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  • See why 1199ers are joining WeightWatchers

    See why 1199ers are joining WeightWatchers

    See why 1199ers are joining WeightWatchers!

    There’s a reason why over 4,800 1199ers have signed up—because WeightWatchers® has a proven track record of helping members reach their goals. This science-backed program provides meal planning, an award-winning app and more than 12,000 nutritious and tasty recipes. Now, there are even 1199ers-only workshops and our own social network, the 1199ers Group, to help our community support one another and exchange information. And the best part is when you join through the Benefit Fund, you can take advantage of our discounted—or no-cost—premium membership!

    1199ers Success Stories

    Mount Sinai’s Tykar Williams and Long Island Community Hospital buddies Joanne Rosso and Salvatore Oliveri discussed why they joined WeightWatchers® in the previous edition of For Your Benefit. Their stories helped inspire thousands of 1199ers to take advantage of the discounted WW membership rates off ered through the Benefit Fund. Let’s see where they are now on their journeys…

    Tykar Williams

    When we last spoke with Physical Therapy Technician Tykar Williams, he’d signed up with WW to keep off the weight he’d recently lost. Fast-forward: His WW membership, along with his dedication to juicing his own healthy drinks, allowed him to do that—and he’s lost another 15 pounds! Now he has the energy he needs to advance his career by taking part in the Funds’ Radiological Technology Service Payback Education Program. Way to go, Tykar!

    Joanne Rosso and Salvatore Oliveri

    Have they continued to follow the WW program? Has it worked for them? YES and YES! Joanne lost another 17 pounds since we first featured her journey, taking off a total of 30 pounds since joining WW. A lot of people have noticed her weight loss lately, including her doctors. And her cardiologist couldn’t be happier. Her blood pressure and cholesterol levels are now normal—both were elevated before she joined WW and lost weight. And Sal? He’s lost 51 pounds since joining, and he isn’t done yet. He wants to lose another 30 pounds and is thankful for the help he’s receiving on the way to his goal. Joanne couldn’t be prouder of her buddy.

    Sal took charge and stayed focused. He lost so much weight. WeightWatchers obviously is a big part of that, but I like to think the support his 1199SEIU family members (like me) had a little something to do with it, too! Joanna

    Already a WW member? Join the 1199ers Group!

    Tykar, Joanne and Sal also joined the 1199ers Group in the Connect section of the WeightWatchers app. If you’re a WW member, it’s easy to become a part of this fun, supportive, judgment-free zone and start chatting with other 1199ers. When you join, you can share your story, get tips and inspiration, and exchange advice with other members who may be on a journey similar to yours. Get connected—you never know who might show up! Help spread the word by downloading the flyer.

    WeightWatchers’ Potato and Pepper Frittata

    Serves 4

    4 points per serving

    This frittata is the ultimate easy-on-the-cook egg dish for breakfast or brunch. It’s impressive-looking enough to serve a crowd, but simple enough to put together for a quick breakfast. Also, the recipe is extremely versatile. You can substitute other vegetables, such as zucchini, chopped broccoli or tomatoes, and other cheeses, such as feta or Monterey Jack, instead of what the recipe calls for here.

    Ingredients

    1 tablespoon of canola oil

    2 cups of frozen shredded hash brown potatoes

    8 medium scallions, chopped

    1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped

    A pinch of salt

    ¼ cup of fresh, flat-leaf parsley, chopped

    2 cups of liquid egg substitute

    ½ cup of shredded fat-free cheddar cheese

    1 tablespoon of shredded Parmesan cheese

    ½ teaspoon of coarsely ground black pepper

    Instructions

    1. Heat the oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the hash browns, scallions, bell pepper and salt; cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are tender and golden, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the parsley.

    2. Meanwhile, spray a large non-stick skillet with non-stick spray and set over medium heat. Add the egg substitute and cook until set, 7 to 8 minutes, lifting the edges often with a spatula to let the uncooked egg substitute flow underneath.

    3. Spoon the potato mixture over the frittata, then sprinkle with the cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese and ground pepper. Cover the skillet and cook until the cheese melts, about 3 minutes.

    WHY are you taking your health journey?

    Whether you are just starting out or you have been at it for a while, ask yourself, WHY am I on this journey? Your WHY is the reason you’ve been courageous enough to begin your health journey—and it’s the thing that motivates you to achieve your goals.

  • Legendary duos: Romeo and Juliet. The beach and sand. Cake and ice cream.

    Legendary duos: Romeo and Juliet. The beach and sand. Cake and ice cream.

    Legendary duos: Romeo and Juliet. The beach and sand. Cake and ice cream.

    You can’t make a list of life’s most legendary duos without hypertension and diabetes. According to the National Institutes of Health, an estimated 73 percent of people in the U.S. who have diabetes also have hypertension. Although they’re often found together, the good news is that both are manageable and may even be completely reversible when you take some small steps.

    Breaking up a bad combo!

    How did diabetes and hypertension become such fast friends? Over time, diabetes can cause inflammation and damage to small blood vessels and kidneys. These changes contribute to high blood pressure. So, let’s get to know these BFFs a little bit better.

    Diabetes stops your body from making enough insulin or using it as well as it should, resulting in too much sugar in your bloodstream. Over time, diabetes also sets you up for kidney failure and heart disease. A person is considered diabetic when their A1C level is 6.5% or higher.

    Hypertension, or high blood pressure, makes your heart work harder to pump blood through your body. Left unchecked, it can cause strokes, as well as kidney and heart disease. High blood pressure is a consistent reading of 140/90 or higher. Start to fight back by scheduling a checkup with your doctor. With a physical exam, your doctor will be able to assess your health and let you know about any tests you should have. This will provide the basis for your plan of action—if you need it.

    Approximately 73% of the 34 million people in the U.S. with diabetes also have hypertension.

    The one-two punch: Healthy eating and movement!

    Making changes to your lifestyle is easier to achieve if you start small. Start with healthy swaps you can make in your food choices and add a 10-minute walk to your activity today. Weight loss is a superhero when fighting this bad combo. Eating healthier food and adding more movement to your day can dramatically affect your health. And remember: Every little change you make counts.

    We can help! Check out this wellness workshop on nutrition and diabetes.

    Stay active doing what you love!

    Many basic activities can be aerobically effective when the intensity and frequency are increased.
  • You won’t know until you go!  Protect your health with regular screenings

    You won’t know until you go! Protect your health with regular screenings

    You won’t know until you go! Protect your health with regular screenings

    Health Screenings

    We’ve all seen scary movies, where you hold your breath wondering what will jump out from every dark corner. But if you approach going to the doctor with the same fears, it’s time to rethink your feelings. Many people avoid health screenings because they’re afraid of the results. While being nervous is understandable, the truth is: You won’t know until you go. Whether you get peace of mind or a head start on treatment, scheduling a screening with your doctor is potentially lifesaving.

    Our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Van H. Dunn, recommends the following screenings to help you maintain a healthier, fuller life. Check with your primary care physician to find out which screenings are right for you.

    Schedule Your Screenings for the Year

    These screenings are also an excellent way to check how well you are managing an already diagnosed condition. To get screened, visit your doctor or go to an 1199SEIU health fair at your worksite.

    Your Benefit Fund’s Chief Medical Officer recommends that you follow these screening guidelines.

    Screening Beginning at age How often?
    Physical Exam All ages At least every year
    Eye Exam Age 40+ Every 2 to 4 years
    Blood Pressure Screening Age 18+ At least every year
    Cholesterol*
    Age 18+
    If your initial test results were abnormal, or if you’re at higher risk of heart disease
    Every 5 years
    As directed per your doctor
    Glucose/Blood Sugar Screening for Diabetes*
    Age 45+ With every annual checkup
    Bone Density (osteoporosis screening)
    Women: age 65+, as well as younger postmenopausal women who have risk factors or who have had a fracture as an adult
    Men: 65+
    Women: Once, then as directed per your doctor
    Men: Discuss with your doctor

    Cancer Screenings

    Colorectal Cancer
    Age 45+
    Colonoscopy every 10 years or Fecal occult blood test every year or Cologuard every 3 years
    Ask your doctor which test is best for you.
    Cervical Cancer: PAP test
    Women age 21–65
    Every 3 years
    Cervical Cancer: HPV and PAP test Women age 30–65 Every 5 years, or just Pap test every 3 years (If an HPV test is positive, screenings should be annual)††
    Breast Cancer: Clinical Breast Exam
    Women age 20+
    At your regular checkup
    Breast Cancer: Mammography Women age 40+ Every year
    Prostate Cancer Men: Discuss with your doctor Discuss with your doctor
    Lung Cancer Current/former smokers within the past 15 years, age 50 to 80, who smoked 1 pack/day for 20 years or 2 packs/day for 10 years. Annual


    * Talk to your doctor if you smoke; are overweight; have high blood pressure, diabetes or a history of gestational diabetes; have a family history of diabetes, heart disease or stroke; or are at risk for coronary artery disease.

    † For all cancer screenings, talk to your doctor about your history and see if you need to get additional tests at an earlier age.

    † For all cancer screenings, talk to your doctor about your history and see if you need to get additional tests at an earlier age.

     

    †† The HPV test looks for infections that are likely to cause cervical cancer, and can be used alone or at the same time as the Pap test.

    †† The HPV test looks for infections that are likely to cause cervical cancer, and can be used alone or at the same time as the Pap test.

    Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians; American Cancer Society; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

    This screening is easier than ever!

    The good news is colorectal cancer diagnoses have dropped in the U.S. in the last few decades. This is mainly because more people are getting screened.* There are now several options for screening, which makes it easier for people to do. Another contributing factor could be that there has been a change in attitude toward healthy eating and exercise. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that everyone ages 45 to 75 be screened for colorectal cancer, so make an appointment to be screened. And if you have a family history of cancer, you should check with your doctor to see if you should be tested sooner.

    The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act

    If you’re battling breast cancer, we’re here to support you every step of the way, from mammogram to cancer care. Your health benefits give you access to quality oncology care with many of the top cancer treatment centers in the New York metropolitan area, so you won’t have to go outside of your network for care.

    We also provide coverage for reconstructive surgery, prostheses and other mastectomy-related services, including:
    • Reconstruction of the breast on which a mastectomy was performed;
    • Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to achieve a symmetrical appearance;
    • Prostheses; and
    • Treatment for physical complications associated with all stages of the mastectomy, including lymphedema.

  • Healthy Finances: Banking Basics

    Healthy Finances: Banking Basics

    Healthy Finances

    • Banking Basics

      Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 6:00 pm

      Banking Basics teaches you how to open accounts, make deposits and withdrawals, monitor fees, maintain balances, conduct transactions remotely safely, and more.

    • Understanding Your Paycheck

      Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at 6:00 pm

      In this webinar, you’ll learn about payroll and tax deductions, social security, Medicare, FICA and more.

    • How Credit Works

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

      Utilizing credit, credit reporting, credit scores and credit impact. Understand credit and learn how lenders determine your credit worthiness and more in this webinar.

    • Keeping It Safe

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

      Learn how to protect yourself from identity theft and financial abuse, emergency financial preparedness, types of insurance and laws that can protect you from financial disaster in this webinar.

    Other Healthy Finances Courses

    Understanding Your Paycheck

    Saving Strategies Part One

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Saving Strategies Part Two

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Give Me Some Credit

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Recovering from Financial Hardship: It’s Not Over!

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Working Toward Retirement, Part One

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Working Toward Retirement, Part Two

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, May 10, 2023 at 6:00 pm

    Growing Your Money

    Next Live Video:
    Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 6:00 pm

  • Eating Healthy Budget

    Eating Healthy Budget

    Eating Healthy on a Budget

    In this workshop, you’ll learn ways to save money when shopping for healthy food and make good choices at the supermarket. A Health Educator will also present a cooking demonstration and provide you with tips for preparing nutritious meals your whole family can enjoy—easily and affordably!

  • Preventing and Managing Diabetes

    Preventing and Managing Diabetes

    Preventing and Managing Diabetes

    In this workshop, our Wellness Health Educators, discuss ways to help you prevent or manage your diabetes—and present a cooking demonstration! You will learn about making healthier food choices, which can help you control your blood sugar levels, and what you can do to stay physically active.

  • Reducing Re-Hospitalizations

    4) Reducing Re-Hospitalizations

  • Pain Assessments

    3) Pain Assessments

  • Communication

    2) Communication

  • Creating a Welcoming Environment for New Residents

    1) Creating a Welcoming Environment for New Residents