Dear 1199SEIU Members,

Spring has a way of reminding us that renewal is always possible. I love the warm weather and can’t help but celebrate the season! After months of cold weather, the longer days and warmer air invite us to open the windows, take a deep breath and start fresh. Just as many of us tackle spring cleaning at home, this season is also a perfect opportunity to refresh our habits, refocus on our well-being and make full use of the resources we have available to us.

Healthy living is not about perfection. It’s about making small changes that add up over time. Spring gives us a natural boost in that direction. I look forward to spending time outdoors and moving more, eating lighter meals as fresh foods come back into season and reconnecting with family, friends and our communities. These everyday moments matter. They support not only physical health but also emotional well-being.

The Benefit Funds are here to support you—with programs and resources that make wellness practical and sustainable. Spring is a great reminder that focusing on prevention and self-care really pays off in the long run. Our featured member, Pedro Bosque, a Dietary Department Porter at Sodexo, shows just how meaningful it can be to find a health routine that works for you and commit to consistent practice. I hope you’ll take a moment to read his story.

Spring cleaning isn’t just about clearing out closets; it’s about creating space. When we declutter our homes, we make room for what truly matters. The same idea applies to our health. Letting go of what holds us back makes room for healthier choices to take root. In this edition of For Your Benefit, you’ll find information about the wide range of choices available to you. The latest is Noom, a holistic weight-loss program that uses a scientific mind-first approach to make it easier for you to reach your goals.

Finally, I’m excited to share that season three of our Health Is the Key podcast is in full swing, and we’ve hit a major milestone with 50K streams! You can listen to our most recent episode, plus all our previous episodes by visiting Health Is The Key. We have a fantastic lineup of guests this season, so subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!

Be sure to keep an eye on your inbox for the latest Members’ Voices video—we share a new one every month. To ensure we reach you with all the latest news, please verify your contact information. Please visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-contact-form.

As we embrace this vibrant season, I hope you feel refreshed, motivated and ready for the possibilities ahead. Together, let’s continue to support one another on our journey toward lasting well-being.

In good health,

Donna Rey, EdD

Executive Director, 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

CEO, 1199SEIU Funds Administrative Operations

Gut health is getting a lot of attention these days—but what does it really mean? And how is your gut different from your stomach? Your gut is your entire gastrointestinal (GI) tract, while your stomach is just one part of it. When your gut is healthy, it helps reduce inflammation and supports a strong immune system.

Digestive issues happen to everyone and often reflect what’s going on in the rest of your body. As we age, digestion can slow down, which makes everyday habits just as important as what’s on your plate. To support gut health, focus on eating fiber-rich foods, getting enough sleep, staying active, managing stress and seeking support for anxiety or depression.

That’s because your gut and your mood are closely connected through what’s known as the brain-gut connection. If your digestion feels off, it may affect how you feel emotionally—and vice versa. Want to learn more? Listen to our April podcast episode, “Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, with Dr. Preeti Mehta,” at Health Is The Key or wherever you get your podcasts.

Is your doctor listening?

All of this makes one thing especially important: having a doctor who really listens. A strong relationship with your primary care provider can make it easier to ask questions, share concerns and talk honestly about what you’re experiencing—but that only works if you feel heard.

What if you need a specialist?

When it comes to gut health, listening matters even more. Digestive issues can be uncomfortable, confusing and easy to brush off. A doctor who listens—or who refers you to a skilled gastroenterologist when needed—is more likely to catch important details, make the right diagnosis and help you create a plan that actually works for you. Feeling heard builds trust and can take a lot of stress out of medical visits.

If you feel like your concerns aren’t being taken seriously, it can lead to frustration and ongoing health problems.