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!
Spotlight on Benefits
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! We have an exciting lineup of guests, and you can tune in right away to hear our first four episodes. So, wherever you get your podcasts, subscribe to Health Is the Key to be inspired and informed.
Have You Joined Our Retired Members’ Online Community Yet?
We’re stronger together! So stay connected with our 1199SEIU Retired Members Facebook group.
Support Your Emotional Health with Aetna’s MDLIVE
A healthy mind is just as important as a healthy body. If you are enrolled in the 1199SEIU Aetna Medicare Advantage Plan, you can get online support for your emotional well-being through 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.
Explore Free Continuing Education Programs
Is there a subject you’ve always wanted to learn more about? You can access free and low-cost educational opportunities, including in-person courses and online classes.
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.
Protect Your Health by Getting Vaccinated
Vaccinations offer widespread protection for you and your loved ones against viruses like the flu and COVID-19 so if you are eligible, we encourage you to get your shots as soon as possible. Vaccines are safe and effective—give yourself an added layer of protection from severe illness by getting your shots today! Visit your doctor or participating pharmacy to get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
The Healthy Living Resource Center Is Your Wellness Toolkit!
The Healthy Living Resource Center has five sections: Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Hearts, Healthy Eating and Healthy Provider Relationships. Browse each section for expert insight, wellness tools, exercise videos and screening guidelines. Be sure to check back often for updates and new information.
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. An Aetna registered nurse will present a 30-minute live webinar on the monthly 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
April: Statins
May: Gluten
Exercise Your Mind and Body
We’ve partnered again 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 Tom. Take a look at the tasty offerings you’ll cook up this month!
