NAPOLI: SURPRISE SERIE A LEADERS

The most optimistic of Napoli fans won’thave dreamt about the status of their team as Italian Serie A leaders at this stage of the newseason by the end of last season. Ahead of the final day of the last season, Napoli had the final spot for Champions League qualification in the bag and needed to beat Hellas Verona at home on the last day of the season to secure it. In the end, Napoli lost that final Champions League spot to Juventus as they fluffed their lines with a 1-1 draw. On their part, Juventus thrashed hosts Bologna 4-1 to maintain their strong Champions League qualification record.

The aforementioned Verona clash turned out to be the last game for Gennaro Gattuso as Napoli manager as the fans have to contend with another Europa League campaign. Milan legend Gattuso left Napoli at the end of his contractthis summer and his exit ushered in the Luciano Spalletti era at the club. Ex-Zenit Saint Petersburg and AS Roma manager Spalletti has been able to turn Napoli into title contenders ahead of favourites like Inter Milan, Juventus and AC Milan.

Spalletti and Napoli have been dominant at the start of the new season with eight straight wins thus leading to a two-point lead over Milan at the summit. The current Napoli squad equalled the record of the eight-game winning start set by the 2017/18 squad at the club. During the 2017/18 season, Napoli made it eight successive league wins at the start with an impressive 1-0 away win over Roma and they will face the same fixture on Sunday in the quest to continue their perfect record this season. A goalless draw at home to Inter stopped the winning sequence from above three seasons ago. Napoli will face their second biggest test of the season till date when they take on Roma at the start of next week. In their biggest test this season, they came from behind to beat Juventus 2-1 at home in their second league game.

Napoli are the only team with a perfect record in the top five European leagues. It remains to be seen if they can maintain their strong form until the end of the season in the bid to win a first Serie A title in 32 years ahead of more established clubs like Inter and Juventus.

Kyle Vandermolen Emphasizes the Value of Offering Adaptive Scuba Diving

Kyle Vandermolen: Participation in adaptive scuba diving creates a more inclusive underwater world.

Efforts to spur inclusion across sports and recreational activities create dynamic opportunities for individuals to share their hobbies and athletic pursuits with interested individuals with physical or cognitive impairments. Through programs like the Mary Free Breed Adaptive scuba diving clinic, a more diverse underwater experience is emerging.

Kyle Vandermolen is an experienced chemical engineer with a passion for scuba diving. He is a technical scuba diver fully trained in the use of rebreathers and is a full cave diver. In his spare time, he pursues recreational cave diving, shipwreck diving, and open ocean water diving.

In recent years, this has also included participation in a unique, inclusive event.

Kyle Vandermolen on adaptive scuba diving

As a scuba diver, Vandermolen fully understands the joy and freedom a person can experience underwater and enjoys sharing it with others. Traditionally, scuba diving is not necessarily conducive to those with limited physical or cognitive abilities.

However, the Mary Free Bed Hospital found a way to let interested applicants and participants in existing rehabilitation programs experience the joy of diving with the help of qualified individuals like Kyle Vandermolen.

Through the use of a high school pool and helping hands, participants in the Mary Free Bed program could enjoy adaptive scuba diving in a controlled environment. For some, the training was an opportunity to pursue the activity one time, but it’s also a repeat option as an annual event.

Participants were suited up and dived with partners who helped them engage in underwater activities, such as a Frisbee toss and swimming through hula hoops. They also experienced the unique feeling of breathing with a tank and the weight of gear.

For Kyle Vandermolen and other volunteers, the event helped them learn new ways to help others interact with activities and connect with patients of the rehabilitation clinic.

Many found the event exciting and look forward to new and similar experiences. These events help patients reinforce previously acquired skills, such as swimming and swimming underwater, exercise, develop dexterity and flex social skills around new friends and instructors.

The exchanges are meaningful for all involved and can help create more inclusive opportunities in the future.

Darrin Eakins Discusses Best Exercises for Sports Injuries

 Darrin Eakins of Wilmington, NC, Discusses Best Exercises for Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are so common that they often seem inevitable, says Darrin Eakins, a former orthopedic surgeon. Sooner or later, most athletes will sustain an injury. Whether from a soccer ball to the knee or a misstep on the treadmill, there is no such thing as complete immunity against sports injuries. 

Depending on the severity of the injury and how it is treated, it may take anywhere from weeks to months to heal properly. Luckily, some simple exercises can help treat sports injuries–or prevent them in the first place!

The Reverse Lunge with Back Extension

This exercise strengthens the glute muscles to create more stability for the pelvis and lumbar spine during physical activity. The exercise is also great for improving hip, ankle, and foot flexibility, says Dr. Darrin Eakins.

To do the reverse lunge with back extension, start with feet hip-width apart in a standing position. Step back with one foot until there’s a feeling of tension in the front of the thigh. The other leg should stay straight or flexed (depending on how much support it needs). 

Slowly bend both knees until there’s tension in the front of the rear thigh. As the lunge deepens, breathe in deeply through the nose and exhale through the mouth. Hold this position for three seconds, then slowly come up to a standing position while breathing deeply. Repeat 10 times on each side three times a day.

The Standing Hip Flexor Stretch

The standing hip flexor stretch is a simple way to stretch the muscles in the front of the thighs. It will help maintain good hip flexibility, which can reduce future injuries, explains Dr. Darrin Eakins. Here’s how it’s done:

Stand with feet about hip-width apart and raise one leg behind the body. Turn the foot out so that the toes point away from the body and lean into the leg until a comfortable stretch is felt in the thigh muscle. 

Hold this for five seconds before switching legs and repeating the exercise on the other side.

Repeat three times on each side or until the muscles feel loose. 

The Seated Hamstring Stretch

This exercise is perfect for strengthening the hamstrings and glutes, says Dr. Darrin Eakins. Begin by sitting on the ground with legs stretched out in front of the torso and the arms at rest. 

Extend one leg backward and grab behind the knee or ankle with the hand (whichever feels natural). Keep the other leg bent and pull the extended leg toward the chest. 

Hold this position for 15-30 seconds before switching to the other side. Repeat if tightness continues.

Don’t Forget to Give the Body Time to Heal

Whatever sport they prefer–be it running, cycling, or badminton–people are bound to get some kind of injury. When stress is repeatedly put on the body, it’s almost inevitable, says Dr. Darrin Eakins.

And while it can be hard to forego a favorite sport because of pain, doing so can actually speed up recovery time. The body must be allowed to heal, or one risks damaging it further. Ice, rest, and anti-inflammatories are essential tools for athletes, and recreational sportsmen alike, says the doctor. 

Luckily, there are a variety of exercises that can be completed at home to help manage pain in-between visits to the doctor.

Henry Agallar Continues Successful Career in Athletic Coaching

Henry Agallar Continues Successful Career in Athletic Coaching

Martial arts, MMA, and wrestling are all known for being great combat sports that allow people to compete at the highest level. While this can be a great sport to participate in if you like to compete, it can also provide other benefits as well. Those who participate in these sports at any age will learn good self-defense strategies, get in a great workout, and build confidence. While you can participate in these activities, your progress and success will be highly determined by the quality of your coach. One individual who has continued to be a top coach in these sports for a long time is Henry Agallar, who continues to have a successful career and well-rounded interests.

 Various Forms of Martial Arts

For more than a decade, Henry Agallar has been a top coach for martial arts and other types of contact sports. He is well known for being an expert in both NoGi grappling and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. As these are two very popular forms of fighting in mixed martial arts, he is also a great coach for someone that would like to get into MMA fighting. While he continues to coach both highly-competitive fighters and adults, he still likes to work with young adults and kids as well. Throughout the course of his career, he has also been a high school wrestling coach.

Benefits Extend Beyond Being a Better Fighter

Becoming a better fighter in competitions is one goal for people that come to Henry Agallar for coaching. However, that is not the only benefit that you can receive through his guidance. When meeting with new students, he focuses on helping them reach their own personal goals. This can include developing better coordination, losing weight and getting fit, and developing personal defense strategies. Many people that come to him for coaching will also develop improved self-confidence as a result of the progress they make.

Education and Credentials

Henry Agallar has had a long and successful career as a coach. Over the course of his coaching career, he has been named Coach of the Year in the Racine, WI, area two times. Outside of coaching, he also has a strong mind for finance and economics. He has a degree for the University of Wisconsin and earned his Master’s degree from Olivet Nazarene. Some of his interests in the business world include real estate, the stock market, and long-term financial planning.

Dedication to Philanthropy

While he is best known for his success as a martial arts and wrestling coach, Henry Agallar also always looks for ways to give back to the community. One area of his philanthropic focus is on being a participant with the United Way in his hometown of Racine. He also is an advocate for Ronald McDonald’s House of Charities of Southern California, which provides support to children and their families dealing with various medical challenges.

Agallar has been a leading wrestling and martial arts coach for over a decade. Beyond being a top coach, he also has various philanthropic interests, excellent credentials, and academic achievements.

David Bennett Galloway III scores more than touchdowns through charity

David Bennett Galloway III of Chapin South Carolina scores more than touchdowns through charity

The running back has earned a name for himself between the hash marks. At Chapin High School in South Carolina, he ran over the competition. Literally. In addition to being a standout sprinter in track, David Bennett Galloway III racked up countless awards and accolades on the football field, including earning all-state and offensive player of the year honors. In fact, 247Sports ranked him as a three-star recruit, with a composite score of 86. He will suit up for the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks this season in the Sun Belt Conference.

Yet his real grind happened off the gridiron. When he wasn’t racking up carries, he was committed to charity.

Although this effort doesn’t draw the same spotlight as his football career, he is even more proud of these accomplishments. Eager to share this part of his life with others, the Chapin native runs through some of his most meaningful experiences.

Generations of Chapin

He started going to this local assisted living facility with his family over three years ago. Yet he quickly found it so rewarding that he would routinely visit on his own. And he would happily help any way he could. While he performed general clean-up and meal delivery duties, he enjoyed his time in front of the piano the most. Here, he would play, sing, and entertain the residents. Seeing their reactions made it all worthwhile.

The Heritage at Lowman

But his singing couldn’t be contained to just one stage. David Bennett Galloway III also shared his talents and spread holiday cheer at The Heritage at Lowman. Similar to other places he frequented, his family would sing Christmas carols and spend time with residents during the winter months. This was a yearly tradition put together by one of his former preschool teachers.

Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics

Using his skills as a multi-sport athlete, he joined this organization to work with those less fortunate. David Bennett Galloway III would play games outside with special needs students in this ongoing program. He did this during his entire four-year high school career. Baseball was particularly fun. He would help them understand and participate in the basics of the game, including running bases and working on their batting stance. It was especially meaningful to connect with others in this way. Their joy and enthusiasm to try new things were contagious for him.

Senior Citizens Golden Eagle Evening

He also served in his student government for four years. One of his favorite events was the Senior Citizens Golden Eagle Evening. This one-night event, sponsored by the student government, paired seniors with students. The goal was to swap stories, share memories, and connect with those in their community. For David Bennett Galloway III, he liked hearing how his elder’s experiences and childhood differed from his own.

Frank Bagnasco Supports Tour de Cure

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Frank Bagnasco, love for outdoor adventure sports keeps him motivated. Not only is Mr. Bagnasco an avid spear fisherman and certified scuba diver, but he also enjoys participating in endurance sports such as the St Anthonys Triathlon, the Nautica Triathlon, and the Tour de Cure bike race that supports the American Diabetes Association.

Support for the American Diabetes Association

According to the CDC, 37.3 million people have diabetes and it is likely that 8.5 million more people have undiagnosed diabetes. This disease is the 3rd largest cause of death by chronic disease in America, with heart disease and cancer being number one and two. Frank Bagnasco knows that the sad part is that when diabetes is well managed, patients can live long and healthy lives.

This is why Mr. Bagnasco cycles for this invisible and symptomless disease that is often a result of high blood sugar. To raise money for more research more diagnostic testing, and more community awareness of a medical condition that can be prevented or managed with a healthy diet, regular exercise, the right medications, and consistent monitoring of your health numbers like blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure.

Frank Bagnasco participates in the Tour de Cure

The American Diabetes Association has a critical mission to raise the funds needed to help a massive community of people, many of that are medically underserved in the diagnosis, prevention, and management of diabetes. Mr. Bagnasco also enjoys participating in the Tour de Cure because of the high level of endurance it takes to complete the race. As the charity’s signature fundraising event, about 50,000 cyclists in nearly 80 cities around the country participate each year.

Frank Bagnasco participates for charity, for the challenge, and for camaraderie as he cycles the entire 10 miles each year. Along with his riding gear, Mr. Bagnasco also brings encouragement and motivation from his family and friends. He offers some tips to new cyclists that are eager to participate in their first Tour de Cure bicycle race.

Tips to prepare for the Tour de Cure

  • Choose a training route that will be similar to the actual tour path
  • Make sure you do a full stretching routine before any long-distance bike run
  • Fuel up with plenty of carbs, proteins, and even some healthy fats
  • Switch training sessions between frequency, distance, and strength (uphill)
  • Never long distance bike without enough water and a sports drink

Frank Bagnasco suggests that before the race begins, you have a bicycle gear check, and you know the race course rules like cyclists cannot deviate from the race route. Most cyclists would do well to learn the techniques of positioning. The tuck position is the best way to take advantage of aerodynamic movement.

Next, it is the speed you cycle that must be considered. It can be challenging to maintain a consistent speed with riders near you which can also create crosswinds. This is the mental challenge of participating in a long-distance cycle like this, you must keep your cool, keep your balance, and keep pedaling! It is a joy for Frank Bagnasco to help support this important work while doing something he truly loves.

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi on the 3 Best Cities To Tour On A Bicycle

As a native New Yorker, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi has seen firsthand the importance of a bicycle-friendly city. The NYC DOT permits bicycling on all main and local streets throughout, as long as the cyclist obeys the same laws applicable to drivers of motor vehicles. But, what really makes a city bicycle-friendly is one that has a topography that is relatively flat, one that features many days of mild and dry weather, and one that has an on-street infrastructure that makes commuting or sightseeing by bicycle safer and easier.

The best cities to tour on a bicycle will also feature bicycle parking, public transportation that supports bicycle travel, and lots of designated bicycle lanes with good signage. There are many cities with dual bicycle and automobile road networks that can take a cyclist through major metropolitan hubs, along scenic routes, and between great entertainment and dining experiences.

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi Suggests A Scenic NYC Bike Tour

There are many established bike touring service providers in the city, but you can go it alone by renting bikes from one of the 750 stations that exist across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Jersey City. Next, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi suggests taking advantage of the hundreds of miles of designated bike lanes that include cycling along the Hudson River Greenway or taking the 11-mile path from Battery Park to the southernmost tip of Manhattan.

Visit National Landmarks on a Bicycle Tour in Washington, D.C.

Actually, riding a bicycle is one of the easiest ways to eliminate the traffic jams and full parking lots while vacationing in Washington, D.C. Take advantage of the over 1,800 bicycles for rent as part of the Capital Bikeshare Program then cruise along to view the impressive memorials and monuments or tackle the beautiful 185-mile-long C&O Canal trail that stretches from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD. For a more family-friendly bicycle tour, ride along the picturesque Mount Vernon Trail that features breathtaking views of the Washington DC skyline and the Potomac River, and travel right through Old Town Alexandria.

View Amazing Architecture and Urban Beaches in Chicago, IL

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi believes most people would be surprised to learn that Chicago, IL is one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the US that boasts a flat terrain and hundreds of miles of new bike lanes. Consider traveling along multi-use roadways and scenic trails that include the Lakefront Trail, Burnham Greenway, or a quick spin along the many bike lanes in Chicago’s Northwest Side. While cycling through downtown, don’t forget to admire the iconic buildings that boast Art Deco and classical architecture like the Carbide & Carbon Building and The Rookery, along with Frank Lloyd Wright’s Charnley-Persky House Museum.

Dr. Melchiore Buscemi enjoys the great outdoors as an avid cyclist, mountain climber, and alpine skier. He is also an accomplished Cellist and had played in a variety of Off-Broadway shows in various locations throughout New York City. As a medical physician, Dr. Melchiore Buscemi treats a lot of urologic issues associated with biking.

Cade Bradford Knudson powers through 6 tips for the perfect workout routine

Cade Bradford Knudson has a plan.

Whether it’s at home or at the office, the Denver-based executive is detail-oriented and meticulous. This work ethic has enabled him to consistently meet deadlines and deliverables while managing multi-million dollar portfolios.

Yet this didn’t happen by accident. Even from a young age, Cade Knudson Denver knew that he wanted to pursue a career in business. He crafted a life plan that carried him from the top of his class in high school to magna cum laude in graduate school. Through academic and real-world opportunities, he has displayed unparalleled determination, intensity, and effort.

Despite this tremendous success, Cade Bradford Knudson puts in his real work at the gym. He is equally committed to a healthy work-life balance. Although he enjoys spending his free time outdoors, he still logs plenty of hours in the gym too.

But, like everything else, Cade Knudson Denver never just wings it. Building muscles and boosting performance requires a focused approach. While there are endless exercises and equipment to choose from, developing a personalized workout plan starts with the basics.

With this in mind, the Denver-based fitness enthusiast reps out six steps for creating a winning workout plan.

Establish goals

Ask yourself, “why?” Are you trying to bulk up, slim down, or train for a race? The answers to these questions will drive the direction of your entire plan. Cade Bradford Knudson advocates using the “SMART” method. Set targets that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-based.

Set a schedule

Check your watch. Circle the calendar. Decide how many days and times you can commit. Total-body workouts are ideal if you plan on only hitting the gym a couple of times a week. For more frequent sessions, isolate specific muscle groups to allow for recovery.

Take inventory

Your gym’s layout, equipment, and environment should not be overlooked. Take note of what’s available. If it’s hard to get your hands on certain pieces, limit circuits. During high-traffic times, Cade Knudson Denver recommends sticking to only one type of equipment.

Build out sets

Rep. Rest. Repeat. It’s a simple formula that will be the basis of any plan. Tailor it based on your goals. Use lower reps and more sets to add strength. Fewer sets, with 8-12 reps, are most effective for building bulk. Higher reps are beneficial when trying to lose weight.

Select exercises

Craft a plan that mixes more than just equipment. It’s important to consider movements and exercise types too. Supersets and circuit training can hit several muscle groups at once. Don’t discount the value of trial and error. See what works best for you, but always proceed with caution. Avoid progressing too quickly.

Eat healthy

You won’t achieve your goals on an empty stomach. Fuel up properly for sustained energy before, during, and after a workout. Although your individual dietary needs will vary, follow the basic requirements set up in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. This emphasizes proteins, whole grains, and fresh fruit while limiting sodium and sugar.

Strength Training for Improved Health and Mobility

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Strength training can make a positive impact on your overall health and wellness. Henry Agallar understands the importance of taking care of your health in order to stay active. If mobility is an issue because of pain or an injury, strength training can improve mobility to make it easier to exercise. Improving your mobility through exercise takes time and effort, and it is useful to stick to a program designed by a professional.

Identify Your Needs and Create a Plan

Poor mobility is usually progressive, which means it can be hard to identify what your specific needs are. You may want to work with a physical therapist or fitness professional in order to identify what your specific needs are. Once you have a plan for strength training in place, it becomes easier to measure your progress. A good strength training plan will help you move forward with your abilities, and help you overcome some of the needs you have.

Staying Consistent With Exercise

It may be painful for you to begin an exercise program. If you have been limiting your movement because of pain, it’s time to take control of your exercise routine. Henry Agallar recommends starting slow with your exercise routine in order to progress at your own pace. The goal is to stay consistent, and you will see improvements because of your persistence. When you stick to a training program, you are going to get stronger. Strength training helps improve your mobility, allowing you to optimize what you have. 

Healing Through Strength Training

Posture, mobility, and endurance can all be improved when you pay attention to strength training. Everyone is at a different stage in their training, and it’s important to start somewhere. Pain makes it difficult for many people to begin a strength training program. You can heal your body slowly with the help of a good personal trainer. When your strength improves, so does your ability to exercise even harder. If you are looking for ways to increase your mobility, you have to strengthen the muscles involved in walking.

When pain is present, mobility can decrease rapidly. For people struggling with exercise, it’s important to identify what is causing the pain. Strength training can be done at all levels. Whether you are a hardcore athlete, or you are simply trying to walk longer distances, strength training makes a big difference in your abilities. If you aren’t sure where to start, work with a personal trainer or therapist to develop an exercise routine that meets your needs. Pay attention to increases in pain, and stay consistent with your exercises. You can improve your health, but you have to make a commitment to the process.   

Texas Longhorns Three-Step: Jeffrey Maddox dances through 3 key storylines for the upcoming season

The Texas Longhorns have dominated the headlines this off-season. Yet Jeffrey Maddox and other diehards are most interested in what’s happening on the field.

With a move to the SEC looming shortly, the chatter has centered around conference realignment, revenue sharing, and the future of Texas football. With all this noise, it’s easy to forget the Longhorns cratered to a 5-7 record last season, including a six-game losing streak in Big 12 play. 

Jeffrey Maddox hopes to hook a few more wins in 2022.

And he has a vested interest. While he isn’t a coach or coordinator, Jeffrey Maddox is a proud University of Texas alumnus. After earning his Master’s degree, he immediately began working in accounting. He currently spends his days as an investment banking director in Houston. But he spends his Saturdays at Darrell K Royal Memorial Stadium.

That’s why, like most other fans who bleed burnt orange, Jeffrey Maddox looks at the upcoming season with rose-colored glasses. With this in mind, he shares three key storylines that he’s looking forward to most in 2022.

Competing at QB

Who’s under center? No, this isn’t a bad spin on the classic Abbott and Costello routine. In fact, it’s not a joke at all. With the team struggling to find consistent leadership a year ago, the answer will likely define the team’s entire season. 

And it won’t be Arch Manning yet. While the team will have to wait one more year for the highly-coveted recruit to arrive on campus, there are more than capable options at the helm. Incumbent starter Hudson Card will get the first crack but expect Quinn Ewers to inevitably take over. The Ohio State transfer, who enrolled early, is the highest-rated quarterback prospect ever to step foot in Austin. He’s the odds-on favorite to win the job.

Running it back

In any Steve Sarkisian offense, the passing game always gets top billing. Receiver Xavier Worthy is returning after a 12-touchdown, All-Big 12 First Team campaign. With fellow starter Jordan Whittington and Alabama transfer Jahleel Billingsley as his running mates, the Texas Longhorns will undoubtedly look to air it out yet again.

But don’t sleep on Bijan Robinson. The third-year rusher has been heavily featured on most pre-season watch lists, including the Walter Camp Player of the Year, Maxwell Award, and the Doak Walker Award. He averaged a staggering 5.8 yards per carry behind a patchwork offensive line. If this unit improves as expected, Bijan Robinson will be running amuck all over the Forty Acres.

Welcoming new faces

Casual fans might need to check the program on Week 1. The Longhorns are infusing the sidelines with even more talent, says Jeffrey Maddox.

Texas closed out the recruiting cycle with the nation’s No. 5 class, headlined by a pair of five-star offensive linemen in Devon Campbell and Kelvin Banks. The team was also able to flip top-ten ranked cornerback Terrance Brooks, who previously committed to Ohio State. In addition to Ewers and Billingsley, Sarkisian also added elite transfers, like cornerback Ryan Watts and former Wyoming receiver Isaiah Neyor. These new arrivals should have an immediate impact.