Blog

  • The Secret to Getting Healthier with Age

    The Secret to Getting Healthier with Age

    The Secret to Getting Healthier with Age

    Life moves fast, but it’s never too late to start taking better care of yourself. With packed schedules and endless to-do lists, finding a healthy balance can feel tough, but you don’t need to overhaul your life. Small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference in how you feel.

    This isn’t about the tons of products out there promising to “turn back the clock.” You don’t need a shelf full of pills and potions to feel like the best version of yourself. When you focus on eating well, moving your body every day and taking care of your mental and emotional health, you’re giving yourself powerful tools to make meaningful change.

    Give your health routine a spring cleaning!

    Let’s start in the kitchen.

    You may have heard people say that your fridge is the new medicine cabinet—and there’s some truth to that. Stocking it with foods that keep you fueled, focused and energized can go a long way. And don’t worry, you don’t need to throw everything out. Start by adding a few healthier staples to your grocery list.

    Grocery List Cheat Sheet

    Pick your protein: Choose lean chicken or turkey and omega-3 rich fatty fish options like salmon and tuna. Following a plant-based diet? Not all options are nutrient dense. Opt for eggs, soy, tempeh and beans like chickpeas and black beans.

    Fill up on fruit: Load up on citrus, apples and perfect-for-snacking blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.

    Veg out: Stock up on fiber-rich broccoli, carrots, sweet potatoes and whatever leafy greens you like.­ Collards, romaine, kale and arugula are all packed with flavor and benefits. Can’t find what you need in season? Frozen fruits and vegetables are frozen at peak freshness and can help you quickly add variety or round out your meals.

    Go whole grain: Swap white rice and pasta for brown rice and hearty grains like quinoa and barley.

    Expert tip:

    Try doing most of your shopping around the outer perimeter of the grocery store—that’s where the fresh produce, meat and dairy usually are. The center aisles tend to be where the more processed foods live.

    Nothing is totally off-limits, of course, but keeping a mental map of where your go-to healthy items are can help you focus on the good stuff and cut down on those “impulse grabs.”

    Get moving.

    If you’re new to exercising—or just easing back into it—take it slow. Starting gently helps you figure out what you enjoy and lets your body adjust at a pace that feels right. It’s a great way to work toward your goals without risking injury.

    Try beginning with a simple daily walk. Hop on a treadmill or walking pad—or head outside now that the weather’s nice and stroll around your neighborhood or a local park. And on days when you’ve got a little extra energy, switch things up with a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout or a quick exercise circuit to get your heart rate going.

    Strength training is also beneficial. Using weights, resistance bands or even just your own body weight can help you build muscle and stay strong. And to keep everything balanced, try stretching before bed—it’s a relaxing way to wind down and support your flexibility.

    Expert tip:

    Track your progress. If you feel like you’re putting in the effort but not really seeing the results, using a health tracker can really help. You can set goals, jot down what you’re eating and log your workouts or daily activity. Even if the changes feel slow, having everything written down gives you real, in‑hand proof that you’re moving forward, which can be very motivating.

    Make self-care a priority.

    You’ve heard all the self‑care talk before. But taking care of yourself really does matter. And it’s not just about bubble baths or a cup of tea. Real self‑care is about doing the things that help you feel rested, supported and mentally grounded.

    Get good sleep. Everyone’s different, but sticking to a consistent sleep routine can make your whole day feel smoother. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time every day to keep your mind sharp and your energy steady.

    Take breaks. Little pauses throughout the day can go a long way. Whether it’s a one‑minute meditation, a quick stretch or a short walk, giving yourself a breather helps ease tension and lets you come back to your tasks with a clearer head.

    Reach out when you need support. It’s not always easy to ask for help, but sometimes talking to someone is exactly what you need. A trusted friend, counselor, therapist, psychiatrist or social worker can be a great sounding board when things feel heavy or confusing.

    Stay social.

    It’s time to shake off hibernation mode! With so much of our lives happening online these days, it’s no surprise that loneliness is on the rise. Staying connected to your friends, family and community is actually a big part of staying healthy.

    Try taking a class or volunteering with a group you care about. It’s a fun way to meet people who share your interests and stay plugged in to what’s happening in your community. And consistency goes a long way. Whether it’s planning regular dinners with friends, setting up a weekly call with family or just checking in on a neighbor, small moments of connection add up.

    NEW!

    Join through the Benefit Funds

    Noom is a holistic weight-loss program that uses a scientific mind-first approach to support you in building healthy habits that last. You also get unlimited one-on-one human coaching with experts who offer guidance tailored to your health goals.

    To find out more, visit go.noom.com/1199seiubenefitfunds.

  • Learn more about becoming a U.S. citizen

    Learn more about becoming a U.S. citizen

    Learn more about becoming a U.S. citizen

    Do you have questions about the process of becoming a U.S. citizen? The process can be daunting and complicated, but the 1199SEIU Citizenship Program is here to support you with our two-part webinar series. This webinar series has been developed to assist 1199SEIU members, their spouses and their eligible dependent children. In Part A, you’ll learn about program eligibility, the naturalization and citizenship processes, and Green Card eligibility. In Part B, you’ll learn more about how to obtain lawful permanent resident status, as well as how to prepare and file required forms. Each part is offered twice a month on Tuesdays at 5:00 pm.

    For more information, contact the 1199SEIU Citizenship Program, by calling (646) 473-8915, visiting our Citizenship page, or emailing 1199SEIUCitizenship.Program@1199Funds.org.

    Services are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Cantonese, Haitian Creole and French.

    The 1199SEIU Citizenship Program is jointly administered by the 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds and the 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds.

  • Healthy living and healthy minds go hand in hand

    Healthy living and healthy minds go hand in hand

    Healthy living and healthy minds go hand in hand

    Online Healthy Minds Workshops

    If you or someone you love needs support, you’re not alone. We’ve partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NYC) for an interactive online Healthy Minds series. The series focuses on increasing awareness about mental wellness and provides resources and connections to help support your mental well-being in a safe space. Take a look at the schedule and descriptions below and register for a workshop today!

    Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 1:00 pm

    Family and Friends shares ways to support someone who is struggling—and will connect you with a community that understands what you’re going through.

    Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 1:00 pm

    In Our Own Voices brings you inspiring personal stories from people who are living with mental illness and are willing to share what they’ve learned.

    Thursday, July 9, 2026, at 1:00 pm

    Mental Health 101 is an introductory course on how to recognize the signs of mental illness and find support for yourself or a loved one who needs it.

    Thursday, August 13, 2026, at 1:00 pm

    Family and Friends shares ways to support someone who is struggling—and will connect you with a community that understands what you’re going through.

    For more information, visit the NAMI-NYC page.

  • Have you signed up for MyAccount?

    Have you signed up for MyAccount?

    Have you signed up for MyAccount?

    MyAccount is an easy-to-use, personalized online platform to access your benefits and pension information. You can quickly make updates, sign up for popular programs and more.

    Visit MyAccount today.

  • Check out our video series!

    Check out our video series!

    Check out our video series!

    Members’ Voices is our video series that spotlights an 1199 member and their unique healthy living story every month. Each video is just a few minutes long and highlights real experiences and practical tips to support you on your health journey. Feeling inspired and want to share your own story? We’d love to hear from you! Email us MembersVoices@1199Funds.org and tell us about yourself!

    Visit Visit the Health Living Resource Center

  • Brightline has in-person clinics to support your child

    Brightline has in-person clinics to support your child

    Brightline has in-person clinics to support your child

    May Is Mental Health Awareness Month

    Finding the right support for your child can be a challenging process for the whole family. To support you, we’ve partnered with Brightline to make it easier for you to get an appointment if your child needs one. Brightline has three new family mental health clinics offering in-person treatment and specialty care for depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, autism and other behavioral challenges.

    Through our partnership with Brightline, you now have access to a dedicated team of therapists and psychologists for your child. Brightline has warm, welcoming pediatric mental health clinics in Brooklyn Heights, Columbus Circle (Manhattan) and Lake Success (Long Island).

    With Brightline, you can count on:

    • Access to in-person and virtual therapy sessions, medication management and psychological testing to assess for things like autism, learning disorders and giftedness
    • Pediatric experts who have extensive experience helping kids who are struggling with their mental health
    • Whole-family support—articles, digital exercises, open communication and homework to reinforce learned skills between sessions

    Care begins with a thoughtful evaluation. Brightline works with parents or caregivers to create a care plan that fits each child’s needs and goals.

    Visit brightline.com or call (888) 255-1329 to make an appointment.

  • Your future is full of possibilities with an 1199SEIU pension!

    Your future is full of possibilities with an 1199SEIU pension!

    Your future is full of possibilities with an 1199SEIU pension!

    What advice would I give my younger self?

    I would tell myself that having an 1199 pension means you have the promise of an independent future. I just retired, I’m secure and I’m smiling!”

    Victoria Carter

    It may be difficult to imagine where you’ll be in 10, 15 or even 20 years, but as an 1199SEIU member, you have the security of a defined benefit pension. This is a rare benefit, and it’s sometimes hard to appreciate what it means when you’re years away from retirement. But a defined monthly pension offers financial security, peace of mind and freedom when it’s time to retire.

    As an 1199SEIU member, you can request a pension estimate every year to track how your benefit is growing. It’s easy to do. Taking control and gaining knowledge about your pension today ensures you’ll have more freedom tomorrow. And if you’ll be ready for retirement in the near future, now is the time to figure out what your 1199SEIU pension means for you!

    For more information, check out the pension retirement page.

    How to get your pension estimate

    Log into MyAccount. Once you’re logged in, go to the “My Pension” tab and choose “Request & Review Pension Estimate” from the dropdown menu. Then, click the “Request Pension Estimate” button and follow the on-screen instructions. That’s all there is to it.

    future bright pension

    Remember, this is only an estimate—it’s not your final benefit. Please contact the Pension Department if you believe there is missing wage and/or employment history when you review your information.

    Ready to retire?

    Meet your Pension Counselor

    You can meet with a Pension Counselor in person, online or by phone.

    To learn more, visit the virtual pension counselor page or call (646) 473-8666.

    Apply for your pension

    Your Pension Counselor can help you complete your pension application, or you can do it online at your convenience through MyAccount.

  • Take charge and improve your finances

    Take charge and improve your finances

    Take charge and improve your finances

    Eliminate the guesswork by attending one of our upcoming online financial workshops.

    How Credit Works

    Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 6:00 pm

    Understand how to use credit, credit reporting and the impact of credit scores.

    Keeping It Safe

    Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at 6:00 pm

    Learn about preparing for financial emergency, finding insurance that’s available and protecting yourself from identity theft.

    For more information or to register, visit our Healthy Finances page.

  • 2025–2026 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

    2025–2026 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

    2025–2026 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

    2025–2026 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

    The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program (JTSP) awards scholarships to children of eligible members who are attending accredited undergraduate programs. This need-based award can be used for books, personal expenses, transportation, tuition or reducing student loan debt. To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be eligible dependents of members belonging to the National Benefit Fund or Greater New York Child Care Fund. Applicants must also be high school graduates younger than 23 years old who are enrolled full-time in college and are taking a minimum of 12 credits each semester. Scholarship amounts vary according to need, with a minimum award of $750 per academic year.

    During the 2025–2026 academic year, JTSP will grant over 2,500 scholarship awards. Here are the top 10 majors and institutions attended by 2025–2026 JTSP applicants:

    2025 Top Majors
    1st Nursing 445
    2nd Biology 291
    3rd Computer Science 211
    4th Psychology 204
    5th Business 173
    2025 Top Colleges
    1st SUNY at Albany 116
    2nd SUNY Stony Brook University 108
    3rd SUNY University at Buffalo (Capen Hall) 90
    4-5 CUNY Hunter College 82
    4-5 Saint John’s University 82
  • Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner

    Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner

    Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner

    Each year, JTSP has the privilege of supporting extraordinary students as they pursue their academic goals. Last spring, our team was honored to attend select New York State and New York City graduation ceremonies to witness our scholars cross the stage—marking the culmination of years of dedication, resilience and exceptional hard work.

    In addition to these milestone celebrations, JTSP proudly hosted their annual Graduate Photo Studio Day to honor the 2024–2025 scholarship awardees who completed their degrees in 2025. This special event provided a space for students to celebrate their accomplishments, connect with our staff and capture professional portraits commemorating their achievements.

    In this issue, we are excited to highlight a few of the scholars who took part in these celebrations and share a glimpse into their remarkable journeys.

    Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner

    DAVID SHARER, HUNTER COLLEGE

    2025 Hunter College valedictorian and graduate in Chemistry

    PAULINE SHARER, HUNTER COLLEGE

    2025 graduate in Nursing

    These dynamic twins both enjoyed the Hunter College community and friendships they developed through the years and are grateful for the JTSP. David and Pauline also participated in the Study Incentive Program, and Pauline received the Next Generation Registered Nursing Scholarship award.

    Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program 2025 Graduate Corner

    RAINA PLAISIR, UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER

    Joseph Tauber Scholarship recipient Raina Plaisir, who graduated from the University of Rochester in May 2025, is the focus of an inspiring University of Rochester alumni news profile. The profile traces Raina’s remarkable journey from Haiti to Rochester, beginning with her family’s immigration to the United States after the 2010 earthquake. Despite the challenges of learning a new language and adjusting to a new environment, Raina thrived, thanks in part to her mother’s determination and her own growing passion for both science and the arts. Her path through LaGuardia High School and early theater experiences helped shape her dual interests in medicine and performance, which she continued to pursue throughout college.

    The article also highlights Raina’s dynamic campus involvement, from her participation in the Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students and the French Club to her love of writing, reading and sharing meaningful moments with friends. Financial aid—including her Women’s Network Scholarship—played a vital role in supporting her academic and personal growth, empowering her to forge her own path as a first-generation student.