James Abernathy has been in business since 1987, starting out as a psychologist and evolving into sports medicine. “Because of limitations of knowledge within psychiatry and the mental health arena, I became ‘holistic’ and was one of the first wellness coaches in the early ’80s,” he said.

Abernathy built a chain of wellness centers and focused on corporate America, professional sports and women’s health issues. By 1995, the company did the TV, radio and lecture circuit, and Abernathy became an athletic trainer and pursued a doctorate degree in clinical nutrition. In 1996, he pursued anti-aging medicine and developed expertise in nutrition, chemistry, hormone replacement science and disease situations, as well as a specialty interest in HIV/AIDS management. “Now we feature an integrated service using nutrition, exercise, stress management and hormone replacement,” he said.

The services provided are for the public, as well as training and education services for physicians, personal trainers and other allied healthcare providers. They sell over 1,000 pharmacy-grade nutritionals, anti-aging skin creams and hormone replacement products.

“Our business recently relocated downtown to help develop life-enhancing programs for gay people,” Abernathy said. “Most of these types of services have been for the rich, usually straight consumers. I feel if we give more esteem to consumers and businesses from our work, we elevate all of us who are gay. I personally want to see healthier, happier gay people and help them live the most optimal lives.”