

Spoon quinoa into four bowls. Top each with even amounts of tomatoes, corn, avocado, green onions and cilantro, if desired.

Lightly spray large skillet with nonstick cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Crack eggs into skillet. Sprinkle

with salt and pepper. Cook, uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes, or until egg whites are set but yolks are still runny. Using spatula, carefully transfer one egg, sunny side up, into each bowl. Sprinkle with hot sauce, to taste, if desired.

These recipes are courtesy of the American Heart Association.

For more heart-healthy recipe ideas and conversation starters to make Together Tuesdays a tradition in your household, visit heart.org/together.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

19

These five healthy habits can help you de-stress your life and find joy again.

ATHENE A CODJA MBASSIS ROSSIT TO -PE XELS

SO LONG, STRESS

wellness F O R YO U R H E A LT H

B

etween work, family obligations and a constantly changing world, people in the United States are stressed. In fact, U.S. workers are among the most stressed in the world, according to a State of the Global Workplace study. While some stress is unavoidable and can be good for you, constant or chronic stress can have real consequences for your mental and physical health.

Chronic stress can increase your lifetime risk of heart disease and stroke. It can also lead to unhealthy habits like overeating, physical inactivity and smoking while also increasing risk factors, including high blood pressure, depression and anxiety. However, a scientific statement from the American Heart Association shows reducing stress and cultivating a positive mindset can improve health and well-being.

To help people understand the connection between stress and physical health, the American Heart Association offers these science-backed insights to help reduce chronic stress.

Stay Active

Find a Furry Friend

Meditate

Stress 101

Exercise is one of the easiest ways to keep your body healthy and release stress. Physical activity is linked to lower risk of diseases, stronger bones and muscles, improved mental health and cognitive function and lower risk of depression.

It can also help increase energy and improve quality of sleep. The American Heart Association recommends adults get at least 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity, 75 minutes of vigorous activity or a combination.

Incorporate meditation and mindfulness practices into your day to give yourself a few minutes to create some distance from daily stress. Some studies show meditation can reduce blood pressure, improve sleep, support the immune system and increase your ability to process information.

Practice Positivity

A positive mindset can improve overall health.

Studies show a positive mindset can help you live longer, and happy individuals tend to sleep better, exercise more, eat better and not smoke.

Practice positive self-talk to help you stay calm.

Instead of saying, “everything is going wrong,” re-frame the situation and remind yourself “I can handle this if I take it one step at a time.”

Having a pet may help you get more fit; lower stress, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar; and boost overall happiness and wellbeing. When you see, touch, hear or talk to companion animals, you may feel a sense of goodwill, joy, nurturing and happiness. At the same time, stress hormones are suppressed.

Dog ownership is also associated with a lower risk of depression, according to research published by the American Heart Association.

Understanding stress is an important step in managing and reducing it. Consider these things to know about stress and how it could affect your life: ■ Today, 1 in 3 adults in the U.S. report being worried or depressed.

■ Higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol are linked to increased risk of high blood pressure and cardiovascular events like heart disease and stroke.

■ The top sources of stress are money, work, family responsibilities and health concerns.

■ Work-related stress is associated with a 40 percent increased risk of cardiovascular disease like heart attack and stroke.

Show Gratitude

Gratitude – or thankfulness – is a powerful tool that can reduce levels of depression and anxiety and improve sleep. Start by simply writing down three things you’re grateful for each day.

The article is courtesy of the American Heart Association. Find more stress-management tips at heart.org/stress.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

21

wellness

Erogenous Enlightenment

Yes, books still exist! And there are lots of great ones out there to answer all your questions and concerns about sex and sexuality.

BY DESIRÉE GUERRERO

Sacred Sex Ed: For Presence, Pleasure, and Purposeful Relating This book provides the sex education you never had, but that we all desperately need – and one that is empowering, honest, and pleasure-based. From renowned sacred intimacy mentor and cofounder of the Tantra Love Retreat, Leola, Sacred Sex will help you recognize how certain systems, beliefs or past traumas may have created feelings of shame, fear, or judgement around sex and liberate you in ways you may have never thought possible.

Bestselling author, artist, and poet James McCrae says the book “masterfully weaves ancient tantric wisdom with modern life, providing a conscious and transformative alternative to traditional sex education. This book is an invitation to heal cultural programming around sex, intimacy, and relationships. and reclaim the sacredness of your sensuality.”

Why Men Fake It: The Totally Unexpected Truth About Men and Sex Harvard professor and urologist Dr. Abraham Morgentaler’s new book takes a deep dive into male sexuality, examining it from a scientific standpoint as well as its emotional connections to certain belief systems, relationships, and popular culture at large. Why Men Fake It provides surprising and often overlooked perspectives on the minds and motivations of men in terms of sex. Publishers Weekly says the book is an “accessible treatment of the emotional and physical nuances of male sexuality, is informative and entertaining, and will appeal to men and women alike.”

COURTESY

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

LE T ’ S FAC E I T, sex education has not traditionally explained all the ins and outs, so to speak. And for many adults, talking about sex can be awkward and embarrassing – but it doesn’t have to be! Sexuality is a very normal, natural part of being human. Fortunately, today there is a plethora of information available across many mediums – including some very fun and informative books. Here are a few of our favorite reads on the topic of sex and reproductive health.

22

M A RCH/A PRIL 2024

wellness

COURTESY

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

How to Menopause: Take Charge of Your Health, Reclaim Your Life, and Feel Even Better than Before It’s time to stop the stigma around menopause! What is simply a normal and natural stage of life needn’t feel like the “end” of anything. In fact, when equipped with the latest scientific information and proper health care, many find menopause to be a liberating new chapter in their lives. And How to Menopause

by Emmy award-winning journalist, documentary filmmaker, and social media superstar Tamsen Fadal can help you on the journey. The book’s contents were compiled from a team of 42 experts, including neuroscientists, menopause-certified physicians, sex and relationship therapists, and sleep doctors and covers everything from skin care tips to sex talks with your partner. Dr. Lisa Mosconi, New York Times bestselling author of The Menopause Brain (another great read on the topic) says of the book, “Through her honesty, humor, research, and relentless commitment to women’s health, Tamsen Fadal has created a guide that is both practical and deeply personal.”

Get Your Manhood Back: A Manhood Blueprint to Restore and Improve Sexual Power in Men In this helpful and informative guide, sexual health educator S. Morteza Lajevardi offers a holistic approach to restoring sexual competency and healing erectile dysfunction. While medications like Viagra can now help many achieve and maintain erections and is a viable option, Lajevardi urges men to go beyond just addressing the physical symptoms of sexual incompetency and ED. The holistic solutions presented in Get Your Manhood Back illustrates how one can eradicate some of the root causes of these issues and enhance your sexual power and confidence.

HE A LTH

WELLNESS

23

Julie Benko performs in the opening number at 2024’s Broadway Backwards event.

BACKWARDS & FORWARD

A beloved Broadway event is back to bring the razzle-dazzle — and raise needed funds for HIV causes and more.

24

M A RCH/A PRIL 2025

Other special guests include Len Cariou (the original Sweeney Todd), Bradley Dean (Redwood ), Dionne Figgins (A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical), Joshua Henry (Into the Woods), Adam Lambert (Cabaret), Remi Tuckman (Drag: The Musical), and Grammy Award-nominated choir Broadway Inspirational Voices, among many others. Longtime corporate partners City National Bank, The New York Times, and United Airlines return this year as lead sponsors, as well as Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella as the event’s host.

Buy tickets and learn more at broadwaycares.org.

CURTIS BROWN

F O R YO U R H E A LT H

S

ince its founding in 1988, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS has raised over $300 million to provide essential services for people living with HIV and other critical illnesses across the U.S. The organization has become known as the philanthropic heart of Broadway and is still one of the nation’s leading HIV and AIDS related nonprofits.

Broadway Backwards began as a small grassroots concert in 2006 and has since raised more than $7.9 million for Broadway Cares and New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (aka, The Center). This March, the beloved and highly entertaining fundraiser returns to the stage with a starstudded cast of Broadway legends and talented newcomers.

SNL alum and Once Upon a Mattress star Ana Gasteyer is performing this year, along with event regular and Broadway staple Tituss Burgess, who’s taking over the role of Mary Todd Lincoln in the hit stage comedy Oh, Mary! from March 18 through April 6.

parting shot The talented Alex Newell belts out a tune at the 2024 Broadway Backwards event.

Actor Jonathan Bennett hams it up for the cause.

The iconic Tituss Burgess returns this year to support Broadway Backwards.

Stage legend Bradley Dean giving it his all on stage for Broadway Backwards.

REBECCA J. MICHELSON (DE A N, HENRY); CURTIS BROWN (A LL OTHERS)

Joshua Henry and ensemble perform an epic finale at the 2024 show.

I am living with HIV, and I’m pregnant or planning to be.

What’s possible?

There are things you should consider to help protect you and your baby during pregnancy.

HIV treatments may allow you to reach and stay undetectable if taken as prescribed.

Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it.

Taking HIV treatment as prescribed, along with other guidance from your healthcare provider, may help lower the chances of transmitting HIV to your baby during pregnancy and childbirth.

Talk to your healthcare provider about HIV treatment and additional considerations both now and for the future for family planning, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding when living with HIV.

Have an open and honest conversation with your healthcare provider to start, switch, or continue on the HIV treatment that’s right for you.

Learn what’s possible about pregnancy and living with HIV. Taking HIV treatment as prescribed, along with other guidance from your healthcare provider, may help lower the chances of transmitting HIV to your baby during pregnancy and childbirth. In 2019, less than 1% of new HIV diagnoses in the United States were due to transmission from mother to child.

The goal of treating HIV while pregnant is getting to and keeping your viral load at an undetectable level. Undetectable means that there is so little virus in the blood that a lab test can’t measure it. According to the CDC, if you take treatment as directed throughout pregnancy and delivery and give HIV treatment to your baby for the first 2 to 6 weeks after birth, the risk of transmission to your baby drops to below 1%.

Talk to your healthcare provider about HIV treatment, getting to and staying undetectable, and the recommendations for HIV treatment during pregnancy.

Whether you’re planning to become pregnant now or in the future, it’s important to know the facts about pregnancy and HIV treatment to support your decisions.

Learn more about HIV and the importance of treatment at HelpStopTheVirus.com GILEAD and the GILEAD Logo are trademarks of Gilead Sciences, Inc. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. © 2024 Gilead Sciences, Inc. All rights reserved.

US-UNBC-2071 05/24