It’s the time of year when many of us are trying to stick to our resolutions—especially when it comes to food and exercise. As a doctor, I believe balance is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. And the fact is the food we eat plays a big role in our overall health. Choosing foods that are lower in sugar, saturated fats and sodium can help prevent diabetes, hypertension and certain cancers—allowing us to live longer, healthier lives. Studies also show that a diet consisting mainly of whole, unprocessed foods can help lower the risk of depression and anxiety.

Healthy food may not always be in plain sight. But even when you feel surrounded by unhealthy options, you can find alternatives if you look in the right places. In the supermarket, don’t settle for what you see right away. Keep looking! You may have to look harder to find the fresh fruits and vegetables and lean proteins, but your body will thank you for it. You should also try to cook your own food as often as you can. It allows you to know exactly what you’re eating, putting you in control.

And doctor’s orders: Take this healthy eating prescription in three balanced meals. When you skip breakfast, lunch or both, there is a tendency to overeat later in the day to make up for it. Choose foods from the five food groups (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins and dairy) to create healthy meals that taste good to you. For more information, visit our Healthy Living Resource Center and check out “MyPlate” in our Healthy Eating section. You’ll also find resources and tips to help you build better meals.

You don’t have to give up flavor to eat healthier. Being creative with ingredients can be a game changer. I should know: I’m not just a doctor, I also love to cook. Using herbs, spices, lemon juice or no-salt seasonings add flavor without adding sodium. You can also try baking, broiling or grilling instead of frying.

As your Benefit Fund doctor, I encourage you to remember that when it comes to healthy eating and nutrition, making small changes can really add up!

Sources: U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Institute of Health (NIH)

Our Members’ Voices series is so popular that we devoted the 2025 calendar to showcasing the inspirational stories of 12 new 1199SEIU members! These 1199ers have embarked on their own unique health journeys, and they are willing to share what they’ve learned to help motivate you throughout the year! You’ll also find important contact information and quick, at-a-glance overviews of the services and programs your Benefit Fund offers.

Applying to become a U.S. citizen can be a complicated process. That’s why the 1199SEIU Citizenship Program is here to help.

For information on the 1199SEIU Citizenship Program, visit our Citizenship page, call (646) 473-8915 or email 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.

When it comes to healthy living, the most inspiring stories come right from your fellow 1199SEIU members! That’s why we started our Members’ Voices video series. Each story is a few minutes long and is sure to motivate you and provide you with down-to-earth advice that will support you on your own health journey!

WHY are you taking your health journey?

Would you like to share your healthy living story in an episode of Members’ Voices? Email us at MembersVoices@1199Funds.org to tell us a little about yourself and we’ll send you a limited-edition Health Is the Key t-shirt, created to celebrate our podcast. We look forward to hearing from you!

In January, our Health Is the Key  podcast launched its second season. In the first episode, our special guest was Dr. Lela Mayers, the new Deputy Chief Medical Officer of the 1199SEIU Benefit Funds. Dr. Mayers dropped by to chat with host Elizabeth Moore about her background as a family medicine physician and how important it is to build strong relationships with your doctors. So, check it out!

We have a fantastic lineup of guests in season two, including our recent guest, Dr. Shivani Verma, a cardiologist from Maimonides Medical Center. Dr. Verma joined our podcast for American Heart Month to talk about the symptoms women should pay attention to and special health factors like pregnancy and menopause. She also offered some insights on the things you can do to keep your heart in good working order.

You can still listen to our entire season one catalog, including last November’s exciting episode with award-winning chef, restaurateur, author and activist Marcus Samuelsson. So subscribe wherever you get your podcasts or visit Health Is the Key to listen to all of our episodes.

You can listen here!

What if the prescription for healthier living was right in your refrigerator?

That’s the idea behind food as medicine—practicing preventive healthcare through your food choices. The link between nutrition and health might seem obvious, but it’s easy to underestimate the impact of properly fueling your body. From diabetes to depression, food can play a significant role in treating and managing your health goals.

Your Food Rx

Inflammation Fighters

Inflammation can make you feel tired and achy. It can also cause weight gain and insulin resistance. Fight back by increasing your intake of leafy green vegetables, berries and the healthy fats found in nuts, olive oil and fatty fish, like salmon.

Mood Motivators

If you’ve ever felt “hangry”—both hungry and angry—you’re already familiar with the effect food can have on your mood. To combat these effects, make sure to eat healthy meals regularly and try adding more whole grains, lean meat, beans and low-fat dairy. These foods stimulate mood-stabilizing hormones like serotonin and dopamine.

Brain Boosters

Supercharge your brainpower and prevent cognitive decline by going green! Foods such as kale, spinach, broccoli and collards contain healthy nutrients like vitamin K, lutein, folate and beta-carotene, which could play a role in maintaining your brain health.

Blood Sugar Regulators

It’s no secret that food choices can influence your blood sugar levels. Take control with foods like beans and lentils, avocado and rolled oats, as well as fermented foods like sauerkraut and yogurt. The choices we make can help lower A1C levels and even—potentially—prevent type 2 diabetes.

Heart Health Heroes

Your heart does a lot of work behind the scenes to keep your body running smoothly. So, show it a little TLC by putting these heart-healthy foods on the menu: fresh herbs, nuts, fish, whole-grain cereal, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Self-care starts with an ounce of prevention

They may not be as flashy as some of the other ways you pamper yourself, but routine preventive screenings are a key component of self-care that belong at the top of your to-do list. And screenings work. Whether you get peace of mind or a head start on treating any issues, the truth is: You won’t know until you go.

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.

Women: Breast cancer support

If you receive health benefits through the Home Care Benefit Fund* or Healthfirst and you have breast cancer, support is available from mammogram to cancer care. In the New York metropolitan area you have access to quality oncology care with many of the top cancer treatment centers.

If you receive health benefits through the Home Care Benefit Fund* or Healthfirst and you have breast cancer, support is available from mammogram to cancer care. In the New York metropolitan area you have access to quality oncology care with many of the top cancer treatment centers. And if you undergo a mastectomy, a federal law provides protections that ensure you have coverage 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 a mastectomy, including lymphedema.

*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.

Men: Knowledge is power

Here’s the good news: Early detection of prostate cancer saves lives. Although prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer among men, increased screenings and early treatment have led to improved outcomes. Guidelines suggest that if you are a 45- to 69-yearold man, with an average risk, you should discuss testing with your doctor.

You should also talk with your doctor about your medical and family history, which can help determine whether you should begin testing at an earlier age.

Prioritizing your health by getting screened for prostate cancer can give you peace of mind, or put you on the path to early treatment, which could make all the difference. So, discuss whether testing is right for you with your doctor.