May is High Blood Pressure Education Month, so it’s a good time to talk about it—especially since it affects nearly 50 percent of the U.S. population.* Also known as hypertension, it is sometimes called a silent killer, because you can walk around with no symptoms and no idea that you have it.

That’s why I recommend you see your healthcare provider regularly to have your blood pressure checked. If your levels are elevated, but it’s detected early, your physician may suggest lifestyle changes to get it under control. But, if you’ve tried that and your pressure is still high, your healthcare provider may prescribe medication.

If you do start taking medication, it’s important that you do NOT skip doses. The best way to get your blood pressure under control is to take your medication as prescribed and have regular follow-up appointments. The only person who should update your prescription is your healthcare provider. You shouldn’t make any changes on your own. When not treated properly, hypertension can damage your heart, eyes and other organs.

The good news is that lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise can help prevent hypertension. Stress can also play a role. And as healthcare workers, stress is something we know all too well. So managing your stress can make a big difference in managing your blood pressure.

I speak from experience—I’ve been managing my hypertension since medical school.

I speak from experience—I’ve been managing my hypertension since medical school. I cut out desserts and sugary drinks and lost 80 pounds. But I still routinely see my healthcare provider and monitor my blood pressure regularly to make sure it’s under control. If I can do it, so can you!

Visit Healthy Hearts page of our Healthy Living Resource Center for more information.

*Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Looking for some quick dinner inspiration? Check out one of our healthy, mouth-watering cooking demos! Thinking about taking that yoga class, but can’t make it to the gym on time? Tune in and join Foluke for some easy, but powerful stretches. Feeling stressed? We’ve got you. Get some coping strategies from Dr. Karinn Glover or try some deep breathing exercises with Lupe, our 1199 social worker. You can even listen to our Health Is the Key podcast and get motivated with our Members’ Voices videos. There are just so many possibilities on our new YouTube channel! Now you can find all these healthy living videos in one convenient place!

Explore our playlists and get involved with our 1199SEIU community posts. So, subscribe today, share with your family and friends and come back often. We regularly add new videos created to educate, entertain and inspire you! 

If you’ve ever been on a roller coaster, you’re familiar with the slow tick of the track as you climb the hill to the top for that first plunge. Your heart races with uncertainty and excitement, steadily building until you’re on the brink. Sound familiar? Stress can be a roller coaster, with those same twists and turns and, if we’re not careful, an emotional peak that can have a big impact on our minds and bodies.

Think stress is just about the mind? Think again. Not only is stress a burden on your mental health, leading to feelings of burnout, anxiety and depression, but stress that’s not dealt with can lead to many physical health problems, including:

1. High blood pressure
2. Migraines and tension headaches
3. Hormonal changes caused by an increase of stress hormones like cortisol
4. Heart disease
5. Stroke
6. Obesity
7. Diabetes

The good news is that with the right support, you can reduce or eliminate the effects of stress altogether.

4 TIPS TO TAME THE BEAST!

We’ve all felt that slow rise in emotion and pressure that feels inescapable, but it doesn’t have to take you for a ride!

Need help dealing with stress?

For information and tips, visit the Healthy Minds section of our Healthy Living Resource Center or call the Benefit Funds’ Wellness Member Assistance Program at (646) 473-6900 for a confidential referral.

Sharese has been busy since she was featured in the Fall 2023 For Your Benefit magazine. She changed jobs, becoming a Secretary II at the NYU Orthopedic Center, where she has a greater opportunity to interact with her patients. And that’s not all. After seeing a Benefit Funds email about the Virta program for members living with type 2 diabetes, she decided to give it a try. She’s glad she did. “The toolbox Virta provides made a big difference for me,” she said. They sent her a food scale and glucose and ketone meters. “There is a lot of science behind the program, and the Virta coaches give you the support you need.” Sharese lost 10 pounds in six months and is looking forward to her next A1C screening. “Virta is a great benefit,” she said. “I encourage anyone with diabetes to give it a try!”

Some of the most frequent questions we’ve received from expectant mothers have been about nursing. From formula to breast milk, nursing positions, milk supply and more.

If you have any questions, please call (646) 473-8962 or email Anissa.Witter@1199Funds.org

If you or a loved one need mental health support, but don’t know where to start, the Benefit Funds have partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-NYC) for an interactive online healthy minds series. The series focuses on mental health awareness and provides resources and connections you can rely on. It doesn’t have to be difficult to find good mental health help. Take a look at the schedule and descriptions below and register for a spring workshop today!