March 2024
Below, please find information about March’s list of classes to exercise your mind and body, as well as updates on your benefits and programs. We hope you find this month’s bulletin helpful and make time for self-care so that you can remain Retired, but Active! Enjoy!
Find out if you have diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, 1.4 million people will be diagnosed with diabetes this year. The good news is that even if you’ve been diagnosed, you may be able to reverse type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes and proper management. Early diagnosis and treatment make all the difference, so it’s important that you get screened.
If you are enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage plan, you are covered for visits to your primary care physician,* so schedule an appointment. If you’ve been tested and your A1C levels have been high, you are curious about the signs and symptoms, or if you have a family history of diabetes, please take charge of your health by getting in touch with your doctor today.
*Please refer to your Summary Plan Description for more information about your retiree health benefit eligibility.
Check Out Our Health Is the Key Podcast!
We hope you’ve had the chance to listen to our podcast, Health Is the Key, where you’ll get cutting-edge healthy living information from our industry’s experts and leaders! You can tune in right away to hear Benefit Funds Executive Director and CEO Dr. Donna Rey explore the importance of finding the “why” behind your health journey. And in the coming months, you’ll hear from an exciting lineup of guests. So, wherever you get your podcasts, subcribe to Health Is the Key to be inspired and informed.
Support Your Emotional Health with Aetna’s MDLIVE
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. Now, retirees enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan can get support for their emotional well-being through MDLIVE, an online resource. With MDLIVE, you can connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatrist by phone or video chat from the comfort of your home on your schedule. To get started, visit www.MDLIVE.com/AetnaMedicareBH and follow the prompts to create an account. To learn more about MDLIVE, call (888) 865-0729.
Learn New Skills and Explore Interests with Continuing Education Programs
Is there a subject you’ve always wanted to study or a topic you want to learn more about? 1199SEIU retirees can access free and low-cost educational opportunities, including in-person courses at colleges throughout New York and online classes offered nationwide.
Stay Connected with In-person and Online Chapter Meetings
We hope you are enjoying these meetings, using them to connect with friendly faces and get updates on Funds news and information about your retiree benefits. As we continue to keep an eye on health recommendations and guidelines, we have decided to resume holding in-person chapter meetings at several locations in the New York and New Jersey areas. All other chapters will continue to meet online via Zoom. Take a look at the listings below and plan to attend your in-person meeting, or simply join your chapter meeting by typing the Zoom link listed below into your Internet browser and entering the meeting ID and passcode when prompted. You can also join your meeting using the phone number listed below your chapter.
Findhelp When You Need It
Life’s needs can be unexpected, but you can always count on getting support at findhelp.1199SEIUBenefits.org, your Benefit Fund’s curated search engine that locates free and low-cost community services and programs wherever you and your loved ones live. Search for assistance with transportation, emotional well-being, nutritional and food programs, financial and legal assistance and more. Although we are pleased to share these resources with you, the services offered through findhelp are not benefits covered by your Benefit Fund.
The Healthy Living Resource Center Is Your Wellness Toolkit!
If you want to get and keep your health on track, your Benefit Fund has you covered. The Healthy Living Resource Center gives you info, expert insights and wellness tools, split into five channels covering the pillars of a healthy lifestyle: Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts, Healthy Eating and Healthy Provider Relationships. Browse each section for nutrition tips, health trackers, interactive exercise videos and screening guidelines. Healthy Living will be updated frequently with new information about upcoming programs and partnerships, so be sure to check back often.
Stay Informed with Aetna Online Health Presentations
Through our partnership with Aetna, you can stay up to date on important health and wellness topics by viewing monthly online presentations. Aetna will present a 30-minute live webinar from an Aetna registered nurse, who will review each month’s health topic and provide resources. The video will be available on the Aetna website at the start of each month, allowing you to watch whenever it fits your schedule.
Upcoming Topics
March: Thriving in Retirement
April: Statins
Protect Your Health by Getting Vaccinated
Winter may be ending, but it’s still a great time to boost your immunity and protect yourself and others from viruses like the flu and COVID-19. Health experts caution that COVID-19 continues to pose a risk and have recommended the updated booster shot. Additionally, the flu vaccine is the best way to lower your risk of severe illness should you be exposed to the virus. Vaccinations offer widespread protection for you and your loved ones, so if you are eligible, we encourage you to get your shots as soon as possible. Visit your doctor or participating pharmacy to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
Exercise Your Mind and Body
The Retired Members Division has again partnered with Mind Over Matter Fitness to bring you classes for your mental and physical well-being. View the class descriptions and join the classes online via Zoom at the links listed below. For more information, please call (646) 473-8761.
Cooking for Your Health
Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Teresa. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!
- New York
- Alabama
- California
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Maryland
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- North and South Carolina
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- Tennessee
- Texas
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Virginia
- Washington
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Retirees: Alabama and Georgia — Chapter Meeting
Fri., Mar. 22, at 12:00 pm
and 11:00 am
Meeting ID: 818 9683 7787
Passcode: 197846
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Maryland, Delaware and Ohio — Chapter Meeting
Tue., Mar. 26, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 868 0583 8421
Passcode: 738082
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Alabama and Georgia — Chapter Meeting
Fri., Mar. 22, at 12:00 pm
and 11:00 am
Meeting ID: 818 9683 7787
Passcode: 197846
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
-
Retirees: Maryland, Delaware and Ohio — Chapter Meeting
Tue., Mar. 26, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 868 0583 8421
Passcode: 738082
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North and South Carolinas — Chapter Meeting
Thu., Mar. 28, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
SEIU HealthCare 1199NJ
555 US-1
Suite 301-A
Iselin, NJ 08830
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 863 2761 2855
Passcode: 845282
Call in: (646) 558-8656
-
Retirees: New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North and South Carolinas — Chapter Meeting
Thu., Mar. 28, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
SEIU HealthCare 1199NJ
555 US-1
Suite 301-A
Iselin, NJ 08830
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 863 2761 2855
Passcode: 845282
Call in: (646) 558-8656
-
Retirees: Maryland, Delaware and Ohio — Chapter Meeting
Tue., Mar. 26, at 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 868 0583 8421
Passcode: 738082
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North and South Carolinas — Chapter Meeting
Thu., Mar. 28, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
SEIU HealthCare 1199NJ
555 US-1
Suite 301-A
Iselin, NJ 08830
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 863 2761 2855
Passcode: 845282
Call in: (646) 558-8656
-
Retirees: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands — Chapter Meeting
Tue., Mar. 19, at 11:00 am
and 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 892 5555 2267
Passcode: 242830
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands — Chapter Meeting
Tue., Mar. 19, at 11:00 am
and 12:00 pm
Meeting ID: 892 5555 2267
Passcode: 242830
Call in: (646) 558-8656 or (301) 715-8592
-
Retirees: New Jersey, Virginia, Pennsylvania and North and South Carolinas — Chapter Meeting
Thu., Mar. 28, at 12:00 pm
In-person Location:
SEIU HealthCare 1199NJ
555 US-1
Suite 301-A
Iselin, NJ 08830
Zoom Details:
Meeting ID: 863 2761 2855
Passcode: 845282
Call in: (646) 558-8656
- There are currently no upcoming events scheduled.
-
Retirees: Opera Appreciation
Mon., Mar. 18, at 10:30 am
Whether you’re an opera fan or can only hum along to the “famous ones,” you’ll gain a greater appreciation of this classic art form.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Sharqui Belly Dance
Mon., Mar. 18, at 1:00 pm
Move to the beat as you learn the ancient art of belly dancing in this interactive and entertaining dance class.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Art History
Tue., Mar. 19, at 12:00 pm
Discover the genius of the great masters and learn the history behind their most famous works.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Arts and Crafts
Tue., Mar. 19, at 1:00 pm
Unleash your creativity with fun, do-it-yourself projects while socializing with your fellow retirees.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Photography
Wed., Mar. 20, at 10:00 am
Tap into your visual creativity and get tips on taking amazing photos.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Photography Lab
Wed., Mar. 20, at 1:00 pm
Learn about the photo development process and try your hand at creating your own images in this interactive class.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Chorus
Thu., Mar. 21, at 1:00 pm
Lend your voice to this talented group of singers who perform at local nursing homes and special events throughout the city.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Sewing
Thu., Mar. 21, at 3:00 pm
Learn the basics of handling a needle and thread or pick up new techniques from our skilled instructors.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
-
Retirees: Line Dancing
Fri., Mar. 22, at 1:00 pm
Get in sync with your fellow retirees as you learn steps to popular line dance routines.In-person Location:
1199SEIU Funds Headquarters
498 Seventh Avenue
2nd Floor
New York, NY 10018
Tune In for "Seniors Out Speaking" Online
The Medicare Rights Center’s “Seniors Out Speaking” (SOS) program provides 1199SEIU retirees with timely Medicare information via monthly webinar presentations. The March SOS presentation will cover speaking with your doctor.
If you have any registration questions, please contact [email protected]. Please visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/SOS to access additional materials and information related to the SOS program.
-
Tue., Mar. 26, at 3:30 pm
The Medicare Rights Center’s “Seniors Out Speaking” (SOS) program helps 1199SEIU retirees learn more about timely Medicare topics via monthly webinar presentations.
Conference line: (646) 558-8656
Meeting ID: 999 7268 1095
-
Retirees: Mindful Meditation
Tue., Mar. 19, at 11:00 am
This class encourages a healthy mind-body connection with meditation and breathing techniques.
Meeting ID: 871 7247 2969
Call in: (929) 205-6099
-
Retirees: Standing Yoga
Tue., Mar. 19, at 1:00 pm
This class connects the body, breath, and mind. It uses standing postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to improve overall health.
Meeting ID: 842 7889 6267
-
Retirees: Chair Yoga
Wed., Mar. 20, at 11:00 am
Loosen and stretch tense muscles, reduce stress, improve circulation and build strength and balance while doing seated exercises.
Meeting ID: 884 1636 6703
-
Retirees: Heart and Soul Afro Cardio Jam
Wed., Mar. 20, at 1:00 pm
Come dance, connect and move on a soulful dance journey to the rhythms of African drums.
Meeting ID: 810 2197 1718
-
Retirees: Latin Cardio Dance
Fri., Mar. 22, at 11:00 am
An exhilarating cardio class set to Latin music that uses easy-to-follow choreography to keep you moving and grooving while toning your body and burning fat.
Meeting ID: 861 3295 5230
-
Retirees: Tai Chi
Mon., Mar. 25, at 11:00 am
Experience a gentle breath and movement meditation to help you feel more open, limber and calm.
Meeting ID: 848 6128 3210
Stay Connected
with Your Funds
For your convenience, all of our offices are open for retiree benefit assistance services that can’t be handled online or over the phone. Of course, you can always access your benefits from the comfort of your home, 24/7. Visit MyAccount (www.My1199Benefits.org) or make an online appointment to speak with a Retiree Services Representative by visiting www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Appt. You may also call Retiree Services directly at (646) 473-8666.
If you need to visit a Funds office, schedule an appointment online at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Appt to reduce wait times and facilitate social distancing.
-
Retirees: Cooking for Your Health
Thu., Mar. 28, at 11:00 am
Let’s get cooking! We’re excited to get in the kitchen to show you how to prepare healthy meals and share tips for better eating. Each class will last one hour at the Zoom links listed below and will include a cooking demonstration with Chef Teresa. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!