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Lauren May, or “lofromTikTok” as she is affectionately known by her growing social media fanbase, is bringing both grit and glamour to the sport of pickleball with her mix of paddle mastery and effortless beauty. A former Division I tennis player, May is building both her body and her brand to meet the demands of a rapidly growing game. Fortunately, she has some top tips for you too.
As a junior, Lauren May was a national tennis competitor facing top-ranked opponents in the USTA National Opens, Super Nationals, and ITF events. She trained at the IMG Academy before moving on to Division I tennis at the University of Southern Mississippi, where the elite athlete played in both doubles and singles action. Sadly, however, May was forced to step away from the competitive court after a serious wrist injury spelled the end of her tennis dream.

“Tennis shaped the way I show up in the world,” she reflects in a conversation with M&F. “Competitive, strategic, and unafraid of a comeback!” Little did May realize that pickleball would present that comeback opportunity.
Born in Fort Myers, FL but traveling extensively as a tennis player, May settled in Austin, TX, after graduating at the University of Alabama. Now far removed from the comradery of sports, she craved a connection.
“After a lifetime of training and competing in tennis—moving from city to city, academy to academy—I finally wanted to plant roots and build something lasting,” she explains. “I was throwing myself at every opportunity that came my way, looking for ways to feel grounded again. That’s when I found myself at the John Newcombe Country Club, where I started teaching tennis part-time while managing a full-time job and building brand and social content on the side. One day, I got invited to a local pickleball open play and met the most incredible group of people who welcomed me with open arms, including Dr Chip who would become a mentor.”

A post shared by LO MAY (@lofromtiktok)

Click here for everything you need to know about pickleball: 
It was her instant enthusiasm for pickleball that got May’s competitive juices flowing once again. “Maybe 15 minutes into that first day, I realized I wasn’t built to play casually,” reflects the athlete. “I needed to enter tournaments, like yesterday! Since then, we’ve won multiple gold medals and competed at the National Championship.” It was also at the aforementioned National Championship where May was voted as fan favorite. “Pickleball gave me a competitive outlet I didn’t know I was missing—and more importantly, it gave me a community. In under a year, it’s changed my life,” she explains.
Of course, Lauren May is not the only one to fall in love with pickleball in recent times. The sport has seen a 311% growth since Covid boosted outdoor exercise participation, and there’s now around 50 million players in the United States alone. “It’s wildly addicting,” says May. “Pickleball is accessible enough for beginners to jump in, but technical enough to keep even the most
competitive athletes hooked. The real secret though? The energy of the pickleball community is electric! Whether you’re walking into a casual open play or battling it out in the finals of a tournament, the atmosphere is charged. You feel seen, supported, and challenged—and that kind of energy is contagious.”
What issues do tennis players face when transitioning to pickleball?
“The biggest advantage is definitely in the footwork, court awareness, and being comfortable under pressure,” says May. “I grew up competing at a high level in tennis, so I came into pickleball with a deep understanding of movement and how to mentally navigate a match.”
Still, there are always adjustments to be made between sports. “I’m still learning how to reprogram my habits,” shares the athlete. “I move and strike like a tennis player because that’s who I am at my core, and I always will be. No shame in that. But pickleball forces you to slow down, reset, and think a little differently, especially at the kitchen line. I’m still adjusting, and I think I always will be. But I’ve found that embracing both sides of my game has actually become a strength.”
“Power is great, but control and consistency win points,” explains May, who invests time in the gym to build both muscle and mobility. “Get to the kitchen line early. That’s where the game is won.”
“Start drilling with purpose,” advises May. “You can only get so far by just playing matches. Focused reps build consistency, and reviewing footage of your games helps you spot patterns and fix habits you didn’t even know you had.”
Drills like practicing your dinks (soft, controlled shots) will help you force errors in gameplay by keeping the ball low and unattackable, allowing you to set up shots further into the rally. “Also, mix up your opponents and partners. This keeps you sharp, adaptable, and uncomfortable in the best way!”
May loves nothing better than getting her own reps in. “I play 4-5 times per week, and most sessions last 3 to 4 hours,” she explains. “I’m kind of an addict. But I’ll also mix in shorter sessions when I just want to unwind, work on fundamentals, or catch up with friends while competing.” Sharing her love of all things pickleball is a mission that May has really got behind with the growth of her own profile in the game. “I’ve built @lofromtiktok around sports, storytelling, and showing what’s possible when we lean into our ambition and authenticity,” the player concludes, proudly.
To follow Lauren “Lo” May on TikTok click here.
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The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) recently removed an administrative step to expedite Veterans’ access to non-VA healthcare providers. Previously, under the 2019 MISSION Act, Veterans could seek care outside the VA system if certain conditions were met, but those decisions required confirmation by a second VA physician.
Now, with the implementation of the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act, that additional review has been eliminated—allowing eligible Veterans to access community care more efficiently.
“Now, we’re making it even easier for Veterans to get their health care when and where its most convenient for them. We are putting Veterans first at the department, and that means placing a premium on customer service and convenience. This important change will help us do just that,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins.

As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…

• For Secretary Collins to be prudent as he heads the Department of Veterans Affairs.
• For VA personnel and officials as they seek to facilitate convenient care for veterans.

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Sources: Department of Veterans Affairs

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A soothing cup of rice? Chinese scientists create health-boosting tea grain  South China Morning Post
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BUFFALO, N.Y. — Free fitness programs will be returning to the City of Buffalo this summer. 
Happening at Johnnie B. Wiley the program will kickoff on Saturday, June 21 located at 1100 Jefferson Avenue from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
Acting City of Buffalo Mayor Chris Scanlon announced the return of the program on Monday morning joined by Highmark BCBS President Jessica Cox. 
The fitness series began 10-years ago and features weekly fitness classes taught by popular local fitness movement, Body of Wealth. 
Mayor Christopher P. Scanlon said, “Buffalo has been a proud founding partner of Summer City Fitness since its inception in 2015, and we are thrilled to see this free outdoor fitness series enter its tenth season. I thank Jessica Cox, President of Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, and her staff for their continued dedication to this popular summer fitness program, which continues our joint mission to support healthy initiatives, while connecting our community members to important health and wellness resources. We’re excited to continue our work together as we build an even stronger, healthier future for Buffalo.” 
“At Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, we believe that fitness is for everyone,” said Jessica Cox, President, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “We thank Mayor Scanlon and the City of Buffalo for their continued support of this program which is creating free and accessible fitness opportunities for our community. We also thank our amazing partners – Body of Wealth, Urban Fruits and Veggies and Neighborhood Health Center for making this an event that so many of our community members want to be a part of.”
The program goes until Saturday, August 30. Last year, the program saw a 213% increase in participation with over 1,000 participants according to a press release from the Mayor’s office. 
Free fruits will also be supplied by Urban Fruits and Veggies along with water for those who participate. 
New this year the Neighborhood Health Center will offer preventative Health Screenings to those interested. 
The classes are designed for those of all ages and fitness levels. They include a dynamic warm-up, a boot-camp style fitness session, an electric slide dance cool-down and closing words of inspiration and mental well-being.
Learn more by visiting www.buffalony.gov
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What to know if you can’t pay your medical bill in NYC:
Navigating New York City’s healthcare system can be overwhelming. If you have a medical bill that you can’t afford, know that there is help available.
If you’re new to the city, regardless of your country of origin or immigration status, you have the right to access affordable or even free healthcare coverage that will help pay your medical bills.
Enrolling in a health insurance plan should be one of your first steps you take when settling in NYC. However, if you don’t have insurance yet and need to visit the doctor, it’s important to know that hospitals cannot demand immediate payment when you leave. You have the right to explore health coverage options first. 
Also Read: How to Cover Emergency Medical Care in NYC if You’re Uninsured
All hospitals in New York State are required to offer Charity Care, a financial assistance program that helps low-income patients cover medical costs, no matter their immigration status.
Keep in mind though, that even with Charity Care, private hospital bills may still be higher than those at public hospitals.
If you receive a hospital bill you can’t afford, ask about the hospital’s Charity Care program and how to apply. You can do it anytime: once you arrive, after receiving care or when you get the bill.  Every hospital’s financial assistance policy is different, so request a copy of the specific policy where you received care. However, there are some basic elements all hospitals must offer, which we explain below.
If you already have health insurance you’re already in a strong position. Health insurance makes it easier and cheaper to see a doctor, meaning that you’re able to seek out preventative care and treat minor issues before they become major ones. If you get sick or injured, your insurance may cover significant medical costs, protecting you from having to pay large bills.
If you don’t have health insurance yet: Ask to speak with a financial counselor at NYC Health + Hospitals. They can help you enroll in a free or low-cost health insurance plan, if you qualify.
You can also contact a Health Care Navigator — trained professionals who can walk you through your options and help with enrollment. Their assistance is free and confidential, and you should never be asked to pay for information or for help signing up for insurance.
For more help, visit: nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call: 1-855-355-5777. 
If you don’t qualify for a specific health insurance, can’t afford a plan, or don’t have money to pay for care, you may still be eligible for financial assistance.
You may be eligible for help with medical bills if:
If you qualify for hospital financial assistance:
Remember: Your immigration status is not a factor in this process and hospitals cannot ask about it when you apply.
If you’ve confirmed that you’re responsible for a medical bill, you may still be able to negotiate the amount you owe. Many non-hospital providers offer financial assistance or are open to setting up payment plans. Download a step-by-step guide to negotiating medical debt here. 
Community Health Advocates (CHA) is an organization with the mission to help New Yorkers navigate the complex healthcare system. Here are a few of their tips and reminders: 
Contact Community Health Advocates at 1-888-614-5400 or find a local advocate here.
Have more questions about this topic and how it applies to you? Contact a Documented.info expert for free, confidential answers. Learn more here.

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