Health Is the Key

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds
  • 4.9 (29)
  • Nutrition
  • Updated Monthly

The Health Is the Key podcast is dedicated to you, our 1199SEIU members — healthcare workers who all too often put the health and well-being of others ahead of your own. By tuning in, you will learn how you can make your own health a priority with the latest information from leading medical experts, mental health professionals and other health leaders. You will learn about the wealth of programs, services and other resources the Benefit Funds provide to support you, wherever you are on your health journey.

  1. Secrets for a Sharper Brain, with Dr. Anna Hohler

    5d ago

    Secrets for a Sharper Brain, with Dr. Anna Hohler

    Leading health experts have declared 2026 the Year of the Brain, and for good reason. Scientists are making exciting breakthroughs in understanding the body’s command center, from prevention to diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders. The brain enables us to think, see, learn, move, feel emotions and connect with our fellow humans, so keeping it healthy is essential at every stage of life. For a refresher on all that the brain does for us—and how to keep it performing at its best—we’re joined by Dr. Anna Hohler, Director of Neurology for Northwell Health’s Westchester Region. Dr. Hohler shares insights on brain development and milestones, and explains how exercise, good nutrition, adequate sleep and stress relief work together to support a healthy brain. She also shares simple strategies—some that may surprise you—that you can use to keep your brain healthy and strong for years to come.    The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Get started on your health journey by making an appointment with your primary care physician to know your numbers: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyrelationships Get to know your numbers at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Relieve stress with mindfulness classes at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio Anna DePold Hohler, MD, FAAN, is a distinguished neurologist, researcher and educator who recently joined Northwell Health to lead and enhance neurology services for its Westchester Region, as well as launch a new virtual neurology program across the 28-hospital system. An internationally recognized expert in movement disorders, she is deeply involved in research furthering novel therapies to treat Parkinson's disease. Dr. Hohler began her career in the U.S. Army, serving for eight years and achieving the rank of major.

    24 min
  2. Key Note: Need a Statin? There Are Options

    May 20

    Key Note: Need a Statin? There Are Options

    For High Blood Pressure Education Month, our May episode focused on the link between hypertension and high cholesterol, which, together, can significantly raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. Our guest Dr. Mary Gover, a general internist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, also shared new cholesterol screening guidelines that have the potential to keep us healthy longer. In our May Key Note, Dr. Gover discusses alternatives to traditional statin treatment that offer more choices for those trying to keep their cholesterol in check.   The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Get started on your health journey by making an appointment with your primary care physician to know your numbers. Get to know your numbers at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. For more information on the new cholesterol guidelines, visit the American Heart Association website. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio Mary Gover, MD, is a general internist with Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. Dr. Gover received her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her Internal Medicine residency with a focus on primary care at Montefiore Einstein and served as chief resident for that program. Dr. Gover has held leadership roles in medical education and practice administration. Above all else, Dr. Gover is passionate about patient care. She believes not only in the importance of clinical excellence and expertise but also in collaboration and partnership. She is certified in health coaching through Wellcoaches, with the aim of furthering patients’ personal health goals and overall wellness.

    4 min
  3. New Cholesterol Guidelines and the Link to High Blood Pressure, with Dr. Mary Gover

    May 6

    New Cholesterol Guidelines and the Link to High Blood Pressure, with Dr. Mary Gover

    For High Blood Pressure Education month, we’re dedicating our May episode to both this condition – which affects nearly half of all adults in the U.S – and high cholesterol. Why both? When combined, they significantly raise the risk of heart disease, stroke and other serious illnesses. So, we’re happy to welcome Dr. Mary Gover, a general internist at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, to help us understand the connection between high blood pressure and high cholesterol and offer steps we can take to successfully manage – or prevent – both conditions. Dr. Gover also explains the new guidelines recently issued for cholesterol and shares treatment options that range from healthy lifestyle changes to medication to a combination of the two. The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Get started on your health journey by making an appointment with your primary care physician to know your numbers. Get to know your numbers at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. For more information on the new cholesterol guidelines, visit the American Heart Association website. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio Mary Gover, MD, is a general internist with Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. Dr. Gover received her medical degree from Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her Internal Medicine residency with a focus on primary care at Montefiore Einstein and served as chief resident for that program. Dr. Gover has held leadership roles in medical education and practice administration. Above all else, Dr. Gover is passionate about patient care. She believes not only in the importance of clinical excellence and expertise but also in collaboration and partnership. She is certified in health coaching through Wellcoaches, with the aim of furthering patients’ personal health goals and overall wellness.

    24 min
  4. Key Note: Is it Celiac or Something Else?

    Apr 15

    Key Note: Is it Celiac or Something Else?

    In our April episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Preeti Mehta explained the connection between a healthy gut and a healthy mind. She also talked about the role stress plays in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder that can often be managed with lifestyle changes. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Mehta discusses two other conditions that can be confused with IBS—and why getting the diagnosis right really matters. The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook // Instagram // YouTube. Find out where your health stands by making an appointment with your primary care physician. Don’t have one? Find one at our Provider Directory: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Need support managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or overweight? Learn about our partnerships: visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/ Browse healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our  YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: www.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents   Guest Bio Preeti Mehta, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 25 years of experience in digestive health care. She serves as Vice President of Digestive Disease Care, a multi-physician gastroenterology practice, and oversees two large Ambulatory Surgical Centers serving patients across Long Island and Queens. Dr. Mehta earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She went on to complete a Research Fellowship in Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, in affiliation with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Rockefeller University. She also completed a Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship in Endoscopic Ultrasound at the State University of New York. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

    6 min
  5. Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, with Dr. Preeti Mehta

    Apr 1

    Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, with Dr. Preeti Mehta

    This month, Health Is the Key does double duty as we spotlight National Stress Awareness Month and IBS Awareness Month. If you’re wondering what stress has to do with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders, you’ll be glad you tuned in. We are lucky to be joined by Dr. Preeti Mehta, a gastroenterologist and founder of the private practice Digestive Disease Care. Dr. Mehta explains the effect the brain has on the digestive system and vice-versa. She also shares practical lifestyle habits that can support long-term gut health.    The Takeaway  We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook // Instagram // YouTube. Find out where your health stands by making an appointment with your primary care physician. Don’t have one? Find one at our Provider Directory: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider.  Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts.  Need support managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or overweight? Learn about our partnerships: visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/ Browse healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine.  Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices.  Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our  YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: www.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio  Preeti Mehta, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 25 years of experience in digestive health care. She serves as Vice President of Digestive Disease Care, a multi-physician gastroenterology practice, and oversees two large Ambulatory Surgical Centers serving patients across Long Island and Queens.  Dr. Mehta earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She went on to complete a Research Fellowship in Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, in affiliation with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Rockefeller University. She also completed a Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship in Endoscopic Ultrasound at the State University of New York. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

    26 min
  6. Key Note: A New Look at Dialysis

    Mar 18

    Key Note: A New Look at Dialysis

    In our March episode, we truly celebrated National Kidney Month with Dr. Kristin Meliambro, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Meliambro discussed the many vital jobs kidneys perform, the causes and symptoms of kidney disease, and preventive measures that can help keep them healthy. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Meliambro walks us through the latest innovations that are making dialysis – the necessary treatment for those living with Stage 5 kidney disease – more manageable.   The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Find out where your health stands by making an appointment with your primary care physician. Don’t have one? Find one at our Provider Directory: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Need support managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or overweight? Learn about our partnerships: visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/ Browse healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. For additional information and support, visit the National Kidney Foundation website, at Kidney.org, and the American Association of Kidney Patients, at www.aakp.org. For information about kidney donation, visit the Nation Kidney Registry page at KidneyRegistry.com Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents. Guest Bio Kristin Meliambro, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and she completed both her internal medicine residency and clinical and research nephrology fellowships at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to treating patients with a wide range of kidney diseases in diverse clinical settings, Dr. Meliambro is an NIH-funded physician-investigator who conducts basic and translational research with a focus on mechanisms of kidney podocyte injury and novel disease therapies. She is the co-Director of the Nephrology Division’s Renal Biorepository, which banks biological specimens and collects clinical data from patients starting at the time of kidney biopsy and continuing longitudinally. She also actively participates as a PI and Co-Investigator in clinical trials testing novel agents for glomerular diseases. Dr. Meliambro also has a strong record of research mentorship of Associate Researchers and graduate/medical students in her lab, the majority of whom have been women and from under-represented minorities in science and medicine. Dr. Meliambro sees patients with a variety of kidney diseases, and she has a particular clinical interest in glomerular diseases. Her clinical responsibilities include the care of outpatients at the Mount Sinai Doctors nephrology practice, hemodialysis patients at Central Park Dialysis Center and inpatients at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where she also teaches and supervises nephrology fellows on the inpatient nephrology services.

    8 min
  7. A User’s Guide to Kidney Health, with Dr. Kristin Meliambro

    Mar 4

    A User’s Guide to Kidney Health, with Dr. Kristin Meliambro

    This National Kidney Month, we celebrate the unsung heroes of the human body. Kidneys do so much more than filter blood (they’ve been described as the body’s “cleaning crew” and “inventory managers”), so keeping them functioning well is vital to our overall health. Joining us to sing the praises of kidneys – and learn how to keep them healthy – is Dr. Kristin Meliambro, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Meliambro walks us through the many essential jobs kidneys do for us and breaks down the various causes of kidney disease. She also shares practical lifestyle habits that support long-term kidney health.   The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook// Instagram // YouTube. Find out where your health stands by making an appointment with your primary care physician. Don’t have one? Find one at our Provider Directory: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Need support managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or overweight? Learn about our partnerships: visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/ Browse healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at 1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. For additional information and support, visit the National Kidney Foundation website, at Kidney.org, and the American Association of Kidney Patients, at www.aakp.org. For information about kidney donation, visit the Nation Kidney Registry page at KidneyRegistry.com Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents.   Guest Bio Kristin Meliambro, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and she completed both her internal medicine residency and clinical and research nephrology fellowships at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to treating patients with a wide range of kidney diseases in diverse clinical settings, Dr. Meliambro is an NIH-funded physician-investigator who conducts basic and translational research with a focus on mechanisms of kidney podocyte injury and novel disease therapies. She is the co-Director of the Nephrology Division’s Renal Biorepository, which banks biological specimens and collects clinical data from patients starting at the time of kidney biopsy and continuing longitudinally. She also actively participates as a PI and Co-Investigator in clinical trials testing novel agents for glomerular diseases. Dr. Meliambro also has a strong record of research mentorship of Associate Researchers and graduate/medical students in her lab, the majority of whom have been women and from under-represented minorities in science and medicine. Dr. Meliambro sees patients with a variety of kidney diseases, and she has a particular clinical interest in glomerular diseases. Her clinical responsibilities include the care of outpatients at the Mount Sinai Doctors nephrology practice, hemodialysis patients at Central Park Dialysis Center and inpatients at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where she also teaches and supervises nephrology fellows on the inpatient nephrology services.

    26 min
  8. Key Note: Do You Know Your Numbers?

    Feb 18

    Key Note: Do You Know Your Numbers?

    In our February episode, we marked American Heart Month with Dr. Michael Ghalchi, the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates and a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Ghalchi explained the importance of regular screenings and shared lifestyle habits that can keep your heart strong. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Ghalchi reviews the key health numbers to aim for to help you stay on track and live your best life.  The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback. Drop us a line at our social media channels: Facebook // Instagram // YouTube. Find out where you stand heart-wise by making an appointment with your primary care physician. Don’t have one? Find one at our Provider Directory: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider.  Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources; www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Need support managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or overweight? Learn about our partnerships: visit www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/ Browse healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Get inspired by fellow members through our Members’ Voices series: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices. Stop by our Benefits Channel to join webinars on building healthy meals, managing stress and more: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos. Visit our  YouTube channel to view a wide collection of healthy living videos: www.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists. Sample our wellness classes to exercise body and mind: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents. Guest Bio Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist and the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, a New York City–based cardiology practice dedicated to making high-quality cardiovascular diagnostics and care accessible, efficient and patient-centered. He is also a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine.   At Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, Dr. Ghalchi focuses on delivering timely, evidence-based cardiovascular care supported by advanced in-office diagnostics, streamlined access and a concierge-level patient experience. His clinical work emphasizes early detection, accurate diagnosis and thoughtful management of cardiovascular disease across a broad patient population. Dr. Ghalchi is also the founder and Medical Director of Apollo 360 Health, a digital preventive-care platform designed to extend high-quality cardiovascular and lifestyle medicine beyond the clinic walls. Apollo 360 Health integrates remote monitoring, data-driven insights and multidisciplinary coaching to help patients proactively manage risk factors, improve outcomes and sustain long-term health. Across both organizations, Dr. Ghalchi’s mission is to modernize cardiovascular care by combining rigorous clinical standards with innovative delivery models — ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the setting that best supports lasting health.

    4 min
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4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The Health Is the Key podcast is dedicated to you, our 1199SEIU members — healthcare workers who all too often put the health and well-being of others ahead of your own. By tuning in, you will learn how you can make your own health a priority with the latest information from leading medical experts, mental health professionals and other health leaders. You will learn about the wealth of programs, services and other resources the Benefit Funds provide to support you, wherever you are on your health journey.

Information

  • Creator
    1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    55
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Health Is the Key

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