Health Is the Key

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

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. 1d ago

    Key Note: GLP-1 Shots vs. Pills

    In our July episode, we went beyond the headlines to get the facts about GLP-1 medications with Dr. Holly Lofton, Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone. In this month’s Key Note episode, Dr. Lofton explains how the new oral GLP-1 medications compare with injections and shares important information that can help patients make informed decisions about their care. The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: www.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: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyrelationships.  Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Relieve stress with mindfulness classes at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. 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 Holly F. Lofton, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery at NYU Langone Health, where she has served as director of the Medical Weight Management Program since 2012. Here, she designed the popular New You program to help her patients obtain results while fostering nutrition education and placing emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. She is currently involved in clinical research pertaining to the pharmacotherapy to treat weight recurrence after bariatric surgery as well as clinical drug trials. In her faculty role, Dr. Lofton continues to educate students and other physicians about diagnosing and treating obesity. She also educates the general public about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through lectures, workshops, and written, audio and video media. She has served on the board of the Obesity Action Coalition, the Bariatric Medicine committee for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and the Obesity Medicine Fellowship Council.  In 2021, Dr. Lofton was also appointed as the Medical Director of the NFL Alumni Wellness Challenge, which aims to optimize health in former athletes.

    Key Note: GLP-1 Shots vs. Pills
  2. Jul 1

    Beyond the GLP-1 Buzz, with Dr. Holly Lofton

    Originally developed to treat diabetes, GLP-1 medications soon made headlines for their impact on weight loss. But despite all the attention they've received, many people still have questions: How do these medications work? Are they safe? To get answers, we spoke with Dr. Holly Lofton, Director of the Medical Weight Management Program at NYU Langone. In this episode, Dr. Lofton explains the science behind GLP-1s, how they support weight loss and why adopting healthy lifestyle habits and working with your doctor are crucial to long-term success. The Takeaway We want to hear from you! Please complete our survey: www.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: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyrelationships.  Get to know your numbers at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyhearts. Relieve stress with mindfulness classes at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds. Find healthy recipes and meal-prep tips at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicine. Visit the Healthy Living Resource Center for wellness tips, information and resources: www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving. 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 Holly F. Lofton, MD, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine and Surgery at NYU Langone Health, where she has served as director of the Medical Weight Management Program since 2012. Here, she designed the popular New You program to help her patients obtain results while fostering nutrition education and placing emphasis on a healthy lifestyle. She is currently involved in clinical research pertaining to the pharmacotherapy to treat weight recurrence after bariatric surgery as well as clinical drug trials. In her faculty role, Dr. Lofton continues to educate students and other physicians about diagnosing and treating obesity. She also educates the general public about the importance of maintaining a healthy weight through lectures, workshops, and written, audio and video media. She has served on the board of the Obesity Action Coalition, the Bariatric Medicine committee for the American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, and the Obesity Medicine Fellowship Council.  In 2021, Dr. Lofton was also appointed as the Medical Director of the NFL Alumni Wellness Challenge, which aims to optimize health in former athletes.

    Beyond the GLP-1 Buzz, with Dr. Holly Lofton
  3. Jun 17

    Key Note: Migraine: Not Just a Bad Headache

    In our June episode, we celebrated the Year of the Brain, as new discoveries continue to deepen our understanding of how the brain works. Dr. Anna Hohler, Director of Neurology for Northwell Health’s Westchester Region, joined us to share simple steps we can all take to support brain health. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Hohler focuses on migraines—a common and often debilitating condition affecting millions – explaining what they are, who’s most at risk and how to treat and prevent them. 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.

    Key Note: Migraine: Not Just a Bad Headache
  4. Jun 3

    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.

    Secrets for a Sharper Brain, with Dr. Anna Hohler
  5. 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.

    Key Note: Need a Statin? There Are Options
  6. 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.

    New Cholesterol Guidelines and the Link to High Blood Pressure, with Dr. Mary Gover
  7. 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.

    Key Note: Is it Celiac or Something Else?
  8. 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.

    Healthy Gut, Healthy Mind, with Dr. Preeti Mehta
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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.

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