1199SEIU Funds

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  • Being there starts with healthy eating

    Being there starts with healthy eating

    Being there starts with healthy eating

    Fuel. Medicine. Love.

    Food is all these things and more.

    Eating a healthy diet gives us the building blocks to be present for life’s precious moments. It can also help our children grow stronger and be more focused in school. All of this adds up to our living longer, fuller lives. Although the basics of healthy eating are simple, it isn’t always easy to do. Knowing what kind of fuel is best for your body is a great place to start.

    Fruits: Fresh fruits are best, but frozen, canned or dried fruit also deliver important vitamins and nutrients.

    Vegetables: The wide variety of vegetables—beans, carrots, corn, salads—can win over even the pickiest eater.

    Dairy: Fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses provide essential calcium.

    Whole grains: Whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and fiber.

    Protein: Proteins like fish, chicken, beans and lentils help fuel your body and maintain a healthy weight.

    Sources: CDC, Healthline

    Make mouthwatering meals

    You don’t have to sacrifice taste when using ingredients that are good for you —healthy food can be delicious. You can learn how to make easy and nutritious recipes with our online cooking series at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Wellness-Videos. If you live or work in the Bronx, take advantage of the SBH Health System’s innovative Teaching Kitchen, which offers three cooking classes with a chef who teaches healthy meal preparation, using food grown right in their rooftop garden.

    Learn more and start exploring
  • A healthy body gives you freedom

    A healthy body gives you freedom

    A healthy body gives you freedom

    Freedom to dream.

    Freedom to thrive.

    Getting more movement into your everyday routine is the best way to improve your emotional and physical wellness—and you may lose weight and cut down on the risk of illness. So whether you’re dusting off your sneakers or lacing them up for the first time, it’s never too late to get walking, running, biking or dancing—just get moving so that you can do the things you enjoy!

    Here are some simple ideas to get you started—try choosing one —and remember, every little bit counts!

    • Get off the subway or bus one stop earlier and walk the rest of the way.
    • Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator.
    • Use TV commercial breaks to do 10 crunches or dance.
    • Clean the bathroom, do laundry, wash dishes—they all burn calories.
    • Stand up, walk around, stretch or tense your stomach muscles and hold and release eight seconds each time, for five minutes several times a day—at work or at home.
    • Play with your kids or pet.
    • Take a 30-minute walk after a meal once a day.

    Sources: WebMD and NIH

    Get a discounted gym membership

    Exercise can boost your physical and mental health, so it’s important to find a routine or program that’s right for you. You can take advantage of discounts at gyms like the YMCA of Greater New York and SBH Health’s Healthplex Fitness Center.

    You and your family are eligible for a special group rate at any New York City YMCA branch and can access all the community and family programs the YMCA offers, as well as their healthy-lifestyle facilities. Membership includes state-of-the-art cardio and strength-training equipment, free group fitness classes, lap swim and family swim, basketball courts and more!

    If you live or work in the Bronx, SBH offers a discounted membership that includes access to the Fitness Center six days a week and to all scheduled classes such as Zumba, Illuminated Spin and Yoga, as well as three Teaching Kitchen classes.

    Learn More
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  • From your heart to theirs

    From your heart to theirs

    From your heart to theirs

    It’s an amazing machine.

    Your heart works around the clock to keep your body and mind running smoothly, pumping blood and oxygen to all of your organs. But to do its job well, it requires regular maintenance. Taking care of your heart allows you to enjoy your friends, family and daily activities. So take the time to maintain your heart health:

    Know your numbers – blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, Body Mass Index.

    Get routine checkups – annual physicals, with recommended screenings.

    Eat healthfully – fruits, vegetables, lean meats, dairy, whole grains and water.

    Exercise regularly – try to get 30 minutes a day—remember, it doesn’t have to be all at once; every little bit counts.

    Maintain a healthy weight – a combination of healthy eating and exercise.

    Manage stress – self-care, meditation, “me” time.

    Quit smoking – smoking damages blood vessels, raising blood pressure.

    A unique program for members

    If you are struggling with high blood pressure, take advantage of one of our new programs. We are partnering with one of our institutions to help you get a handle on your condition. Eating well, exercising and managing stress can be a challenge when you’re juggling a busy home and work life. But managing your high blood pressure is essential to staying healthy.

    At Mount Sinai Health System, your blood pressure readings are sent from an at-home device to a care team consisting of a pharmacist, a care coordinator, a nutritionist and a physician, who can manage and adjust your medication as needed and even provide one-on-one coaching.

    If your primary care doctor is affiliated with Mount Sinai and you want to try this program, contact MSHP.Pharmacy@mountsinai.org for more information.

    Learn more and start exploring
  • Emotional support can open up the world

    Emotional support can open up the world

    Emotional support can open up the world

    As healthcare workers, you proved your resilience during the pandemic.

    Now more and more of us are recognizing the need for emotional support in order to keep going and get the most out of life. Recognizing when we need help or when someone we love could benefit from mental health care is the key to finding support as soon as possible.

    Watch for these signs:

    • Fatigue
    • Behavior and habit changes
    • Increased substance use/abuse
    • Drastic mood changes
    • Increased irritability
    • Isolation from friends/stopping previously enjoyed activities

    Confidential support through member assistance

    There are several ways for you to use your comprehensive mental health coverage to get help. With our Wellness Member Assistance Program (WMAP), you can choose in-person, group and virtual options. So if you or someone in your family needs mental health or substance abuse help, our staff of trained professionals can assist with referrals to programs and community resources, or even outpatient treatment and inpatient hospital stays. Consultations are completely confidential. You can also register for emotional health and well-being workshops. For more information, call (646) 473-6900.

    Help for teens

    More than ever, teens are at high risk for mental health issues, so your Teladoc benefit now covers your eligible dependents ages 13 to 17. For more information, visit www.Teladoc.com or call 800-TELADOC (835-2362).

    Wellness at your fingertips

    If you work at Mount Sinai Health System, their Center for Stress, Resilience, and Personal Growth offers workshops, behavioral health treatment and the Mount Sinai Wellness Hub. You also have access to well-being surveys, can receive recommendations about care and build resilience through self-guided activities.

    Learn More

    CopeNYP

    If you work at NewYork-Presbyterian, their CopeNYP program offers free, confidential mental health services to all family members. Counseling, provided by Weill Cornell Medicine’s Department of Psychiatry, includes up to eight telehealth sessions per topic. For more information, call (646) 962-2710 or email CopeNYP@med.cornell.edu.

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  • It’s a partnership

    It’s a partnership

    It’s a partnership

    A Message from Dr. Van H. Dunn, Chief Medical Officer

    You may think you should only see your doctor when you don’t feel well. But getting an annual checkup with your primary care provider (PCP) is one of the most important ways to stay healthy so that you can be around for more of life’s joys. A PCP can be a doctor, physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner whom you visit for most medical needs and who manages your health concerns. Building a strong relationship with your PCP and visiting them annually for a thorough checkup ensures that they will get to know you, your background, your health habits and any medical conditions you have. This will help identify health risks early enough to get ahead of them and ensure that if you need it, you get the best possible treatment for you.

    It’s important that your PCP really listens to you and understands you. Your doctor should acknowledge any fears or concerns you have and answer your questions clearly and thoroughly. You should feel comfortable discussing things that may be personal, or even embarrassing. And if you need treatment, your doctor should explain all options with you.

    If you don’t feel comfortable with your current provider, visit our Healthy Relationships page for tips on what to look for when choosing a new one.

    Convenient Primary Care

    In the Bronx, SBH Health System provides you with whole-person care that includes a state-of-the art Wellness Center offering primary and family care, women’s health and diagnostics services, and an urgent-care center. They also offer a discounted membership at their Healthplex Fitness Center, which includes a fitness assessment, biometric screening and healthy-cooking classes. In addition, SBH has hypertension and diabetes programs customized for you and your family. To make an appointment with a primary care physician, call (718) 960-3730 and tell them you are an 1199SEIU member. If you need onsite help, an Outreach Coordinator is there on Mondays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Wednesdays, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    In Brooklyn, the state-of-the-art Pierre Toussaint Family Health Center will match you with a primary care physician and follow-up support by a clinical team. In addition to an urgent care center, you can access health coaching and lifestyle programs for hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. To make an appointment with a primary care physician, call (718) 604-5000 and tell them you are an 1199SEIU member. If you need onsite help, an Outreach Coordinator is there on Tuesdays, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Thursdays, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    Learn more and start exploring

  • Our online resource center makes healthy eating easier!

    Our online resource center makes healthy eating easier!

    Our online resource center makes healthy eating easier!

    Hear from the expert!

    “Eating the rainbow helps ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.”

    Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN,
    Registered Dietician and Chef Director of the Teaching Kitchen and Culinary Medicine at SBH Health System.

    Eat the Rainbow

    Different-colored plants are linked to higher levels of specific nutrients and health benefits. So your best bet is to eat fruits and vegetables of different colors every day!

    Fresh Produce

    Getting more fresh produce in your diet just got a lot easier with this guide to Green Markets throughout New York City.

    Learn More

    Coming Soon! WW

    Formerly known as Weight Watchers, WW has a new, holistic approach that incorporates strategies to support your weight-loss goals through diet, physical activity, mindset and better sleep methods. Digital, in-person or virtual workshops, plus personal coaching solutions are there for you. Make signing up for WW your New Year’s resolution—the program starts on January 3, 2023!

    Meet Yesenia

    Yesenia Peña
    Patient Financial Advisor, NewYork-Presbyterian

    If I eat the right things now, I’ll be able to enjoy my retirement later!

    After a battle with thyroid cancer, Yesenia Peña made simple changes to her diet, replacing red meat, pork and white rice with grilled salmon or chicken breast. She soon began losing weight and feeling more energetic and confident. “People see me post pictures of my dinner and ask for my recipe,” she says. “They know it’s important to eat healthy too!” Yesenia’s doctor was happy to learn about the changes and recommended she see a nutritionist as well—which she intends to do. “I want to stay healthy as I grow older. If I eat the right things now, I’ll be able to enjoy my retirement later!”

    Say Goodbye to Diabetes

    In partnership with the Benefit Fund, Virta Health is offering a diabetes reversal program to members with Type 2 diabetes.

    60% of patients who participated in the program experienced diabetes reversal

    Using nutritional therapy, coaching, and clinical and prescription management, 60 percent of participants experienced diabetes reversal, and 40 percent are on their way to better management of their condition.

    Learn more and start exploring
  • Get moving with our online resource center!

    Get moving with our online resource center!

    Get moving with our online resource center!

    Expert Opinion!

    “Opportunities to make adjustments come in big and small sizes, such as joining a gym, beginning group exercise classes online or in-person, stretching on your own or walking more each day”

    Manisha Kulshreshtha, MD,
    Senior Vice President, Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer,
    SBH Health System

    Know Your Numbers

    Your fitness numbers, regular preventive screenings and annual checkups with your doctor help give you a clear picture of where you stand, including your heart rate and blood pressure.

    Calorie Burn

    Knowing how many calories you’re burning helps keep you motivated. So check out our chart for a few common 30-minute workouts. Then pick your favorite and just do it!

    Learn More

    Try the Resistance Band Workout

    Kick-start your fitness routine with low-impact exercise like the Benefit Funds Resistance Band Total-Body Workout for all fitness levels.

    Learn More

    Meet Teve

    Teve Guerra
    Secretary, Maimonides Medical Center

    I love how it makes me feel energized; it really kick-starts my day!

    Teve Guerra had been active all her life, so when her gym closed in 2020 due to the pandemic, she was lost. She soon noticed she was gaining weight and feeling sluggish. Once the gym re-opened, she couldn’t wait to return. “It was hard to work out in a mask, but that didn’t stop me!” she recalls.

    Now, Teve goes to the gym three times a week before work. “I love how it makes me feel energized; it really kick-starts my day!” she says. Teve does a variety of workouts—treadmill, weight exercises and spin classes—so she doesn’t get bored. “It gets easier once you start,” she says, “and the health benefits really make it worth the effort!”

    Free Classes

    Your Benefit Fund will offer free online yoga classes and Latin or African dance classes for all fitness levels. Each 30-minute workout will be offered on two Saturdays and two late-afternoon weekdays each month.

    76% of people who exercise regularly report better sleep quality.

    Learn More
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  • Get heart smart with our online resource center!

    Get heart smart with our online resource center!

    Get heart smart with our online resource center!

    Meet Marlene

    Marlene Adigun
    Dietary Aide, Citadel Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at Kingsbridge

    It’s important to monitor your blood pressure and your other numbers.

    “It’s important to monitor your blood pressure and your other numbers,” says Marlene Adigun. Even though Marlene is eligible to retire, she’s not ready to stop working at the job she’s loved for nearly 50 years. Diagnosed with high blood pressure more than 10 years ago, Marlene stays active, watches what she eats, takes medication and makes sure to get an annual checkup, along with recommended screenings every few years. “I don’t have to be sick to go to the doctor!”

    Long-life Tip

    Knowing your numbers is one of the most important things you can do to stay heart healthy. So check out this chart.

    Visit our Healthy Hearts page to find an easy-to-use BMI calculator.

    Learn More

    Expert Opinion!

    “My research is about developing strategies to reduce the racial gap and the morbidity gap in terms of cardiovascular disease—hypertension, high blood pressure and stroke. One way to solve the problem is to bring health into the community (barber shops, senior centers, churches). Going to communities and talking to folks about their health is not foreign to me. I’m very comfortable talking to people of different ages and different cultures.”

    Gbenga Ogedegbe, MD,
    Professor of Population Health & Medicine,
    Chief Division of Health & Behavior and Director Center for Healthful Behavior Change in the Department of Population Health at the School of Medicine at NYU Langone.

    Staying physically active can lower your risk of heart disease by 50%

    Learn more and start exploring
  • Use our online resource center to get the help you need!

    Use our online resource center to get the help you need!

    Use our online resource center to get the help you need!

    Meet Russell

    Russell Smith
    Billing Representative, Montefiore Medical Center

    When I focus on the positives in my life and the love I have for my family, I can feel myself getting mentally stronger.

    After battling back from what was initially a terminal cancer diagnosis, Russell Smith had become depressed and realized he needed support. He began seeing a therapist who helped him work through the trauma he’d experienced. “My mental health began to improve,” Russell explains. “I still get emotional, but my therapist continues to help me. When I focus on the positives in my life and the love I have for my family, I can feel myself getting mentally stronger.”

    But starting therapy wasn’t easy. “Particularly as an African-American male, some people said I was crazy,” Russell remembers. He recommends therapy for anyone who wants to improve their mental health. “People need the help I had,” he says. “Strengthening your mental health can give you the confidence you need to overcome the challenges.”

    Join Our Free Mindfulness Classes

    Check out your Benefit Fund’s lineup of free online classes that can help boost your emotional well-being.

    Learn More

    Consistent Sleep Matters

    Lack of sleep makes you more vulnerable to stress, and it can also trigger symptoms of some mental health conditions. So recharge by getting a good night’s sleep.

    87% of people in the U.S. believe having a mental health disorder is nothing to be ashamed of

    Hear from the expert!

    Dr. Karinn Glover breaks down the signs of burnout, trauma and grief and offers tips and resources for getting the help you need.

    Karinn Glover Attending, Adult Outpatient Psychiatry at Montefiore; Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences,
    Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

    Finding Support

    Dr. Karinn Glover gives her insights on the variety of mental health professionals who can support you. She also shares healthy habits to improve your overall well-being and reduce stress.

    First Steps

    The most important part of your journey to emotional well-being is finding the right mental health professional. To find a provider, visit our behavioral health network at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/MentalHealth or visit Teladoc.com, where you can also view specialist profiles. For more telehealth information, call 800-TELADOC (835-2362).

    Make Time for “Me” Time

    Do something that makes you feel good. It might be reading a book, watching a movie, listening to some music or taking your dog for a walk. No matter what your choice is for self-care, making time for yourself is important.

    Learn more and start exploring
  • Use our online resource center to find the right care team for you!

    Use our online resource center to find the right care team for you!

    Use our online resource center to find the right care team for you!

    Hear from the expert!

    “As a longtime advocate for best practices in community-academic partnerships, I am pleased to be part of initiative[s] to tackle socio-economic and racial inequities in our surrounding communities.”

    Rafael A. Lantigua, MD,
    NewYork-Presbyterian, Columbia University

    Find Your Doctor

    Check our updated Provider Directory, featuring:

    • A mobile-friendly design that’s simple to use on any device
    • Google Maps, to find care near where you live or work
    • Easy search engine for gender, language and availability
    Learn More

    Open Dialogue

    Whether you’re looking for a primary care physician or a mental health professional, there are questions you should ask to forge a strong connection. So prepare your list before your first conversation to ensure the right fit for you.

    Learn More

    Find the help you need

    Findhelp.org is the leading community care network to find free or reduced-cost services near where you live or work. Our team has customized the search engine to further refine it for you. Visit findhelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org and type in your ZIP code for a list of convenient resources that can help you find housing or food assistance, pay for transit, get legal aid and more!

    findhelp Logo

    Partners in your health

    We’re joining with NYU Langone Health to talk about the importance of colon cancer screening. The good news is, if you work at NYU Langone Health, you get a paid day off to get screened. Dr. Dunn had his colonoscopy done at NYU Langone Health and recorded his experience to answer FAQs and relieve common concerns.

    Coming this fall, if you are a Northwell Health patient and you receive an invitation to get screened at a mobile site near where you live or work, it’s because you’re past due for a screening. As an added convenience, a clinician will be on site to help you find a primary care provider if you don’t have one, and schedule your first appointment with the doctor you choose. If you are a Montefiore Medical Center patient, watch your mail for a letter from Dr. Dunn, inviting you to get screened if you are past due.

    Coming Soon! Teladoc 360

    If you are looking for telehealth primary care, you’ll soon be able to get information about our expanded relationship with Teladoc. You’ll be able to choose your own primary care team and build a virtual relationship with them.

    Learn More

    Meet Milton

    Milton Cruz
    Emergency Department Technician,
    Northwell Health-Cohen Children’s Medical Center

    Don’t rely on the Internet for advice: Go for regular checkups with a doctor who knows you!

    Milton Cruz knows how important a good relationship with a primary care physician (PCP) is. That’s why he’s been seeing Dr. Marie S. Percy-Leroy, a PCP at AdvantageCare Physicians—which provides culturally and linguistically accessible care throughout New York City—regularly for the past 15 years. Milton originally went to Dr. Percy-Leroy for a checkup before starting the physically demanding work involved in emergency medical services.

    “I have a great relationship with her,” says Milton, who believes his connection with Dr. Percy-Leroy keeps him healthy because he’s comfortable talking to her about almost everything. “There are no surprises,” he says. “If I’m doing something I shouldn’t, or if I’m doing something that will keep me on the right track, she’ll let me know.” Milton credits this partnership with providing the support he needs to maintain a healthy weight, control his blood pressure and even quit smoking. His advice? “Don’t rely on the Internet for advice: Go for regular checkups with a doctor who knows you!”

    Healthcare at Your Worksite

    We are partnering with our major employer health systems to bring you wellness programs at your worksite.

    Here’s what NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital offers:

    • Well-being assessment and health screenings
    • Wellness coaches you can meet with in person or online
    • Mental health counselors
    • Internal info-net with webinars, coaching sessions and more
    • Eight telehealth mental health sessions per family member per topic
    • Training to enhance focus, improve mood and increase productivity
    Learn more about your employer’s programs

    Getting regular screenings is important for good health

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

    Screening Who should be screened? How often?
    Physical exam All ages At least every year
    Hypertension 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
    Colonoscopy Age 45+ Colonoscopy every 10 years or fecal blood test every year or Cologuard every 3 years
    Ask your doctor which test is best for you
    Glucose/Blood sugar
    screening for diabetes    		 Age 45+ Every 3 years
    Mammogram Women age 45 and up who are at average Every 3 yearsrisk for breast cancer Every year for women age 45 to 54; every 2 years for those age 55 and up
    Pap test Women age 21-65 Every 3 years
    HPV and Pap test Women age 30-65 Every 5 years (or just Pap test every 3 years)
    Prostate Men: discuss with your doctor Men: discuss with your doctor

    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.

    According to your doctor’s treatment plan, you’re covered for:

    • 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 lymphedemas.

    These benefits are provided under the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees and the 1199SEIU Greater New York Benefit Fund. Coverage is subject to benefit rules, exclusions and limitations that may apply under the Plans, as permitted by law.

    Learn more and start exploring