For Your Benefit Magazine - Winter 2012

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID New York, NY Permit No. 3700

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 330 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036-6977 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEDICATED TO THE HEALTH & WELL-BEING OF 1199SEIU MEMBERS

WINTER 2012

For Your Benefit EN ESPAﾃ前L p18

Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too

Meet Our Featured Member

ZOILA QUITO Let Us Help You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return www.1199SEIUBenefits.org

1199SEIU LEAGUE JOB SECURITY FUND • SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS This Summary of Material Modifications describes changes that affect your job security benefit plan and updates the Summary Plan Description (“SPD”) that was previously distributed to you. You should keep this summary with your SPD until the SPD is updated to reflect the changes discussed herein.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In this issue 3

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Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too The 2012 Protecting Our Health Calendar Is Here!

Celebrating Marriage Equality and What It Means for Our Funds Get One-on-One Support from a Health Coach

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Member Profile: Zoila Quito

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We’re Still Cooking! Submit a Recipe for What’s Cooking Now

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Common Nutrition Myths – Busted!

10 Don’t Let Winter Put Your Exercise Routine on Ice 11 Join Us at Our “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop 12 Healthy Heart Basics 14 Start the New Year Off Right – Schedule Your Screenings Today 15 Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return

Over the past few months, so many of you have taken action to make healthy changes in your life and create a culture of health at your worksites. In fact, so far more than 1,500 of you have signed on to become Wellness Champions! If you have not joined yet, there is still time, and we encourage you to become leaders in this important effort to build a culture of health across our institutions.

In this issue of For Your Benefit, you will find all the details you need to get involved in this exciting new initiative. Plus, you will find plenty of information on how to keep yourself and your family healthy despite the icy winter weather – from healthy heart guidelines to common nutrition myths, timelines for common medical screenings and ideas for working out in the colder months.You will also read an inspiring story from one of our members who worked with an 1199SEIU health coach to manage her diabetes and turn her health around.

Of course, we have also included information about the benefits and services available to you through your Fund, including free or discounted tax preparation to help you get thousands of dollars more back in your refund, and camp and scholarship opportunities for your children.

We hope you enjoy this issue of For Your Benefit, and use it to get 2012 off to a healthy start!

Sincerely,

17 2012 Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program for Children Ages 9 to 15 Years 17 Plan Now for the 2012-2013 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

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Effective immediately, the following changes to the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund (JSF) apply: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Duration of JSF benefits. (a) Except as provided in (c) below, laid-off eligible JSF participants shall be entitled to JSF benefits (SUB, benefit coverage) for one year from the date of layoff, and (b) The JSF Executive Director shall have discretion to approve a second year of JSF benefits; (c) Provided, however (i) JSF benefits shall not exceed the length of the employee’s continuous employment immediately prior to layoff and (ii) the Executive Director may terminate full JSF benefits if the employee fails to pursue JSF referrals, refuses to enroll in JSF-recommended training, or turns down appropriate job offers.

Effect of receipt of 1199SEIU Pension. JSF benefits shall not be provided to any JSF participant after the effective date of a pension benefit from the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund.

Temporary placement. After six (6) months of layoff, JSF participants shall be required to accept placement into temporary jobs where the duration of the job is of 3 months or longer.

Travel limitation. In the case of closed institutions, the maximum travel time for mandatory placement shall be the greater of (i) one and one half (1 and 1/2) hours from his/her home or (ii) his/her average commuting time to the job from which he/she was laid off.

Hard-to-place participants. Where the JSF assesses at orientation or thereafter, that a participant will be unable to be placed back into his/her classification (example: technical/ professional who don’t have the necessary education or who don’t have the current

This summary only highlights the key changes made to the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund.

Summaries of material modifications together with your plan documents make up your official plan descriptions; please keep them together and refer to them as necessary. We have made every attempt to insure the accuracy of the information in this summary and the Summary Plan Description.

The 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund, or any part of it, at any time.

In addition to the changes listed in the above SMM, the League Agreement’s Contract Interpretation and Policy Committee (“CIPC”) has approved the following changes to the League Agreement: i.

The JSF Executive Director shall have discretion to approve placement rights beyond the first year following a participant’s layoff, and ii.

The seven working day “refer and hold period” set forth in paragraph 6(c)(i)(4) of the League Agreement shall be extended to fourteen working days.

1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYEES • SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS This Summary of Material Modifications describes changes that affect your welfare benefit plan and updates the Summary Plan Description (SPD) that was previously distributed to you. You should keep this summary with your current SPD until the booklet is updated to reflect the changes discussed herein.

Effective January 1, 2011, the following Subsections are hereby eliminated: • “Extension of Coverage for Students Under Michelle’s Law,” in Section I.A • “Maximum Lifetime Benefit” and “Maximum Benefit for Newborn Care,” in Section I.D (and any other reference to maximum lifetime benefit) • “If You Don’t Call 1199SEIU CareReview” in Section II.B • “Newborn Care” in Section II.C • “Newborn Care Benefits” in Section II.G • “Biotechnology Drugs” in Section II.L Effective January 1, 2011, the following sentence is added to Section VII.D, Subsection “What Is Not Covered”: Charges for claims containing misrepresentations or false, incomplete or misleading information.

Effective January 1, 2011, the SPD is further amended, as shown below, with changes highlighted and deletions in strikeout: SECTION I.A YOUR CHILDREN Your children are eligible up to their 19th birthday if all of the following conditions are met: • They’re your biological children; or • They’re your legally adopted children (coverage for legally adopted children starts from placement); or • You are their legal parent identified on their birth certificate; and • They’re dependent on you for their full support and are living permanently with you, or an appropriate court issues a qualified medical child support order Which provides otherwise (see box in Section I.A); They’re not married; They’re not eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored health plan • (excluding parent coverage); and • You are eligible for family coverage, based on your Wage Class (see Section I.D).

Your stepchildren, foster children and grandchildren are not covered by the Benefit Fund. Children of your same-sex partner cannot be covered by the Benefit Fund, unless you are their legally recognized parent or they are legally adopted by or placed for adoption with you.

AFTER YOUR CHILD REACHES AGE 19 Your child’s coverage may be continued from your child’s 19th birthday up to his or her 26th birthday if: • You file a properly completed Young Adult Enrollment Form with the Benefit Fund when your child turns age 19 and each year after that until your child’s 26 birthday; and • They’re not eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored health plan (excluding parent coverage).

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES If your child is disabled, as described below, coverage for your child may continue after age 26 if all of the following conditions are met: • There is no other coverage available from either a government agency or through a special organization; and • Your child is not married; and • Your child became handicapped before age 19; and • You file a properly completed Disability Certification Form with the Benefit Fund each year after your child reaches age 26.

Section II.K – DENTAL BENEFITS Benefit Brief Member Choice Dental Benefits • Effective January 1, 2003, maximum benefit of $3,000 per person per year (excluding essential oral pediatric services) If You Are Not Enrolled in Member Choice • Maximum benefit of $1,200 per person per year (excluding essential oral pediatric services) Benefits are paid according to the actual charges or the Benefit Fund’s Schedule of Allowances, whichever is less, up to the maximum benefit of $1,200 per person per year unless you are enrolled in Member Choice. Effective January 1, 2003, the maximum benefit for Member Choice enrollees is $3,000 per person per year. Effective January 1, 2011, there is no limit on essential oral pediatric services.

Orthodontics • Orthodontics (treatment and appliances to correct tooth misalignment) once in a lifetime for children. Adult orthodontic coverage will be considered only when repositioning of teeth is in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.

Mitra Behroozi Executive Director 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

requirements for the job or who are in unusual titles), an alternative placement plan will be established, and the JSF will offer one of the following options: a.

Placement in another job/classification that the participant can perform; or b.

Enrollment in a program in which he/she can acquire a credential within two years or less (this option is only for professional and technical titles); or c.

Retraining in another classification provided credential can be obtained within one year (with a possible extension for a second year); or d.

In lieu of JSF benefits and obligations, provision of a one-time payment buy-out. If applicable, details will be discussed with your counselor.

SECTION VI.A – RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS Special Rule Members who have at least 15 years of consecutive coverage by the Benefit Fund immediately prior to retirement and are age 65 or older, who are not participants in the Pension Fund, may be eligible for a Life Insurance Benefit.

In most cases, retiree benefits start 30 days after you retire and stop for you and your spouse if you go back to work. If you retired before October 1, 1998, your spouse’s benefits will stop 30 days after your death. If you retired on or after October 1, 1998, your spouse will continue to be eligible after your death for retiree health benefits for the remainder of his or her life. Your benefits must be coordinated

with any other health insurance that you or your spouse may have, including Medicare (see Section I.F).

Except as indicated above, in order to be eligible for retiree health benefits, you must be receiving a pension from the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund. If your pension benefit is suspended or stops for any reason (including your return to work or your loss of entitlement to a Social Security Disability Award, you will no longer be eligible for retiree health benefits.

SECTION VII.C WHEN BENEFITS MAY BE SUSPENDED, WITHHELD OR DENIED It is important that you provide the Benefit Fund with all the information, documents or other material it needs to process your claim for benefits.

The Benefit Fund may be unable to process your claim if you, your spouse or your children: • Do not sign the Assignment of Benefits authorization when you want your benefits paid directly to your provider; or • Do not allow the disclosure of medical information, medical records or other documents and information when requested by the Benefit Fund.

Benefits may be suspended, withheld or denied for the purpose of the recovery of any and all benefits paid: • That you were not entitled to receive; • That your spouse or dependent children were not entitled to receive; or • For claims that you, your spouse or dependent children would otherwise be entitled to until full restitution (which may include interest and expenses incurred by the Fund) has been made for any fraudulent claims that were paid by the Fund; or • That were the subject of a legal claim against a third party for which a lien form was not signed and received by the Benefit Fund as required in Section I.G. SECTION VII.E – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS Nothing in this booklet shall be construed as creating any right in any third party to receive payment from this Benefit Fund.

Payments shall not be made to a person who is: • A minor (under age 18) • Unable to care for his or her affairs due to illness, injury, or incapacity.

Instead, the payment shall be made to a duly appointed legal representative or to such person who, in the judgment of the Plan Administrator, is maintaining or has custody of the person entitled to payments.

No legal action may be brought against the Benefit Fund or the Trustees until all remedies under the Benefit Fund have been exhausted, including requests for administrative reviews or appeals.

Payments made by the Benefit Fund which are not consistent with the Plan – as stated in this booklet or as it may be amended – must be returned to the Benefit Fund.

No benefit payable under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge.

Any action by way of anticipating, alienating, selling, pledging, encumbering or charging the same shall be void and of no effect. Nor shall any benefit be in any manner subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the person entitled to such benefit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Benefit Fund shall have the power and authority to authorize the distribution of benefits in accordance with the terms of a court order that it determines is a qualified medical child support order, as required by applicable federal law.

The Fund does not cover claims containing misrepresentations or false, incomplete or misleading information. If a false or fraudulent claim is filed, the Fund may seek full restitution plus interest and reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the Fund. In addition, the Fund may suspend the benefits to which the participant and his or her dependents(s) would otherwise be entitled until full restitution has been made.

The Trustees reserve the right to turn any such matter over to the proper authorities for prosecution.

This summary only highlights the key changes made to the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees. Summaries of material modifications together with the Summary Plan Description make up your official plan descriptions; please keep them together and refer to them as necessary. We have made every attempt to insure the accuracy of the information in this summary and the Summary Plan Description. However, if there is any discrepancy between them and the plan document, insurance contracts or other legal documents, the legal documents will always govern. If you would like to review the plan document or have any questions, please contact the Fund’s Member Services Representatives at (646) 473-9200.

The Fund believes it is a “grandfathered health plan” under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the Affordable Care Act). As permitted by the Affordable Care Act, a grandfathered health plan can preserve certain basic health coverage that was already in effect when that law was enacted. Being a grandfathered health plan means that this plan may not include certain consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act that apply to other plans, for example, the requirement for an external review process for claims appeals. However, grandfathered health plans must comply with certain other consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act, for example, the elimination of lifetime limits on benefits.

Questions regarding which protections apply and which protections do not apply to a grandfathered health plan and what might cause a plan to change from grandfathered health plan status can be directed to the plan administrator at: c/o Executive Director, 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees, 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. You may also contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, at (866) 444-3272 or www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform. This website has a table summarizing which protections do and do not apply to grandfathered health plans.

The plan sponsor of the1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees reserves the right to amend or terminate the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees, or any part of it, at any time.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health & Human Service Employees, EIN: 13-1628401, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance Information The plan has a contract with Amalgamated Life Insurance Company and Guardian Life Insurance of America to pay certain life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2010, were $608,278.

Because it is a so called “experience-rated” contract, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending

December 31, 2010, the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contracts were $7,352,003 and the total of all benefit claims paid under the experience-rated contract during the plan year was $7,341,877.

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $194,384,090 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $119,367,303 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $75,016,787. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $1,319,625,429, including employer contributions of $1,297,704,678, employee COBRA contributions of $6,321,885 and earnings from investments of $9,732,290. Plan expenses were $1,244,608,642. These expenses included $1,153,580,477 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $91,028,165 in general and administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU LEAGUE JOB SECURITY FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund, EIN: 13-3712851, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $5,865,774 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $10,837,668 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced a

decrease in its net assets of $4,971,894. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $7,700,544, including employer contributions of $5,757,171, grant income from related entity of $1,515,556 and earnings from investments of $403,272. Plan expenses were $12,672,438. These expenses included $11,014,633 in program expenses and $1,657,805 in administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU LEAGUE REGISTERED NURSE TRAINING AND JOB SECURITY FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU League Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund, EIN: 13-3946135, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,084,595 as of December 31,

2010, compared to $2,529,192 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,555,403. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $4,097,882, including employer contributions of $4,082,922. Plan expenses were $2,542,479. These expenses included $1,980,149 in program expenses and $562,330 in administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU/EMPLOYER CHILD CARE FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Fund, EIN 13-3641466, Plan Number 501, for the period January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance Information The plan has (a) contract(s) with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to pay the following types of claims incurred under the terms of the plan: The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2010, were $8,882.

2010, compared to $18,216,062 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced a change in its net assets of $-351,915. This change includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $23,164,615 which included employer contributions of $22,059,825, employee contributions of $803,756, gain/loss of $0 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $299,924.

Total plan expenses were $23,516,530. These expenses included $5,815,999 in administrative expenses and $17,700,531 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and $0 in other expenses.

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $17,864,147 as of December 31,

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS 401(K) PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund and Affiliated Organizations 401(k) Plan, EIN 13-1628401 for January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a combination of funding arrangements. Plan expenses were $1,941,437. These expenses included $58,039 in administrative expenses and $1,878,426 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and $4,972 in other expenses. A total of 1,582 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons

had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $26,369,042 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $21,838,099 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,530,943. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $6,472,380, including employer contributions of $0, employee contributions of $3,491,322, gains of $0, from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $2,827,145.

YOUR RIGHTS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: • • • • • • •

An accountant's report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers Assets held for investment; Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; Insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; Information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts, or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan (for Pension Funds only).

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call your Fund office at: 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 1199SEIU Child Care Funds 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 (646) 473-9200

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The report is furnished without charge. The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.25 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210.

Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too For several months, the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund has been working with the Union and your employers to support worksite wellness initiatives within our institutions to help our members live healthier lives. As part of this initiative, nearly 1,500 of you have already volunteered to take the Pledge to become Wellness Champions. But if you’re not one of the 1,500, it’s not too late to get involved!

As healthcare workers, you spend so much time caring for others. Make your health a top priority and empower your co-workers to do the same.Wellness Champions will help organize events and programs at your institution, such as walking groups, exercise workshops or a competition to submit recipes for the new edition of the Funds’ cookbook, What’s Cooking Now. Get involved by attending the next Wellness Champion meeting at your institution and you will receive a copy of the 1199SEIU Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD to jumpstart your fitness routine! In addition to the fitness DVD, those who sign up to be Wellness Champions will also receive a bag filled with healthy giveaways and the tools they need to help get the job done.To find out when the next Wellness Champion meeting will take place, contact your Union organizer or Outreach Coordinator.

And don’t forget to lead by example: If you have health issues yourself, Make the Call! to an 1199SEIU health coach or Take the Call! if a coach reaches out to you.

An 1199SEIU Wellness Champion Is a Member Who… Q

Leads by example and commits to participate in his or her institution’s wellness programs.

Q

Attends Union-Management-Fund committee meetings regularly to review progress, set goals, generate ideas and even, when possible, submit proposals for initiative funding.

Q

Encourages fellow members to Take the Call! and Make the Call! to receive one-on-one support to make healthy changes through the 1199SEIU Health Coaching Service.

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Promotes and communicates worksite wellness events, including Fund health fairs and onsite wellness workshops.

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Encourages co-workers to participate in the worksite wellness programs.

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Stays up to date on wellness events, facts and programs and shares information with fellow members.

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Connects with his or her Outreach Coordinator to discuss challenges and get support and ideas.

Q

Reports to monthly Chapter Delegate Meetings, Benefit Outreach Committees or the Labor Management Wellness Group.

Q

Is committed to creating a culture of health at the workplace!

Benefit Update & News

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYEES

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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The 2012 Protecting Our Health Calendar Is Here!

Your new 2012 1199SEIU Protecting Our Health calendar can help keep you and your family healthy all year round. The 2012 calendar is designed to help you and your family make healthy choices throughout the year. It’s loaded with healthy lifestyle tips, nutrition and fitness facts, and useful contact information. Stop by one of your Benefit Fund’s Protecting Our Health workshops, events or health fairs to receive your copy. Please visit our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org to view upcoming events on our Funds’ calendar.

Celebrating Marriage Equality and What It Means for Our Funds

Programa de Campamento de Estadía Anne Shore 2012 para niños entre 9 y 15 años

Long before New York State granted equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples effective July 24, 2011, your National Benefit Fund offered benefit coverage to members’ same-sex domestic partners.Therefore, we needed to update NBF rules now that marriage was a legal option in New York State.That meant ensuring that the NBF’s same-sex domestic partnership rules – which had different requirements to prove partnership – applied only to those states that still do not recognize marriage equality.

But if you live in New York State, or a neighboring state that recognizes marriage equality, you must be married to receive spousal health benefits.

Para solicitar la inscripción en el Programa de Campamento de Estadía Anne Shore, simplemente llene el cupón anterior y envíelo a la Corporación de Cuidado Infantil de 1199SEIU antes del 31 de enero de 2012. Si su hijo es elegible, nuestro personal del programa se comunicará con usted para programar una cita para asistir a una orientación obligatoria de modo que pueda seleccionar el campamento que mejor se adapte a los intereses y las necesidades de su hijo.

Dirección ___________________________________ Apartamento No. __________

Tenga en cuenta: Existe una cuota de solicitud de $10 que se debe pagar al momento de la orientación.

Cargo __________________________________ Turno de trabajo ______________

El Programa de Campamento de Verano es un campamento de estadía de tres a cuatro semanas. Esta solicitud no es para un campamento diurno.

Fecha de nacimiento del hijo _____________________________________________

Haga sus Planes Ahora para el Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber de 2012-2013

Información del miembro:

The Trustees did decide, however, to allow same-sex couples a grace period of a full year from the effective date of the law to get married in order to continue coverage.We sent letters to our members who had domestic partnership benefits at the time, but we want to ensure that everyone has the information so they can avoid any disruption in coverage. By July 24, 2012, same-sex couples who live in a state that recognizes marriage equality must provide the Fund with proof of marriage. Once you have married, please submit a copy of your marriage certificate and an Enrollment Change Form so that we may update your spouse’s eligibility.

You can access a form on our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Of course, you can also ask your Outreach Coordinator for assistance.

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Cada año, el Programa de Campamento de Verano envía a más de 800 hijos de los miembros de 1199SEIU a campamentos de estadía de tres y cuatro semanas en el noreste, sin costo alguno para sus padres.

Oportunidades de Becas para la Universidad para sus Hijos (hasta la edad de 22 años) El Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber ofrece becas para hijos (hasta la edad de 22 años) de miembros elegibles de 1199SEIU que asisten a programas universitarios de pregrado acreditados. Los montos de las becas varían de acuerdo con la necesidad, con una beca mínima anual de $750. También se cuenta con Becas de Incentivos de Estudios para los estudiantes que reciban la beca y que mantienen un promedio de calificaciones de 3.0 o más durante el semestre de primavera y/o el de otoño. Además, el programa de Becas para la Próxima Generación de Enfermeras Registradas de 1199SEIU ofrece ayuda financiera y académica a los hijos de los miembros de 1199SEIU que son estudiantes en la fase clínica de un programa de enfermería. Para averiguar si su hijo califica o, si tiene alguna pregunta, llame al (646) 473-8999.

Para pedir una solicitud al Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber, llene el cupón y devuélvalo antes del 31 de enero de 2012. También puede descargar el cupón visitando nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ccf durante el período de recibo de solicitudes. Tome en cuenta que no se otorgan renovaciones automáticas de becas; los beneficiarios anteriores deben volver a solicitar la beca cada año para ser considerados.

Envíe por fax su cupón lleno a (646) 473-6949 o envíelo por correo a la siguiente dirección: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 100366977. Si envía su cupón de acuerdo con lo indicado, en marzo se le enviará una carpeta de solicitud o paquete de la beca, que incluye varios formularios que se deben llenar y devolver según las instrucciones específicas y las fechas indicadas, a fin de que su solicitud sea válida. Si ya envió un cupón, no envíe otro. Si ambos padres son empleados de 1199SEIU, envíe sólo un cupón.

ESTE CUPÓN ES VÁLIDO SÓLO PARA EL AÑO DE LA BECA 2012-2013.

Este cupón es sólo un formulario de petición de solicitud. No es una solicitud real.

CUPÓN DE ELEGIBILIDAD PARA 2012 DEL PROGRAMA DE CAMPAMENTO DE ESTADÍA ANNE SHORE (Por favor escriba claramente con letra de imprenta y con tinta)

Primer nombre del miembro _____________________________________________ Apellido del miembro _________________________________________________ N.° de identificación del miembro _________________________________________

Ciudad ____________________________ Estado _______ Código postal ________ Teléfono en el hogar __________________________________________________ Teléfono celular _____________________________________________________ Teléfono del trabajo __________________________________________________ Empleado en _______________________________________________________

Nombre del hijo _____________________________________________________

Escuela _______________________________________ Grado actual _________ Dirección de correo electrónico del miembro _______________________________

Fondo Nacional de Beneficios (NBF) Gran Nueva York Fondo de Cuidado Infantil Miembros del NBF del área de Rochester Llene este formulario completamente y devuélvalo antes del 31 de enero de 2012. Envíelo a: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, P.O. Box 955, New York, NY 10108-0955. También puede enviar este formulario por fax a la atención de Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program al (646) 473-8311. Se debe enviar un cupón por separado para cada hijo.

PROGRAMA DE BECAS JOSEPH TAUBER PETICIÓN DE SOLICITUD DE BECA PARA 2012-2013 Nombre del estudiante ________________________________________________________ Dirección de correo electrónico ___________________________________________________ Fecha en que se graduó o espera graduarse de la escuela secundaria _______________________ Fecha de ingreso a la universidad _________________________________________________ Solicitante nuevo en escuela post-secundaria

Solicitante anterior

Información del miembro: Nombre del miembro __________________________________________________ N.° de identificación del miembro _________________________________________ Dirección __________________________________________________________ Ciudad _______________________ Estado _________ Código postal __________ Teléfono en el hogar _________________________________________________ Teléfono celular _____________________________________________________ Dirección de correo electrónico ____________________________________________ Fondo Nacional de Beneficios (NBF)

Gran Nueva York Fondo de Cuidado Infantil

Miembros del NBF del área de Rochester Fondo de Bienestar LPN El Departamento de Becas debe recibir este cupón antes del 31 de enero de 2012 para poder enviarle un paquete oficial de la beca. Si no recibe su paquete de la beca antes del 1 de abril de 2012, llámenos para que podamos ayudarlo.

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Utilice su Cupón de 1199SEIU para Obtener Servicios de Preparación de Impuestos con un Mayor Descuento en H&R Block Si no puede acudir a uno de los lugares de preparación gratuita de la declaración de impuestos, hemos negociado este año un descuento especial excepcional con H&R Block para los miembros que viven en los cinco distritos de la ciudad de Nueva York, Long Island, Nueva Jersey, y a partir de este año, el condado de Westchester. Los miembros que viven en cualquiera de dichas áreas y cuyos ingresos del hogar para 2011 fueron de $41,000 o menos con dependientes ($31,000 o menos para solteros sin dependientes) y que son elegibles para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) pueden hacer que su declaración de impuestos sea preparada en una oficina local de H&R Block ¡por tan sólo $1! (Los miembros que no califican para recibir el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) y cuyos ingresos del hogar para 2011 satisfacen los requisitos anteriores pueden hacer que su declaración de impuestos sea preparada por $19.)

Si sus ingresos del hogar para 2011 fueron superiores a aquellos límites pero inferiores de $100,000, H&R Block preparará su declaración de impuestos en una escala de tarifas fluctuante que no exceda de $125. Simplemente traiga a su cita su cupón de descuento de 1199SEIU y preséntelo al representante de H&R Block – no existen otros requisitos para calificar para esta tarifa reducida.

Vistazo a los Descuentos de H&R Block para los Miembros de 1199SEIU •

•

•

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Debería recibir por correo en las próximas semanas información adicional sobre nuestro Programa de Descuento de H&R Block y el cupón que necesita para obtener su descuento. El cupón será válido entre el 23 de enero y el 17 de abril de 2012.

El Nuevo Programa de H&R Block Puede Significar Aún Más Dinero en Su Bolsillo

Pague sólo $1 para la presentación de su declaración de impuestos si el ingreso de su hogar es de hasta $41,000 y es elegible para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) Este año, H&R Block también está ofreciendo Pague sólo $19 si el ingreso de su hogar un nuevo programa para los miembros de es hasta $41,000, pero no es elegible 1199SEIU llamado Second Look Review (Segunda para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos Revisión).Traiga sus declaraciones de impuestos de del Trabajo (EITC) 2008, 2009 o 2010 a cualquier oficina de Block en Pague hasta $125 en base a la los cinco distritos, Long Island, Nueva Jersey o complejidad de su declaración de Westchester durante los meses de febrero y marzo, y impuestos si el ingreso de su hogar un profesional en impuestos las revisará, gratuitamente, es mayor de $41,000 pero no para asegurarse de que fueron exactas y de que haya recibido excede de $100,000 todos los créditos y deducciones posibles. Usted decide si desea presentar una declaración de impuestos enmendada. Si bien no se le cobra por la revisión, el costo por presentar una declaración de impuestos enmendada será de $79 por declaración, que cubren tanto las declaraciones federales como estatales.

Get One-on-One Support from a

Health Coach Take the Call!

Along with your physician, your personal health coach can also support you in managing chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. And our weight management and smoking cessation programs offer specifically tailored support for two of the leading health challenges in the U.S.

Make the Call!

Have you finally made the decision to take control of your weight or quit smoking for good? While these two healthy changes may top the wish lists for millions, as an 1199SEIU member you can get the added benefit of personal, one-on-one health coaching to help you reach your goals. Our weight-loss and smoking cessation programs connect you with trained, professional health coaches who will help you develop a plan and stick to it, offering expert advice, support and encouragement all along the way. So call (866) 935-1199 today and stop trying to go it alone!

1199SEIU 24-Hour Nurse Helpline (866) 935-1199 Remember, for round-the-clock advice, you can call our Nurse Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with any medical questions, whether your child runs a fever in the middle of the night, you’re not sure about a particular medication or you have any other medical question.

For more information and online support, visit our website, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, and click on the Health Coaching Service link. Our Group ID is 1199SEIU.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

5

Member Profile

A Health Coach Paves the Way to Better Health Zoila got her diabetes under control by working with an 1199SEIU health coach Like many of us, Zoila Quito would eat lots of the not-so-healthy foods she loved and very little of the more-nutritional foods she found less appetizing. Still, she thought she was eating well enough and that her overall health was good. But at her annual check-up last summer, Zoila found out that her blood sugar level was dangerously high and that she had Type 2 diabetes. Her doctor prescribed medication and referred her to a nutritionist, telling her that if she wanted to avoid daily shots of insulin, she’d have to make better nutrition a top priority.

Soon after her diagnosis, Zoila, who is a Patient Care Technician at NYU Medical Center, received a call at her home in Queens from one of our 1199SEIU health coaches. After their first talk, her health coach sent her specific dietary guidelines, which included a breakdown of the types of foods she needed to eat more of – and the types that she needed to limit or eliminate.The information package also included the USDA’s new MyPlate diagram, which recently replaced the somewhat confusing Food Pyramid. MyPlate breaks down the recommended portions of each food group for every meal and provides a visual tool that Zoila said opened her eyes to some of the habits she needed to break. “I put that guide right on my refrigerator and use it for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she said. “I could see that I needed to eat more vegetables and less rice, and that’s one of the changes I’ve been able to make without much of a struggle.”

Zoila credits the coaching service with helping her transform her diet and get her diabetes under control. Being able to call someone who is familiar with her condition and can offer one-on-one support and expert advice has been invaluable, she said. Rather than having to wait for her next

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appointment with her nutritionist, Zoila can contact a health coach (or our 24-Hour Nurse Helpline) for answers to any questions as they come up. “The health coaching service has been so helpful because they have the time to spend with me whenever I need it,” she said. “If I have a question, I call a health coach and they answer it.”

For someone who admits she used to eat too many salty snacks, cutting out unhealthy choices like nachos has been tough, but Zoila said working with her health coach and seeing her nutritionist have taught her the importance of counting calories and exercising proper portion control. Now, she often substitutes a piece of fruit for a bag of chips when she feels like having a snack, and her efforts are paying off. Her blood sugar is now under control, she said, though she continues to measure it before and after meals. She’s also noticed a big difference in her energy level in a relatively short period of time, and as an added benefit, her blood pressure is lower after being on the high end of the scale for many years. “I feel so much better, and I hope sharing my experience will help others,” she said. “Every member should know that this service is there for them and that it really works.”

Do you have a healthy story to share?

We’re always looking for the opportunity to spotlight members who have used their 1199SEIU benefits to help lose weight, bring a chronic condition under control or just improve their lifestyle in general. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue of For Your Benefit, please contact the Fund at communications@1199Funds.org.

Le Ayudamos a Conseguir el Mayor Reembolso Posible de su Declaración de Impuestos Cada año, el Programa de Asistencia Tributaria del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios de 1199SEIU ayuda a miles de miembros elegibles a solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo y a obtener la máxima devolución posible de impuestos. Nuevamente el Fondo se está asociando con la Coalición del Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo de la Ciudad de Nueva York para ayudarle a preparar su declaración de impuestos. La Coalición del Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo está dirigida por el Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor de la Ciudad de Nueva York e incluye la Office of Financial Empowerment y el Food Bank For New York City.

Otros Programas

Zoila Quito

Visite a nuestros Socios de la Ciudad de Nueva York para obtener una Preparación Gratuita de la Declaración de Impuestos Ya sea o no que califique para recibir el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, siempre que los ingresos de su hogar para 2011 hayan sido inferiores a $50,000 (o $18,000 si es soltero y no tiene dependientes), nuestros socios del Food Bank For New York City están ofreciendo eventos gratuitos de preparación de la declaración de impuestos en los lugares en que trabajan y viven nuestros miembros.Y si califica para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, los expertos de la preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos le ayudarán a solicitar el crédito. Para obtener información detallada sobre los lugares, horarios y fechas para los eventos gratuitos de preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos, sírvase llamar al 311.

Solicite su Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) Puede verificar si reúne los requisitos de ingresos para solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) utilizando las pautas de impuestos de 2011 que se indican a continuación: • Ingreso inferior a $43,998 (o $49,078 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con tres o más hijos dependientes • Ingreso inferior a $40,964 ($46,044 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con dos hijos dependientes • Ingreso inferior a $36,052 ($41,132 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con un hijo dependiente • Ingreso inferior a $13,660 ($18,740 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) sin hijos dependientes

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Comience el Año Nuevo Correctamente – Programe sus Exámenes Hoy Mismo El comienzo del año es el momento perfecto para renovar su compromiso con una vida más saludable, y una de las formas más fáciles de proteger su salud es programar su chequeo anual y sus exámenes preventivos. Los exámenes le permiten a usted y a su médico controlar cualquier inquietud de salud que pueda tener, y una detección temprana puede hacer toda la diferencia en su respuesta al tratamiento. Por supuesto, su Fondo Nacional de Beneficios cubre los exámenes recomendados sin que signifique ningún costo para usted.

Recuerde, puede someterse a exámenes de detección de enfermedades crónicas como hipertensión, colesterol alto y diabetes sólo visitando a su médico o asistiendo a una feria de salud de 1199SEIU. La lista de exámenes recomendados es sólo un punto de partida. Hable con su médico sobre otros exámenes que podría necesitar, como: • un análisis de orina para detectar alguna enfermedad renal crónica que por lo general, no se detecta hasta que se encuentra en una etapa avanzada; • examen de VIH o examen de enfermedades transmitidas sexualmente (STD, por sus siglas en inglés) y • análisis de sangre y pruebas para detectar la depresión y el cáncer de piel.

Su médico puede recomendar pruebas más frecuentes dependiendo de su historia familiar o si sufre de determinadas afecciones de salud.

“I feel so much better, and I hope sharing my experience will help others,” Zoila said.

“Every member should know that this service is there for them and that it really works.”

Fuentes:Academia Americana de Médicos de Familia, Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos.

* Pese a estudios recientes, que lo recomiendan cada 2 o 3 años, su Fondo todavía recomienda que se acaten las pautas de la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer.

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FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Eating

We’re Still Cooking!

Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco:

las Diferencias entre los Hombres y las Mujeres

Submit a Recipe for What’s Cooking Now Our first edition of the Funds cookbook What’s Cooking was such a hit that we wanted to update it to offer members fresh new ideas for healthy cooking. But we can’t do it without your help! Like the original, the new edition of What’s Cooking Now will be created by members, for members. If you have an original nutritious recipe, or one that you have modified, please share it with us.Your contribution could help members and their families cook and eat healthier meals.

We’re looking for recipes for soups, salads, side dishes, entrees or desserts. All the recipes are reviewed by our nutritional experts, and only those recipes that are healthy and flavorful may be published.

If you don’t have a copy of the first edition of What’s Cooking, you can get one by attending a Protecting Our Health workshop or event or by ordering it through Amazon.com.

We’re looking for recipes for soups, salads, side dishes, entrees or desserts.

To submit a recipe for the new What’s Cooking Now, please visit our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Then just fill in your recipe on the easy-to-use form, which gives you step-by-step instructions, and click “Send” – it’s that simple!

If your recipe is chosen, you will receive a special gift.

So what are you waiting for?

Es importante conocer las diferencias entre los hombres y las mujeres en los síntomas de ataque cardíaco. Con frecuencia los signos de advertencia en las mujeres son más sutiles, difíciles de detectar y se pueden diagnosticar incorrectamente como problemas de salud menos agudos. No obstante, independientemente de si es hombre o mujer y ha sufrido alguno de los siguientes síntomas en el pasado, asegúrese de informar exactamente cómo se siente a los profesionales de atención de la salud donde obtiene sus cuidados médicos. Por supuesto, si sufre algunos de estos síntomas en el futuro, obtenga inmediatamente atención médica.

Mantener un peso saludable Sólo perder unas cuantas libras puede dar grandes resultados para tener un corazón más saludable. Con cada libra que pierde, tenga en cuenta que está mejorando la salud de su corazón.

Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco en las Mujeres •

Pérdida de aliento que no necesariamente va acompañado de molestias en el pecho

La Asociación Americana del Corazón recomienda hacer ejercicios de intensidad moderada un mínimo de 30 minutos cinco días a la semana. Si eso le parece mucho, trate de dividirlo durante el día en sesiones de 10 a 15 minutos de ejercicios cada vez que lo pueda hacer. ¡Cada poquito cuenta!

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Sensación de fatiga inusual, dolor en el cuerpo o debilidad

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Náuseas, vómitos, dolores de cabeza, sudor frío y cualquier otro síntoma parecido a la gripe

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Sensación de dolor en la parte superior del cuerpo, pecho, hombros, cuello y espalda

Dejar de fumar

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Sensación de ansiedad o intranquilidad sin explicación

Hacer ejercicios con regularidad

Todos sabemos que fumar causa enfermedades cardíacas, pero si es un fumador también sabe que dejar los cigarrillos no es fácil. Si está listo para dejar de fumar, llame al Servicio de Entrenamiento de Salud de 1199SEIU para unirse al programa para dejar de fumar. Es gratuito y le puede brindar el apoyo que necesita para dejar el hábito, para siempre. ¡Llame hoy mismo al (866) 935-1199!

Sométase a chequeos y exámenes regulares Para supervisar la salud de su corazón, sométase a un chequeo anual de su médico de atención primaria y exámenes regulares de presión arterial y colesterol. Recuerde: su Fondo le ofrece cobertura para todos estos servicios.

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Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco en los Hombres •

Episodios intermitentes de dolor de pecho, presión incómoda, sensación de llenura, opresión o dolor en el pecho

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Molestias o dolor en uno o en ambos brazos, cuello, mandíbula, espalda o estómago

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Falta de aliento, aturdimiento, náuseas o sudoración

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Incomodidad abdominal que puede sentirse como indigestión

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Vida Saludable

Información Básica para un Corazón Sano ¿Sabía usted que las enfermedades cardíacas constituyen la causa número uno de muertes en hombres y mujeres en los Estados Unidos? En efecto, la Asociación Americana del Corazón calcula que más de 64 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos tienen una o varias formas de enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Parece obvio pero un corazón sano es esencial para vivir una vida plena y saludable.Y la forma de tener un corazón sano es comiendo de manera saludable, haciendo ejercicios y evitando comportamientos dañinos como fumar y beber alcohol en exceso.

Nuestro corazón, un sólo músculo que no es más grande que un puño, realiza el servicio de soporte vital más crítico al bombear la sangre rica en oxígeno a través del cuerpo para que todos sus complejos sistemas y órganos trabajen bien juntos y nos hagan sentir bien.

Si consumimos comidas no saludables que comprometen la función de nuestro corazón, este tiene que hacer un esfuerzo para realizar su trabajo y terminamos sintiéndonos mal y aumentando nuestro riesgo de sufrir de afecciones y enfermedades crónicas graves. Muchas grasas “malas” bloquean nuestras arterias y causan la hipertensión, el colesterol alto y la obesidad. Muchos alimentos procesados con alto contenido de azúcar producen diabetes. Sufrimos los mismos síntomas de salud deficiente cuando no hacemos ejercicios.Y si fumamos, aumentamos radicalmente nuestro riesgo de cáncer, hipertensión, asma, enfermedades cardíacas, ataques al corazón y un derrame cerebral.

Por otro lado, si consumimos alimentos de alta calidad y mantenemos un peso saludable, nuestros corazones y cuerpos trabajan juntos mejor y nos sentimos mejor. No hay arterias bloqueadas ni otros obstáculos que superar.

Así que a continuación le presentamos algunos hábitos para tener un corazón sano que puede incorporar a las vidas de sus familias para reducir el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardíacas o cualquiera de sus afecciones o enfermedades relacionadas.

Common Nutrition Myths – Busted!

With all the conflicting nutrition advice floating around on the Internet, in magazines and in lose-weight-fast diet books, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. So we got to the bottom of some of the most common nutritional myths to help keep you ahead of the curve and on the track to healthy eating.

Myth: Skipping meals isn’t really so bad for me.

Reality: You might think that skipping meals will help you lose weight, but studies show that people accumulate more body fat when they eat fewer, larger meals instead of smaller, more frequent meals. Skipping meals typically leads to eating more food than you need throughout the day and snacking on high-calorie foods to prevent hunger. Eating more frequently will help reduce bloating, control blood sugar and manage hunger. Snack on healthy foods like fruits or vegetables to make sure your body gets the energy it needs.

Myth: I’ll never lose weight unless I give up my favorite “bad” foods.

Reality:

While most cravings pass in about five minutes, research has shown that eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods – as long as you eat them in moderation and keep it to a now-and-then basis. So go ahead and have that brownie, but you might want to add an extra 15 minutes to your walk that day. Or give your favorite foods a healthy makeover. If you’re craving pizza, try making it at home so you can top it with nonfat cheese and use a whole-wheat crust. If you just have to have bacon, make it turkey bacon.

You’ll satisfy your craving without feeling deprived.

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Myth:

If a food package says “all natural” on it, it has to be healthy for me.

Reality:

Even if something is labeled “all natural,” it can still contain high amounts of sugar, unsaturated fats or other ingredients that can derail your healthy diet. Some may even contain as much fat as a candy bar! To truly figure out whether a product is healthy, be sure to read the nutritional label – or better yet, opt for fresh fruit or vegetables.

Myth: If I eat mostly low-fat foods, I will lose weight.

Reality: Research has shown that a low-fat or reduced-fat food may actually have the same or more calories than the full-fat version of the food. This is because food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.

Also, for many people, seeing the words “low-fat” or “fat-free” is a green light to overeat. So, control your portions and stick with a balanced diet, making sure you get the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy.

Myth:

Frozen fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones.

Reality:

Just-picked produce does have more vitamins and minerals, but nutrient levels drop during shipping and storage. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh, if not more so, since they are picked and frozen right after harvest, preserving their nutrients.When buying frozen produce, remember to avoid those packaged in sauces, which only add sodium or sugar and calories.

Sources:WebMD.com; mayoclinic.com; eatright.org

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Fitness

Don’t Let Winter Put Your Exercise Routine on Ice During the winter months, the short days, icy temperatures and snow-covered streets can make sticking to your walking routine a challenge – but not impossible.When the weather refuses to cooperate, there are lots of ways you can keep up your walking or exercise routine inside.Try these suggestions and you won’t have to give back all the hard-earned gains you’ve made in the last several months. Because as you probably know, staying fit is a lot easier than getting fit.

• Take the stairs at work rather than using the elevator. If your building has stairwells that don’t allow you to re-enter on every floor, you can start by walking up a few flights and taking the elevator the rest of the way. After a while, you’ll probably be able to climb several flights of stairs without feeling winded and you’ll notice the muscles in your legs firming up. Add a floor per week, as you feel ready, and come spring you’ll be more than ready to move your routine back outside.

• Walk on a treadmill. If you already belong to a fitness club, now’s the time to get back into the routine of going to the gym. Using a treadmill lets you walk at your own pace, and as you build up your stamina, you can walk faster, increase your distance or add inclines. If you haven’t joined a health club, remember that you’re eligible for discounted memberships at the YMCA of Greater New York, New York Sports Clubs or Crunch Fitness. For more information, visit our website, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, or call a Member Services representative at (646) 473-9200.

• Go to the mall early in the morning and walk a few laps inside before the stores open. Of course, you can do this on your own, but mall walking has become a popular cold-weather activity and you may be able to find a group in your area. Or recruit friends and family members to join you and start a group of your own.

• March in place or do household chores while watching TV, especially during commercials. Stand and walk in place, lifting your knees to waist level. Remember, consistency is more important than endurance – keep at it for a few weeks and you’ll feel the difference.

• If you do head outside, dress in layers to protect yourself against the cold. Exercise generates a lot of body heat, and wearing several layers of clothing will keep you from catching a chill when your sweat dries. Start with a shirt made from synthetic material so your sweat will be drawn away from your body. Then add a cotton top and a fleece or wool coat. And pay extra attention to your extremities, making sure you keep your hands, feet, ears and head warm.

Sources:WebMD; America on the Move; Mayo Clinic

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Únase a Nosotros en Nuestro Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo” Sabemos lo difícil que puede ser cumplir una resolución de Año Nuevo, desde comer mejor hasta hacer más ejercicios, y su equipo de Bienestar está a su disposición para ayudarle. Únase a nosotros en el Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo”, que se llevará a cabo el sábado 28 de enero en el horario de 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. en el Penthouse de 330 West 42nd Street en Manhattan.

El taller le ofrecerá las herramientas y estrategias que le ayudarán a mantener su compromiso para vivir una vida más saludable. Habrá un seminario de nutrición para tratar las formas de mejorar sus hábitos de alimentación, una clase de ejercicios aeróbicos para todas las edades impartida por el instructor del Fondo, Foluke Arthurton, y un taller sobre el estrés para ofrecer consejos sobre el control de los niveles de estrés en el hogar y en el trabajo. Es una manera divertida de obtener el apoyo que usted necesita para hacer cambios saludables en su estilo de vida que no sólo serán para todo el año sino también para toda la vida. Como incentivo adicional, todos los participantes en el taller recibirán una copia del DVD Ejercicios Totales para el Cuerpo con la Banda de Resistencia de 1199SEIU y una banda. Entonces marque su calendario y nos vemos ahí.

Qué:

Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo”

Cuándo: Sábado, 28 de enero de 2012 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m.

Dónde: 330 West 42nd Street, Penthouse Para reservar su lugar, llame al (646) 473-8960, opción 2, luego opción 1.

El estacionamiento validado de $10 estará disponible al frente en Impark, y se ofrecerá cuidado infantil para los niños de 3 años y mayores

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Acondicionamiento Físico Saludable

No Deje que el Invierno Congele su Rutina de Ejercicios Durante los meses del invierno, los días más cortos, las temperaturas heladas y las calles cubiertas de nieve pueden hacer que sea un reto mantener su rutina de caminar, pero no es imposible. Cuando el clima no coopera, existen muchas formas de mantener su rutina de caminar o de ejercicios en interiores. Intente seguir estas sugerencias y no tendrá que perder todo lo que ha ganado con tanto esfuerzo en los últimos meses. Porque como probablemente ya sabe, mantenerse en buena condición física es mucho más fácil que alcanzar una buena condición física.

•

Use las escaleras en el trabajo en lugar de utilizar el ascensor. Si su edificio tiene cubos de escaleras que no le permiten reingresar en cada piso, puede comenzar subiendo varios pisos y tomando el ascensor para el resto del camino. Después de un tiempo, probablemente podrá subir varias escaleras sin sentirse cansado y observará que los músculos en sus piernas se vuelven más duros. Agregue un piso por semana, a medida que se sienta listo, y una vez que venga la primavera estará más que listo para trasladar su rutina afuera nuevamente.

•

•

•

•

Camine en una banda caminadora. Si ya pertenece a un club para mantenerse en forma, este es el momento para regresar a la rutina de ir al gimnasio. Utilizar la banda caminadora le permite caminar a su propio ritmo, y a medida que se sienta más seguro, puede caminar más rápido, aumentar su distancia o agregar inclinación. Si no se ha unido a un gimnasio, recuerde que usted es elegible para recibir descuentos en membresías en YMCA of Greater New York, New York Sports Clubs o Crunch Fitness. Para obtener información adicional, visite nuestro sitio web, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, o llame a un representante de Servicios para los Miembros al (646) 473-9200.

Vaya al centro comercial temprano en la mañana y haga varias caminatas adentro antes de que abran las tiendas. Por supuesto que puede hacer esto por su propia cuenta, pero caminar en los centros comerciales se ha convertido en una actividad popular en los días en que el clima está frío y es posible que pueda encontrar un grupo en su área. O reclute a amigos y familiares para que se unan a usted y comience su propio grupo.

Camine en el lugar o haga tareas domésticas mientras mira televisión, especialmente durante los comerciales. Levántese y camine en el lugar, elevando sus rodillas al nivel de la cintura. Recuerde que la regularidad es más importante que la resistencia, siga haciéndolo durante varias semanas y notará la diferencia.

Si sale afuera, vístase en capas para protegerse contra el frío. El ejercicio genera mucho calor en el cuerpo, y utilizar varias capas de ropa impedirá que agarre frío cuando se seque el sudor. Comience usando una camisa hecha de material sintético para que el sudor salga fuera de su cuerpo. Luego agregue un suéter de algodón y un abrigo de forro polar o lana.Y asegúrese de prestar atención adicional a sus extremidades, mantenga abrigados sus manos, pies, orejas y cabeza.

Fuentes:WebMD; America on the Move; Mayo Clinic

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Join Us “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop at Our

We all know how hard it can be to stick to a New Year’s resolution – from eating better to exercising more – and your Wellness team is here to help. Join us at the “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop, taking place on Saturday, January 28, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Penthouse at 330 West 42nd Street in Manhattan.

The workshop will offer you tools and strategies to help you keep your commitment toward living a healthier life. There will be a nutrition seminar to discuss ways to improve your eating habits, an all-ages aerobic exercise class led by our Funds’ instructor, Foluke Arthurton, and a stress workshop to offer tips in managing stress levels at home and at work. It's a fun way to get the support you need to make healthy lifestyle changes that will last not just all year but for a lifetime. For added incentive, all workshop participants will receive an 1199SEIU Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD and band.

So mark your calendar, and we'll see you there!

What: “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop When: Saturday, January, 28, 2012 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Where: 330 West 42nd Street, Penthouse To reserve your spot, please call (646) 473-8960, option 2, then option 1.

Validated parking for $10 will be available across the street at Impark, and child care will be offered for children ages 3 and above.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Living

Healthy Heart Basics Did you know that heart disease is the numberone cause of death in men and women in the U.S.? In fact, the American Heart Association estimates that more than 64 million people in the U.S. have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.

It sounds obvious, but a healthy heart is essential to living a healthy, fulfilling life. And the way to a healthy heart is by eating well, exercising and avoiding harmful behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol in excess. Our heart, a single muscle no bigger than a fist, performs the most critical life-sustaining service by pumping oxygenrich blood throughout the body so that all of its intricate systems and organs work well together and we feel good.

If we eat unhealthy foods that compromise our heart’s function, it has to struggle to perform its job and we end up feeling ill and increasing our risk of serious chronic conditions and disease.

Too many “bad” fats clog our arteries and lead to hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Too many high-sugar, processed foods lead to diabetes.

We suffer the same poor health symptoms when we don’t exercise. And if we smoke, we dramatically increase our risk for cancer, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, if we eat high-quality food and maintain a healthy weight, our hearts and bodies work together better and we feel good.

There are no clogged arteries or other obstacles to overcome.

Mitos Comunes sobre la Nutrición – Desenmascarados!

Con todos los consejos conflictivos sobre la nutrición que están flotando en la Internet, en revistas y en libros de dietas para perder peso rápidamente, puede ser difícil diferenciar los hechos de la ficción. Así que vamos a analizar algunos de los mitos más comunes sobre la nutrición para ayudarle a estar bien informado y en camino hacia una alimentación saludable.

Mito:

En realidad, saltearme comidas no es tan dañino

para mí.

So here are some heart-healthy habits you can incorporate into your families’ lives to lower the risk of heart disease or any of its related conditions or diseases.

Realidad: Usted puede pensar que saltearse comidas le ayudaría a perder peso, pero los estudios demuestran que las personas acumulan más grasa en el cuerpo cuando consumen un menor número de comidas más grandes, en lugar de consumir más frecuentemente comidas más pequeñas. Saltearse comidas típicamente conduce a comer más comida que la que necesita durante el día y a consumir refrigerios de alimentos de altas calorías para prevenir el hambre. Comer más frecuentemente le ayudará a reducir la sensación de sentirse hinchado, a controlar el azúcar en la sangre y el hambre. Consuma refrigerios de comidas saludables como frutas o verduras para asegurarse de que su cuerpo obtenga la energía que necesita.

Mito:

Si un paquete de alimentos dice “todo natural”, tiene que ser saludable para mí.

Realidad: Incluso si tiene la etiqueta que dice “todo natural”, todavía puede contener grandes cantidades de azúcar, grasas no saturadas u otros ingredientes que pueden desbaratar su dieta saludable. ¡Algunos pueden contener tanta grasa como una barra de golosina! Para averiguar realmente si un producto es saludable, asegúrese de leer la etiqueta de nutrición, o mejor aún, elija una fruta fresca o verduras.

Mito:

Si como mayormente alimentos bajos en grasas, perderé peso.

Mito:

Realidad: Las investigaciones han demostrado que los alimentos bajos en grasas o de grasas reducidas pueden tener las mismas calorías o más que las versiones con la cantidad completa de grasas de los alimentos. Esto se debe a que con frecuencia los fabricantes de alimentos reemplazan las grasas con azúcar.

También, para muchas personas, ver las palabras “bajo en grasas” o “sin grasas” significa tener una luz verde para comer en exceso.

Por ello debe controlar sus porciones y seguir una dieta balanceada, asegurándose de obtener las cantidades recomendadas de frutas, verduras, granos enteros, proteínas magras y lácteos.

Realidad:

Mito:

Nunca voy a perder peso a menos que deje de consumir mis “malos” alimentos favoritos.

Aunque la mayoría de los antojos pasan en cerca de cinco minutos, las investigaciones han demostrado que consumir una dieta saludable no significa que tiene que privarse de sus comidas favoritas, siempre que las consuma con moderación y que lo haga de vez en cuando. Así que siga adelante y cómase ese brownie, pero agregue unos 15 minutos adicionales a su caminata ese día. O dé a sus comidas favoritas una transformación saludable. Si tiene antojo de pizza, trate de prepararla en casa para que pueda utilizar queso sin grasa y una base de harina integral. Si tiene que utilizar tocino, use tocino de pavo. Así podrá satisfacer su antojo sin sentirse privado.

Las frutas y verduras congeladas no son tan nutritivas como las frescas.

Realidad: Los alimentos recién cosechados tienen más vitaminas y minerales, pero los niveles de nutrición bajan durante el embarque y almacenamiento. Las frutas y verduras congeladas pueden ser tan saludables como las frescas, sino más, ya que son recogidas y congeladas inmediatamente después de la cosecha, preservando así sus nutrientes. Cuando compre los productos congelados, recuerde evitar aquellos empacados en salsas, ya que sólo agregan sal o azúcar y calorías.

Fuentes:WebMD.com; mayoclinic.com; eatright.org

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Comer Saludable

¡Todavía Seguimos Cocinando!

Heart Attack Symptoms:

Contribuya con una Receta para Qué Está Cocinando Ahora

The Differences Between Men and Women

Nuestra primera edición del libro de cocina del Fondo, Qué está cocinando, tuvo tanta demanda que queremos actualizarlo para ofrecer a los miembros nuevas ideas sobre cómo cocinar en forma saludable. ¡Sin embargo, no podemos hacerlo sin su ayuda! Como fue el caso de la versión original, la nueva edición de Qué Está Cocinando será creada por los miembros y para los miembros. Si tiene una receta original nutritiva, o una que ha modificado, compártala con nosotros. Su contribución puede ayudar a los miembros y a sus familias a cocinar y consumir comidas más saludables.

Estamos buscando recetas para sopas, ensaladas, acompañamientos, platos principales o postres.Todas las recetas son revisadas por nuestros expertos en nutrición, y sólo aquellas recetas que son saludables y sabrosas podrán ser publicadas. Si usted no tiene una copia de la primera edición de Qué Está Cocinando, la puede obtener asistiendo a un taller o evento de Protección de Nuestra Salud, o pidiéndola por medio de Amazon.com.

Estamos buscando recetas para sopas, ensaladas, acompañamientos, platos principales o postres.

Para contribuir una receta para la nueva edición de Qué Está Cocinando Ahora, visite nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Luego simplemente ponga su receta en el formulario fácil de usar que le da instrucciones a seguir paso a paso y haga clic en “Enviar”, ¡es así de simple!

Si su receta es elegida también recibirá un regalo especial. Por lo tanto, ¿qué está esperando?

Maintain a Healthy Weight

It’s important to know the difference in heart attack symptoms between men and women. The warning signs in women are often more subtle, harder to detect and can be misdiagnosed as less severe health problems.

Nevertheless, whether you are a man or woman and have experienced any of the following symptoms in the past, be sure to tell the healthcare professionals where you seek medical care exactly what you were feeling.

Of course, if you experience any of these symptoms in the future, seek medical advice immediately.

Losing just a few pounds will go a long way toward making your heart healthier. So with every pound you lose, keep in mind that you are improving your heart health.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Exercise Regularly

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Loss of breath not necessarily accompanied by chest discomfort

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Feeling of unusual fatigue, body aches or weakness

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Nausea, vomiting, headaches, cold sweats and other flu-like symptoms

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Feeling of pain in the upper body – chest, shoulders, neck and back

•

Feeling of unexplained anxiety or unease

The American Heart Association recommends exercising with moderate intensity a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week. If that sounds like a lot, try breaking it up throughout the day with 10- to 15-minute sessions of exercise whenever you can fit them in. Every little bit counts!

Quit Smoking We all know that smoking leads to heart disease, but if you’re a smoker you also know giving up cigarettes is not easy. If you are ready to quit, call the 1199SEIU Health Coaching Service to join the smoking-cessation program.

It’s free and can provide you with the support you need to kick the habit – for good. Call (866) 935-1199 today!

Get Regular Checkups and Screenings To monitor your heart health, get an annual check-up from your primary care physician and regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Remember:Your Fund has you covered for all of these services.

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Heart Attack Symptoms in Men •

Intermittent episodes of chest pain, uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest

•

Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back or stomach

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Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea or sweating

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Abdominal discomfort that may feel like indigestion

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Start the New Year Off Right – Schedule Your Screenings Today The beginning of the year is the perfect time to renew your commitment to healthy living, and one of the easiest ways to protect your health is to schedule an annual checkup and your preventive screenings. Screenings allow you and your doctor to stay on top of any health concerns you may have, and early detection can make all the difference in your response to treatment. Of course, your National Benefit Fund covers the recommended screenings at no cost to you.

Remember, you can be screened for chronic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes just by visiting your doctor or by attending an 1199SEIU health fair. The list of recommended screenings is just a starting point.Talk to your doctor about other tests that you may need, including: •

• •

“Me siento mucho mejor, y espero que compartir mi experiencia ayudará a otros”, dija ella.

“Cada miembro debe saber que este servicio está a su disposición y que realmente funciona”.

a urinalysis to check for chronic kidney disease, which often goes undetected until it has become advanced; HIV and/or STD screening; and blood counts and tests for depression and skin cancer.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings, depending on your family history or if you have certain health conditions. * Despite recent studies, which recommend every 2 or 3 years, your Fund still recommends that you adhere to the American Cancer Society guidelines.

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Perfil del Miembro

Un Entrenador de Salud Facilita el Camino hacia una Mejor Salud Zoila logró controlar su diabetes con la colaboración de un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU Como muchos de nosotros, Zoila Quito comía grandes cantidades de comidas no muy saludables que le encantaban y muy pocas de las comidas más nutritivas que le parecían menos apetecibles. Pese a ello, pensaba que estaba comiendo bastante bien y que su salud en general era buena. Pero en su chequeo anual el verano pasado, Zoila descubrió que su nivel de azúcar en la sangre estaba peligrosamente elevado y que sufría de diabetes Tipo 2. Su médico le recetó medicamentos y la derivó a un nutricionista, diciéndole que si quería evitar inyecciones diarias de insulina, tendría que considerar como una prioridad principal tener una mejor nutrición.

Poco después de su diagnóstico, Zoila que es un Técnico de Atención de Pacientes en el NYU Medical Center, recibió una llamada en su hogar en Queens de uno de los entrenadores de salud de 1199SEIU. Después de su primera conversación, su entrenador de la salud le envió pautas específicas de dieta que incluían una relación de los tipos de comida que necesitaba comer más frecuentemente, y los tipos de comida que necesitaba limitar o eliminar.

El paquete de información también incluía el nuevo diagrama MiPlato del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), que recientemente reemplazó a la pirámide de alimentos que era algo confusa. MiPlato detalla las porciones recomendadas de cada grupo de alimentos para cada comida y brinda una herramienta visual que Zoila dijo que le abrió los ojos sobre algunos de los hábitos que necesitaba cambiar “Puse esa guía en el frente de mi refrigerador y la utilizo para el desayuno, almuerzo y comida”, dijo ella. “Pude ver que necesitaba comer más verduras y menos arroz, y este es uno de los cambios que he podido hacer sin mucho esfuerzo”.

Zoila le da el crédito al servicio de entrenamiento que le ayudó a transformar su dieta y a poner su diabetes bajo control.Tener la posibilidad de llamar a alguien que está familiarizado con su enfermedad y que le puede ofrecer un apoyo individual y un consejo experto ha sido invalorable, dijo ella. En lugar de tener que esperar para su próxima cita con su nutricionista, Zoila puede contactar a un

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entrenador de salud (o a nuestra línea de ayuda de enfermería disponible las 24 horas) para obtener respuestas a las preguntas que tiene a medida que se le presentan. “El servicio de entrenamiento de salud me ha ayudado muchísimo porque tienen el tiempo para dedicarse a mí cuando lo necesito”, dijo. “Si tengo una pregunta, llamo a un entrenador de salud y me dan la respuesta”.

Para alguien que admite que solía comer demasiados refrigerios salados, eliminar las opciones no saludables como por ejemplo los nachos ha sido difícil, pero Zoila dijo que trabajar con su entrenador de salud e ir al consultorio de su nutricionista le enseñó la importancia de contar las calorías y de ejercer un control apropiado de las porciones. Ahora, con frecuencia sustituye una fruta por una bolsa de chips cuando siente ganas de tomar un refrigerio, y sus esfuerzos están dando resultados. Su nivel de azúcar en la sangre ahora está bajo control, comenta, aunque continúa midiéndolo antes y después de las comidas.

También observó una gran diferencia en su nivel de energía en un periodo de tiempo relativamente corto, y como un beneficio adicional, su presión arterial está más baja luego de estar durante muchos años en el extremo superior de la escala. “Me siento mucho mejor, y espero que compartir mi experiencia ayudará a otros”, dijo ella. “Cada miembro debe saber que este servicio está a su disposición y que realmente funciona”.

¿Tiene una historia saludable que compartir?

Siempre buscamos la oportunidad de destacar a miembros que han usado sus beneficios de 1199SEIU para ayudar a bajar de peso, controlar una enfermedad crónica o sólo mejorar su estilo de vida en general.

Si desea aparecer en un número futuro de Para su beneficio, contacte al Fondo en communications@1199Funds.org.

Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return Each year, the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund’s Tax Assistance Program helps thousands of eligible members claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and get the highest tax refund possible.The Fund is again partnering with New York City’s EITC Coalition to help you prepare your tax return.The EITC Coalition is led by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, and includes the city’s Office of Financial Empowerment and the Food Bank For New York City.

Other Programs

Zoila Quito

Visit our NYC Partners for Free Tax Preparation Whether or not you qualify for the EITC, as long as your 2011 household income was below $50,000 (or $18,000 if you are single and have no dependents), our partners at the Food Bank For New York City are offering free tax preparation events where our members work and live. And if you qualify for the EITC, the tax experts onsite will help you file for the credit. For complete details on the locations, times and dates for the free tax preparation events, please call 311.

Claim Your EITC You can check whether you meet the income requirements for the EITC by using the 2011 tax guidelines listed here: •

Income below $43,998 ($49,078 if married, filing a joint return) with three or more dependent children •

Income below $40,964 ($46,044 if married, filing a joint return) with two dependent children

•

Income below $36,052 ($41,132 if married, filing a joint return) with one dependent child

•

Income below $13,660 ($18,740 if married, filing a joint return) with no dependent children

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Use Your 1199SEIU Coupon to Get Even Greater Discounted Tax Services at H&R Block If you can’t make it to one of the free tax preparation locations, we’ve negotiated an exceptional special discount with H&R Block this year for members living in the five New York City boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey and, new this year,Westchester County. Members living in any of these areas whose 2011 household income was $41,000 or less with dependents ($31,000 or less for single members with no dependents) and who are eligible for the EITC can have their tax return prepared at a local H&R Block office for only $1! (Members who don’t qualify for the EITC and whose 2011 household income meets the guidelines can have their return prepared for $19.)

If your 2011 household income was higher than these limits but less than $100,000, H&R Block will prepare your taxes on a sliding scale of fees that will not exceed $125. Simply bring the 1199SEIU discount coupon to your appointment and present it to your H&R Block representative – there are no other requirements to qualify for this reduced rate.

So be sure to watch your mail in the next few weeks for more information about our H&R Block Discount Program and the coupon you’ll need to receive your discount. The coupon will be valid between January 23, 2012, and April 17, 2012.

H&R Block Discounts for 1199SEIU Members at a Glance •

•

•

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Pay just $1 to have your returns filed if your household income is less than $41,000 and you are EITC-eligible

H&R Block’s New Program Can Mean Even More Money in Your Pocket

This year, H&R Block is also offering a new program for 1199SEIU members called Second Look Review. Bring in your 2010, 2009 or 2008 tax returns to any Block office in the five boroughs, Pay up to $125 based on the Long Island, New Jersey or Westchester complexity of your return if during February and March, and a tax your household income is professional will review them – for free – to more than $41,000 but be sure that they were accurate and that you does not exceed $100,000 received all possible credits and deductions.

Whether you want to file an amended return is up to you.While you will not be charged for the review, the cost to file an amended return will be $79 per return, which covers both state and federal returns.

Pay just $19 if your household income is less than $41,000, but you are not EITC-eligible

Obtenga Apoyo Personalizado de un

Entrenador de Salud ¡Conteste la Llamada!

Junto con su médico, su entrenador de salud personal también puede ayudarle a controlar enfermedades crónicas, como la enfermedad cardíaca y la diabetes. Y nuestros programas de control del peso y ayuda para dejar de fumar ofrecen un apoyo específicamente creado para dos de los retos de salud más importantes en los Estados Unidos.

¡Haga la Llamada! ¿Ha tomado por fin la decisión de asumir el control de su peso o dejar de fumar para siempre? Dado que estos dos cambios saludables pueden encabezar la lista de deseos de millones de personas, como miembro del 1199SEIU puede obtener el beneficio añadido de un entrenador de salud personal que le ayude a alcanzar sus objetivos. Nuestros programas de control de peso y de ayuda para dejar de fumar le conectan con entrenadores de salud profesionales y capacitados que le ayudarán a desarrollar un plan y a cumplirlo, ofreciendo asesoramiento experto, apoyo y estímulo a lo largo del camino. Por eso llame hoy mismo al (866) 935-1199, ¡y deje de tratar de hacerlo solo!

La Línea de Ayuda de Enfermería del 1199SEIU Disponible las 24 Horas (866) 935-1199 Recuerde, para recibir ayuda a cualquier hora, puede llamar a nuestra Línea de Ayuda de Enfermería disponible las 24 horas del día, 7 días de la semana, para formular cualquier pregunta médica, si su hijo tiene fiebre en el medio de la noche, si no está seguro sobre un medicamento en particular o por cualquier otra pregunta médica.

Para obtener información adicional y apoyo por Internet, visite nuestro sitio web, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, y haga clic en el enlace del Servicio de Entrenamiento de Salud. Nuestra identificación de grupo es 1199SEIU.

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¡Ya llegó el Calendario de Protección de Nuestra Salud de 2012!

Su nuevo calendario de Protección de Nuestra Salud de 2012 de 1199SEIU puede ayudar a que usted y su familia se mantengan saludables durante todo el año. El calendario de 2012 está diseñado para ayudarle a usted y a su familia a elegir opciones saludables durante el año. Está lleno de consejos para un estilo de vida saludable, datos sobre nutrición y acondicionamiento físico, e información útil de contactos. Para recibir una copia visite uno de los talleres, eventos o ferias de salud de Protección de Nuestra Salud del Fondo de Beneficios. Sírvase visitar nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org para ver eventos venideros en el calendario de nuestro Fondo.

Celebración de la Igualdad de Matrimonio y Lo Que Significa para Nuestros Fondos Mucho antes de que el Estado de Nueva York otorgara los derechos de igualdad de matrimonio a las parejas de homosexuales y lesbianas con vigencia a partir del 24 de julio de 2011, su Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ofreció cobertura de beneficios a las parejas convivientes del mismo sexo de los miembros. Por lo tanto, era necesario actualizar las normas del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ahora que el matrimonio es una opción legal en el Estado de Nueva York.

Esto significó garantizar que las normas del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios sobre las parejas convivientes del mismo sexo, que tenían requisitos distintos para probar la relación de pareja, se aplicarán sólo a aquellos estados que todavía no reconocen la igualdad de matrimonio. Pero si usted vive en el Estado de Nueva York o en un estado vecino que reconoce la igualdad de matrimonio, debe estar casado para recibir los beneficios de salud de un cónyuge.

Sin embargo, los Administradores decidieron dar a las parejas del mismo sexo un período de gracia de un año completo desde la fecha de vigencia de la ley para que contraigan matrimonio con el fin de continuar con la cobertura. Enviamos cartas a nuestros miembros que tenían beneficios de pareja conviviente en ese momento, pero queremos garantizar que todos tengan la información para que eviten cualquier interrupción en la cobertura. A partir del 24 de julio de 2012, las parejas del mismo sexo que viven en un estado que reconoce la igualdad de matrimonio deben proporcionar al Fondo las pruebas de matrimonio. Una vez que haya contraído matrimonio, sírvase presentar una copia de su certificado de matrimonio y un Formulario de Cambio de Inscripción para que actualicemos la elegibilidad de su cónyuge. Puede acceder al formulario en nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org. Por supuesto que también puede pedir asistencia a su Coordinador de Ayuda.

20

2012 Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program for Children Ages 9 to 15 Years

ANNE SHORE SLEEP-AWAY CAMP PROGRAM 2012 ELIGIBILITY COUPON (Please print clearly in ink)

Member First Name ___________________________________________________

Each year, the Summer Camp Program sends more than 800 children of 1199SEIU members to three- and four-week sleep-away camps in the Northeast – at no cost to their parents.

Member Last Name ___________________________________________________

To apply for the Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, simply fill out the coupon and return it to the 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation before January 31, 2012. If your child is eligible, our program staff will contact you to schedule an appointment to attend a mandatory orientation in order to select the camp that best suits your child’s needs and interests.

City ___________________________________ State _________ Zip __________

Member ID No. ______________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ Apt. No. __________

Home Phone _______________________________________________________ Cellular Phone ______________________________________________________ Work Phone ________________________________________________________ Employed at ________________________________________________________

Please note: There is a $10 application fee, which must be paid at the time of the orientation.

Job Title _________________________________ Shift Worked _______________ Child’s Name _______________________________________________________

This Summer Camp Program is a three- to four-week sleep-away camp. This application is not for day camp.

Child’s Date of Birth ___________________________________________________ School ________________________________________ Current Grade _________ Member E-mail Address _______________________________________________

Plan Now for the 2012-2013 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program College Scholarship Opportunities for Children (up to age 22) The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program offers scholarships to children (up to age 22) of eligible 1199SEIU members who are attending accredited undergraduate programs. Award amounts vary according to need, with a minimum annual award of $750. There are also Study Incentive Awards for scholarship recipients who maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better during the spring and/or fall semester. In addition, the 1199SEIU Next Generation RN Scholarship program provides financial and academic assistance to children of 1199SEIU members in the clinical phase of a nursing program. To find out if your child qualifies, or if you have any questions, please call (646) 473-8999.

Member Information: National Benefit Fund (NBF)

Greater New York Child Care Fund

NBF Rochester-Area Members Complete this form in its entirety and return it before January 31, 2012. Mail it to: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, P.O. Box 955, New York, NY 10108-0955.

You may also fax this form to the attention of the Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program at (646) 4738311. A separate coupon must be submitted for each individual child.

JOSEPH TAUBER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REQUEST FOR 2012-2013 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Student Name ______________________________________________________________ E-mail Address ______________________________________________________________ Date graduated from, or expected to graduate from high school __________________________ College Entrance Date ________________________________________________________

To request an application to the Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, fill out the coupon and return it before January 31, 2012. You may also download the coupon by visiting our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ccf during the application request period. Please note that automatic award renewals are not granted; previous scholarship recipients must reapply each year for consideration.

New applicant in post-secondary school

Previous applicant

Member Information: Member Name ______________________________________________________ Member ID No. ______________________________________________________

Please fax your completed coupon to (646) 473-6949 or mail it to the following address: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10036-6977. If you submit your coupon as instructed, in March you will be sent an application folder or Scholarship Kit, which includes several forms that must be completed and returned per the specific instructions and dates indicated, in order for your application to be valid. If you have already sent in a coupon, do not send in another. If both parents are 1199SEIU employees, send one coupon only.

THIS COUPON IS VALID FOR THE 2012-2013 AWARD YEAR ONLY. This coupon is an application request form only. It is not an actual application.

Address ___________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________ State _________ Zip __________ Home Phone _______________________________________________________ Cellular Phone ______________________________________________________ Member E-mail Address _______________________________________________ National Benefit Fund (NBF)

Greater New York Child Care Fund

NBF Rochester-Area Members

LPN Welfare Fund

This coupon must be received by the Scholarship department before January 31, 2012, in order for us to send you an official Scholarship Kit. If you have not received your Scholarship Kit by April 1, 2012, please call us so that we can assist you.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

17

Invierno de 2012

Para Su Beneficio Mensaje de la Directora Ejecutiva Durante los últimos meses, muchos de ustedes han tomado medidas para hacer cambios saludables en su vida y para crear una cultura de salud en sus centros de trabajo. En efecto, ¡hasta el momento más de 1,500 de ustedes se han inscrito para ser Campeones de Bienestar! Si no se ha inscrito aún, todavía hay tiempo, y lo alentamos para que sea un líder en este importante esfuerzo de crear una cultura de salud en nuestras instituciones.

En este número de Para Su Beneficio, encontrará todos los detalles que necesita para participar en esta iniciativa nueva y emocionante. Además, encontrará abundante información sobre cómo hacer para que tanto usted como su familia se mantengan saludables pese al helado clima invernal, desde pautas saludables para el corazón hasta los mitos comunes de nutrición, cronogramas para las evaluaciones médicas habituales e ideas sobre cómo hacer ejercicios en los meses más fríos. También podrá leer una historia inspiradora de uno de nuestros miembros que trabajó con un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU para controlar su diabetes y dar un vuelco su salud.

Por supuesto que también hemos incluido la información sobre los beneficios y servicios que están a su disposición por medio de su Fondo, incluidas la preparación de impuestos gratuita o con descuento para ayudarle a obtener miles de dólares más en su devolución de impuestos, oportunidades para ir de campamento y becas para sus hijos.

Esperamos que disfrute de este número de Para Su Beneficio, ¡y lo utilice para comenzar el año 2012 de forma saludable!

Atentamente,

Mitra Behroozi Directora ejecutiva Fondos de Beneficios y Pensiones de 1199SEIU

18

Sea un Campeón de Bienestar y reclute a sus compañeros miembros para que también estén más saludables Durante varios meses, el Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ha estado colaborando con el Sindicato y sus empleadores para apoyar las iniciativas de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo dentro de nuestras instituciones, y ayudar a que los miembros vivan vidas más saludables. Como parte de esta iniciativa, cerca de 1,500 de ustedes ya se han ofrecido voluntarios para asumir el Compromiso de convertirse en Campeones de Bienestar. Pero si usted no es uno de los 1,500, ¡no es tarde para participar!

Como trabajadores de atención de la salud, ustedes dedican mucho tiempo a cuidar de los demás. Haga que su salud sea una prioridad y dele a sus compañeros de trabajo la posibilidad de hacer lo mismo. Los Campeones de Bienestar ayudan a organizar eventos y programas en su institución, tales como grupos para hacer caminatas, talleres de ejercicios o una competencia de recetas para la nueva edición del libro de cocina del Fondo, Qué Está Cocinando Ahora.

Participe asistiendo a la próxima reunión de los Campeones de Bienestar en su institución y recibirá una copia del DVD Ejercicios Totales para el Cuerpo con la Banda de Resistencia de 1199SEIU (Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD), ¡para poner en marcha su rutina y lograr un buen estado físico! Además del DVD para lograr un buen estado físico, aquellos que se inscriban para ser Campeones de Bienestar también recibirán una bolsa llena de regalos saludables y las herramientas que necesitan para conseguir su objetivo de forma física. Para averiguar cuándo se llevará a cabo la siguiente reunión de los Campeones de Bienestar, contacte al Organizador o Coordinador de Ayuda de su Sindicato.

Y no olvide dirigir con el ejemplo: si usted mismo tiene problemas de salud, ¡Haga la llamada! a un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU o ¡Conteste la llamada! si un entrenador le contacta.

Un Campeón de Bienestar de 1199SEIU es un Miembro Que… Q

Dirige con el ejemplo y se compromete a participar en los programas de bienestar de su institución.

Q

Asiste regularmente a las reuniones entre el Sindicato, la Administración y el Fondo para evaluar los progresos, fijar metas, generar ideas y cuando sea posible, presentar propuestas para el financiamiento de iniciativas.

Q

Alienta a sus compañeros miembros para ¡Contestar la llamada! y ¡Hacer la llamada!, y recibir apoyo individual para hacer cambios saludables mediante el Servicio de Entrenamiento de la Salud de 1199SEIU.

Q

Promueve e informa sobre los eventos de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo, incluidos las ferias de salud y los talleres de bienestar en el centro del Fondo.

Q

Alienta a sus compañeros de trabajo a participar en los programas de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo.

Q

Se mantiene informado sobre los eventos, datos y programas de bienestar y comparte la información con sus compañeros miembros.

Q

Se conecta con su Coordinador de Ayuda para tratar los retos y obtener apoyo e ideas.

Q

Se reporta a las Reuniones Mensuales de Delegados de Agrupaciones, los Comités de Ayuda a las Bases sobre Beneficios o el Grupo de Bienestar integrado por los Trabajadores y la Administración.

Q

¡Está comprometido a crear una cultura de salud en el centro de trabajo!

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

Actualización de Beneficios y Noticias

DEDICADO A LA SALUD Y EL BIENESTAR DE LOS MIEMBROS DE 1199SEIU

19

Invierno de 2012

Para Su Beneficio Mensaje de la Directora Ejecutiva Durante los últimos meses, muchos de ustedes han tomado medidas para hacer cambios saludables en su vida y para crear una cultura de salud en sus centros de trabajo. En efecto, ¡hasta el momento más de 1,500 de ustedes se han inscrito para ser Campeones de Bienestar! Si no se ha inscrito aún, todavía hay tiempo, y lo alentamos para que sea un líder en este importante esfuerzo de crear una cultura de salud en nuestras instituciones.

En este número de Para Su Beneficio, encontrará todos los detalles que necesita para participar en esta iniciativa nueva y emocionante. Además, encontrará abundante información sobre cómo hacer para que tanto usted como su familia se mantengan saludables pese al helado clima invernal, desde pautas saludables para el corazón hasta los mitos comunes de nutrición, cronogramas para las evaluaciones médicas habituales e ideas sobre cómo hacer ejercicios en los meses más fríos. También podrá leer una historia inspiradora de uno de nuestros miembros que trabajó con un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU para controlar su diabetes y dar un vuelco su salud.

Por supuesto que también hemos incluido la información sobre los beneficios y servicios que están a su disposición por medio de su Fondo, incluidas la preparación de impuestos gratuita o con descuento para ayudarle a obtener miles de dólares más en su devolución de impuestos, oportunidades para ir de campamento y becas para sus hijos.

Esperamos que disfrute de este número de Para Su Beneficio, ¡y lo utilice para comenzar el año 2012 de forma saludable!

Atentamente,

Mitra Behroozi Directora ejecutiva Fondos de Beneficios y Pensiones de 1199SEIU

18

Sea un Campeón de Bienestar y reclute a sus compañeros miembros para que también estén más saludables Durante varios meses, el Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ha estado colaborando con el Sindicato y sus empleadores para apoyar las iniciativas de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo dentro de nuestras instituciones, y ayudar a que los miembros vivan vidas más saludables. Como parte de esta iniciativa, cerca de 1,500 de ustedes ya se han ofrecido voluntarios para asumir el Compromiso de convertirse en Campeones de Bienestar. Pero si usted no es uno de los 1,500, ¡no es tarde para participar!

Como trabajadores de atención de la salud, ustedes dedican mucho tiempo a cuidar de los demás. Haga que su salud sea una prioridad y dele a sus compañeros de trabajo la posibilidad de hacer lo mismo. Los Campeones de Bienestar ayudan a organizar eventos y programas en su institución, tales como grupos para hacer caminatas, talleres de ejercicios o una competencia de recetas para la nueva edición del libro de cocina del Fondo, Qué Está Cocinando Ahora.

Participe asistiendo a la próxima reunión de los Campeones de Bienestar en su institución y recibirá una copia del DVD Ejercicios Totales para el Cuerpo con la Banda de Resistencia de 1199SEIU (Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD), ¡para poner en marcha su rutina y lograr un buen estado físico! Además del DVD para lograr un buen estado físico, aquellos que se inscriban para ser Campeones de Bienestar también recibirán una bolsa llena de regalos saludables y las herramientas que necesitan para conseguir su objetivo de forma física. Para averiguar cuándo se llevará a cabo la siguiente reunión de los Campeones de Bienestar, contacte al Organizador o Coordinador de Ayuda de su Sindicato.

Y no olvide dirigir con el ejemplo: si usted mismo tiene problemas de salud, ¡Haga la llamada! a un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU o ¡Conteste la llamada! si un entrenador le contacta.

Un Campeón de Bienestar de 1199SEIU es un Miembro Que… Q

Dirige con el ejemplo y se compromete a participar en los programas de bienestar de su institución.

Q

Asiste regularmente a las reuniones entre el Sindicato, la Administración y el Fondo para evaluar los progresos, fijar metas, generar ideas y cuando sea posible, presentar propuestas para el financiamiento de iniciativas.

Q

Alienta a sus compañeros miembros para ¡Contestar la llamada! y ¡Hacer la llamada!, y recibir apoyo individual para hacer cambios saludables mediante el Servicio de Entrenamiento de la Salud de 1199SEIU.

Q

Promueve e informa sobre los eventos de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo, incluidos las ferias de salud y los talleres de bienestar en el centro del Fondo.

Q

Alienta a sus compañeros de trabajo a participar en los programas de bienestar en el lugar de trabajo.

Q

Se mantiene informado sobre los eventos, datos y programas de bienestar y comparte la información con sus compañeros miembros.

Q

Se conecta con su Coordinador de Ayuda para tratar los retos y obtener apoyo e ideas.

Q

Se reporta a las Reuniones Mensuales de Delegados de Agrupaciones, los Comités de Ayuda a las Bases sobre Beneficios o el Grupo de Bienestar integrado por los Trabajadores y la Administración.

Q

¡Está comprometido a crear una cultura de salud en el centro de trabajo!

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

Actualización de Beneficios y Noticias

DEDICADO A LA SALUD Y EL BIENESTAR DE LOS MIEMBROS DE 1199SEIU

19

¡Ya llegó el Calendario de Protección de Nuestra Salud de 2012!

Su nuevo calendario de Protección de Nuestra Salud de 2012 de 1199SEIU puede ayudar a que usted y su familia se mantengan saludables durante todo el año. El calendario de 2012 está diseñado para ayudarle a usted y a su familia a elegir opciones saludables durante el año. Está lleno de consejos para un estilo de vida saludable, datos sobre nutrición y acondicionamiento físico, e información útil de contactos. Para recibir una copia visite uno de los talleres, eventos o ferias de salud de Protección de Nuestra Salud del Fondo de Beneficios. Sírvase visitar nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org para ver eventos venideros en el calendario de nuestro Fondo.

Celebración de la Igualdad de Matrimonio y Lo Que Significa para Nuestros Fondos Mucho antes de que el Estado de Nueva York otorgara los derechos de igualdad de matrimonio a las parejas de homosexuales y lesbianas con vigencia a partir del 24 de julio de 2011, su Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ofreció cobertura de beneficios a las parejas convivientes del mismo sexo de los miembros. Por lo tanto, era necesario actualizar las normas del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios ahora que el matrimonio es una opción legal en el Estado de Nueva York.

Esto significó garantizar que las normas del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios sobre las parejas convivientes del mismo sexo, que tenían requisitos distintos para probar la relación de pareja, se aplicarán sólo a aquellos estados que todavía no reconocen la igualdad de matrimonio. Pero si usted vive en el Estado de Nueva York o en un estado vecino que reconoce la igualdad de matrimonio, debe estar casado para recibir los beneficios de salud de un cónyuge.

Sin embargo, los Administradores decidieron dar a las parejas del mismo sexo un período de gracia de un año completo desde la fecha de vigencia de la ley para que contraigan matrimonio con el fin de continuar con la cobertura. Enviamos cartas a nuestros miembros que tenían beneficios de pareja conviviente en ese momento, pero queremos garantizar que todos tengan la información para que eviten cualquier interrupción en la cobertura. A partir del 24 de julio de 2012, las parejas del mismo sexo que viven en un estado que reconoce la igualdad de matrimonio deben proporcionar al Fondo las pruebas de matrimonio. Una vez que haya contraído matrimonio, sírvase presentar una copia de su certificado de matrimonio y un Formulario de Cambio de Inscripción para que actualicemos la elegibilidad de su cónyuge. Puede acceder al formulario en nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org. Por supuesto que también puede pedir asistencia a su Coordinador de Ayuda.

20

2012 Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program for Children Ages 9 to 15 Years

ANNE SHORE SLEEP-AWAY CAMP PROGRAM 2012 ELIGIBILITY COUPON (Please print clearly in ink)

Member First Name ___________________________________________________

Each year, the Summer Camp Program sends more than 800 children of 1199SEIU members to three- and four-week sleep-away camps in the Northeast – at no cost to their parents.

Member Last Name ___________________________________________________

To apply for the Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, simply fill out the coupon and return it to the 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation before January 31, 2012. If your child is eligible, our program staff will contact you to schedule an appointment to attend a mandatory orientation in order to select the camp that best suits your child’s needs and interests.

City ___________________________________ State _________ Zip __________

Member ID No. ______________________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ Apt. No. __________

Home Phone _______________________________________________________ Cellular Phone ______________________________________________________ Work Phone ________________________________________________________ Employed at ________________________________________________________

Please note: There is a $10 application fee, which must be paid at the time of the orientation.

Job Title _________________________________ Shift Worked _______________ Child’s Name _______________________________________________________

This Summer Camp Program is a three- to four-week sleep-away camp. This application is not for day camp.

Child’s Date of Birth ___________________________________________________ School ________________________________________ Current Grade _________ Member E-mail Address _______________________________________________

Plan Now for the 2012-2013 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program College Scholarship Opportunities for Children (up to age 22) The Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program offers scholarships to children (up to age 22) of eligible 1199SEIU members who are attending accredited undergraduate programs. Award amounts vary according to need, with a minimum annual award of $750. There are also Study Incentive Awards for scholarship recipients who maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or better during the spring and/or fall semester. In addition, the 1199SEIU Next Generation RN Scholarship program provides financial and academic assistance to children of 1199SEIU members in the clinical phase of a nursing program. To find out if your child qualifies, or if you have any questions, please call (646) 473-8999.

Member Information: National Benefit Fund (NBF)

Greater New York Child Care Fund

NBF Rochester-Area Members Complete this form in its entirety and return it before January 31, 2012. Mail it to: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, P.O. Box 955, New York, NY 10108-0955.

You may also fax this form to the attention of the Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program at (646) 4738311. A separate coupon must be submitted for each individual child.

JOSEPH TAUBER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM REQUEST FOR 2012-2013 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION Student Name ______________________________________________________________ E-mail Address ______________________________________________________________ Date graduated from, or expected to graduate from high school __________________________ College Entrance Date ________________________________________________________

To request an application to the Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, fill out the coupon and return it before January 31, 2012. You may also download the coupon by visiting our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ccf during the application request period. Please note that automatic award renewals are not granted; previous scholarship recipients must reapply each year for consideration.

New applicant in post-secondary school

Previous applicant

Member Information: Member Name ______________________________________________________ Member ID No. ______________________________________________________

Please fax your completed coupon to (646) 473-6949 or mail it to the following address: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 10036-6977. If you submit your coupon as instructed, in March you will be sent an application folder or Scholarship Kit, which includes several forms that must be completed and returned per the specific instructions and dates indicated, in order for your application to be valid. If you have already sent in a coupon, do not send in another. If both parents are 1199SEIU employees, send one coupon only.

THIS COUPON IS VALID FOR THE 2012-2013 AWARD YEAR ONLY. This coupon is an application request form only. It is not an actual application.

Address ___________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________ State _________ Zip __________ Home Phone _______________________________________________________ Cellular Phone ______________________________________________________ Member E-mail Address _______________________________________________ National Benefit Fund (NBF)

Greater New York Child Care Fund

NBF Rochester-Area Members

LPN Welfare Fund

This coupon must be received by the Scholarship department before January 31, 2012, in order for us to send you an official Scholarship Kit. If you have not received your Scholarship Kit by April 1, 2012, please call us so that we can assist you.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

17

Use Your 1199SEIU Coupon to Get Even Greater Discounted Tax Services at H&R Block If you can’t make it to one of the free tax preparation locations, we’ve negotiated an exceptional special discount with H&R Block this year for members living in the five New York City boroughs, Long Island, New Jersey and, new this year,Westchester County. Members living in any of these areas whose 2011 household income was $41,000 or less with dependents ($31,000 or less for single members with no dependents) and who are eligible for the EITC can have their tax return prepared at a local H&R Block office for only $1! (Members who don’t qualify for the EITC and whose 2011 household income meets the guidelines can have their return prepared for $19.)

If your 2011 household income was higher than these limits but less than $100,000, H&R Block will prepare your taxes on a sliding scale of fees that will not exceed $125. Simply bring the 1199SEIU discount coupon to your appointment and present it to your H&R Block representative – there are no other requirements to qualify for this reduced rate.

So be sure to watch your mail in the next few weeks for more information about our H&R Block Discount Program and the coupon you’ll need to receive your discount. The coupon will be valid between January 23, 2012, and April 17, 2012.

H&R Block Discounts for 1199SEIU Members at a Glance •

•

•

16

Pay just $1 to have your returns filed if your household income is less than $41,000 and you are EITC-eligible

H&R Block’s New Program Can Mean Even More Money in Your Pocket

This year, H&R Block is also offering a new program for 1199SEIU members called Second Look Review. Bring in your 2010, 2009 or 2008 tax returns to any Block office in the five boroughs, Pay up to $125 based on the Long Island, New Jersey or Westchester complexity of your return if during February and March, and a tax your household income is professional will review them – for free – to more than $41,000 but be sure that they were accurate and that you does not exceed $100,000 received all possible credits and deductions.

Whether you want to file an amended return is up to you.While you will not be charged for the review, the cost to file an amended return will be $79 per return, which covers both state and federal returns.

Pay just $19 if your household income is less than $41,000, but you are not EITC-eligible

Obtenga Apoyo Personalizado de un

Entrenador de Salud ¡Conteste la Llamada!

Junto con su médico, su entrenador de salud personal también puede ayudarle a controlar enfermedades crónicas, como la enfermedad cardíaca y la diabetes. Y nuestros programas de control del peso y ayuda para dejar de fumar ofrecen un apoyo específicamente creado para dos de los retos de salud más importantes en los Estados Unidos.

¡Haga la Llamada! ¿Ha tomado por fin la decisión de asumir el control de su peso o dejar de fumar para siempre? Dado que estos dos cambios saludables pueden encabezar la lista de deseos de millones de personas, como miembro del 1199SEIU puede obtener el beneficio añadido de un entrenador de salud personal que le ayude a alcanzar sus objetivos. Nuestros programas de control de peso y de ayuda para dejar de fumar le conectan con entrenadores de salud profesionales y capacitados que le ayudarán a desarrollar un plan y a cumplirlo, ofreciendo asesoramiento experto, apoyo y estímulo a lo largo del camino. Por eso llame hoy mismo al (866) 935-1199, ¡y deje de tratar de hacerlo solo!

La Línea de Ayuda de Enfermería del 1199SEIU Disponible las 24 Horas (866) 935-1199 Recuerde, para recibir ayuda a cualquier hora, puede llamar a nuestra Línea de Ayuda de Enfermería disponible las 24 horas del día, 7 días de la semana, para formular cualquier pregunta médica, si su hijo tiene fiebre en el medio de la noche, si no está seguro sobre un medicamento en particular o por cualquier otra pregunta médica.

Para obtener información adicional y apoyo por Internet, visite nuestro sitio web, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, y haga clic en el enlace del Servicio de Entrenamiento de Salud. Nuestra identificación de grupo es 1199SEIU.

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

21

Perfil del Miembro

Un Entrenador de Salud Facilita el Camino hacia una Mejor Salud Zoila logró controlar su diabetes con la colaboración de un entrenador de salud de 1199SEIU Como muchos de nosotros, Zoila Quito comía grandes cantidades de comidas no muy saludables que le encantaban y muy pocas de las comidas más nutritivas que le parecían menos apetecibles. Pese a ello, pensaba que estaba comiendo bastante bien y que su salud en general era buena. Pero en su chequeo anual el verano pasado, Zoila descubrió que su nivel de azúcar en la sangre estaba peligrosamente elevado y que sufría de diabetes Tipo 2. Su médico le recetó medicamentos y la derivó a un nutricionista, diciéndole que si quería evitar inyecciones diarias de insulina, tendría que considerar como una prioridad principal tener una mejor nutrición.

Poco después de su diagnóstico, Zoila que es un Técnico de Atención de Pacientes en el NYU Medical Center, recibió una llamada en su hogar en Queens de uno de los entrenadores de salud de 1199SEIU. Después de su primera conversación, su entrenador de la salud le envió pautas específicas de dieta que incluían una relación de los tipos de comida que necesitaba comer más frecuentemente, y los tipos de comida que necesitaba limitar o eliminar.

El paquete de información también incluía el nuevo diagrama MiPlato del Departamento de Agricultura de los Estados Unidos (USDA), que recientemente reemplazó a la pirámide de alimentos que era algo confusa. MiPlato detalla las porciones recomendadas de cada grupo de alimentos para cada comida y brinda una herramienta visual que Zoila dijo que le abrió los ojos sobre algunos de los hábitos que necesitaba cambiar “Puse esa guía en el frente de mi refrigerador y la utilizo para el desayuno, almuerzo y comida”, dijo ella. “Pude ver que necesitaba comer más verduras y menos arroz, y este es uno de los cambios que he podido hacer sin mucho esfuerzo”.

Zoila le da el crédito al servicio de entrenamiento que le ayudó a transformar su dieta y a poner su diabetes bajo control.Tener la posibilidad de llamar a alguien que está familiarizado con su enfermedad y que le puede ofrecer un apoyo individual y un consejo experto ha sido invalorable, dijo ella. En lugar de tener que esperar para su próxima cita con su nutricionista, Zoila puede contactar a un

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entrenador de salud (o a nuestra línea de ayuda de enfermería disponible las 24 horas) para obtener respuestas a las preguntas que tiene a medida que se le presentan. “El servicio de entrenamiento de salud me ha ayudado muchísimo porque tienen el tiempo para dedicarse a mí cuando lo necesito”, dijo. “Si tengo una pregunta, llamo a un entrenador de salud y me dan la respuesta”.

Para alguien que admite que solía comer demasiados refrigerios salados, eliminar las opciones no saludables como por ejemplo los nachos ha sido difícil, pero Zoila dijo que trabajar con su entrenador de salud e ir al consultorio de su nutricionista le enseñó la importancia de contar las calorías y de ejercer un control apropiado de las porciones. Ahora, con frecuencia sustituye una fruta por una bolsa de chips cuando siente ganas de tomar un refrigerio, y sus esfuerzos están dando resultados. Su nivel de azúcar en la sangre ahora está bajo control, comenta, aunque continúa midiéndolo antes y después de las comidas.

También observó una gran diferencia en su nivel de energía en un periodo de tiempo relativamente corto, y como un beneficio adicional, su presión arterial está más baja luego de estar durante muchos años en el extremo superior de la escala. “Me siento mucho mejor, y espero que compartir mi experiencia ayudará a otros”, dijo ella. “Cada miembro debe saber que este servicio está a su disposición y que realmente funciona”.

¿Tiene una historia saludable que compartir?

Siempre buscamos la oportunidad de destacar a miembros que han usado sus beneficios de 1199SEIU para ayudar a bajar de peso, controlar una enfermedad crónica o sólo mejorar su estilo de vida en general.

Si desea aparecer en un número futuro de Para su beneficio, contacte al Fondo en communications@1199Funds.org.

Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return Each year, the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund’s Tax Assistance Program helps thousands of eligible members claim the Earned Income Tax Credit and get the highest tax refund possible.The Fund is again partnering with New York City’s EITC Coalition to help you prepare your tax return.The EITC Coalition is led by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs, and includes the city’s Office of Financial Empowerment and the Food Bank For New York City.

Other Programs

Zoila Quito

Visit our NYC Partners for Free Tax Preparation Whether or not you qualify for the EITC, as long as your 2011 household income was below $50,000 (or $18,000 if you are single and have no dependents), our partners at the Food Bank For New York City are offering free tax preparation events where our members work and live. And if you qualify for the EITC, the tax experts onsite will help you file for the credit. For complete details on the locations, times and dates for the free tax preparation events, please call 311.

Claim Your EITC You can check whether you meet the income requirements for the EITC by using the 2011 tax guidelines listed here: •

Income below $43,998 ($49,078 if married, filing a joint return) with three or more dependent children •

Income below $40,964 ($46,044 if married, filing a joint return) with two dependent children

•

Income below $36,052 ($41,132 if married, filing a joint return) with one dependent child

•

Income below $13,660 ($18,740 if married, filing a joint return) with no dependent children

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Start the New Year Off Right – Schedule Your Screenings Today The beginning of the year is the perfect time to renew your commitment to healthy living, and one of the easiest ways to protect your health is to schedule an annual checkup and your preventive screenings. Screenings allow you and your doctor to stay on top of any health concerns you may have, and early detection can make all the difference in your response to treatment. Of course, your National Benefit Fund covers the recommended screenings at no cost to you.

Remember, you can be screened for chronic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes just by visiting your doctor or by attending an 1199SEIU health fair. The list of recommended screenings is just a starting point.Talk to your doctor about other tests that you may need, including: •

• •

“Me siento mucho mejor, y espero que compartir mi experiencia ayudará a otros”, dija ella.

“Cada miembro debe saber que este servicio está a su disposición y que realmente funciona”.

a urinalysis to check for chronic kidney disease, which often goes undetected until it has become advanced; HIV and/or STD screening; and blood counts and tests for depression and skin cancer.

Sources: American Academy of Family Physicians, American Cancer Society, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

Your doctor may recommend more frequent screenings, depending on your family history or if you have certain health conditions. * Despite recent studies, which recommend every 2 or 3 years, your Fund still recommends that you adhere to the American Cancer Society guidelines.

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PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

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Comer Saludable

¡Todavía Seguimos Cocinando!

Heart Attack Symptoms:

Contribuya con una Receta para Qué Está Cocinando Ahora

The Differences Between Men and Women

Nuestra primera edición del libro de cocina del Fondo, Qué está cocinando, tuvo tanta demanda que queremos actualizarlo para ofrecer a los miembros nuevas ideas sobre cómo cocinar en forma saludable. ¡Sin embargo, no podemos hacerlo sin su ayuda! Como fue el caso de la versión original, la nueva edición de Qué Está Cocinando será creada por los miembros y para los miembros. Si tiene una receta original nutritiva, o una que ha modificado, compártala con nosotros. Su contribución puede ayudar a los miembros y a sus familias a cocinar y consumir comidas más saludables.

Estamos buscando recetas para sopas, ensaladas, acompañamientos, platos principales o postres.Todas las recetas son revisadas por nuestros expertos en nutrición, y sólo aquellas recetas que son saludables y sabrosas podrán ser publicadas. Si usted no tiene una copia de la primera edición de Qué Está Cocinando, la puede obtener asistiendo a un taller o evento de Protección de Nuestra Salud, o pidiéndola por medio de Amazon.com.

Estamos buscando recetas para sopas, ensaladas, acompañamientos, platos principales o postres.

Para contribuir una receta para la nueva edición de Qué Está Cocinando Ahora, visite nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Luego simplemente ponga su receta en el formulario fácil de usar que le da instrucciones a seguir paso a paso y haga clic en “Enviar”, ¡es así de simple!

Si su receta es elegida también recibirá un regalo especial. Por lo tanto, ¿qué está esperando?

Maintain a Healthy Weight

It’s important to know the difference in heart attack symptoms between men and women. The warning signs in women are often more subtle, harder to detect and can be misdiagnosed as less severe health problems.

Nevertheless, whether you are a man or woman and have experienced any of the following symptoms in the past, be sure to tell the healthcare professionals where you seek medical care exactly what you were feeling.

Of course, if you experience any of these symptoms in the future, seek medical advice immediately.

Losing just a few pounds will go a long way toward making your heart healthier. So with every pound you lose, keep in mind that you are improving your heart health.

Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

Exercise Regularly

•

Loss of breath not necessarily accompanied by chest discomfort

•

Feeling of unusual fatigue, body aches or weakness

•

Nausea, vomiting, headaches, cold sweats and other flu-like symptoms

•

Feeling of pain in the upper body – chest, shoulders, neck and back

•

Feeling of unexplained anxiety or unease

The American Heart Association recommends exercising with moderate intensity a minimum of 30 minutes five days a week. If that sounds like a lot, try breaking it up throughout the day with 10- to 15-minute sessions of exercise whenever you can fit them in. Every little bit counts!

Quit Smoking We all know that smoking leads to heart disease, but if you’re a smoker you also know giving up cigarettes is not easy. If you are ready to quit, call the 1199SEIU Health Coaching Service to join the smoking-cessation program.

It’s free and can provide you with the support you need to kick the habit – for good. Call (866) 935-1199 today!

Get Regular Checkups and Screenings To monitor your heart health, get an annual check-up from your primary care physician and regular blood pressure and cholesterol screenings. Remember:Your Fund has you covered for all of these services.

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Heart Attack Symptoms in Men •

Intermittent episodes of chest pain, uncomfortable pressure, fullness, squeezing or pain in the chest

•

Discomfort or pain in one or both arms, the neck, jaw, back or stomach

•

Shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea or sweating

•

Abdominal discomfort that may feel like indigestion

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Living

Healthy Heart Basics Did you know that heart disease is the numberone cause of death in men and women in the U.S.? In fact, the American Heart Association estimates that more than 64 million people in the U.S. have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease.

It sounds obvious, but a healthy heart is essential to living a healthy, fulfilling life. And the way to a healthy heart is by eating well, exercising and avoiding harmful behaviors like smoking and drinking alcohol in excess. Our heart, a single muscle no bigger than a fist, performs the most critical life-sustaining service by pumping oxygenrich blood throughout the body so that all of its intricate systems and organs work well together and we feel good.

If we eat unhealthy foods that compromise our heart’s function, it has to struggle to perform its job and we end up feeling ill and increasing our risk of serious chronic conditions and disease.

Too many “bad” fats clog our arteries and lead to hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity. Too many high-sugar, processed foods lead to diabetes.

We suffer the same poor health symptoms when we don’t exercise. And if we smoke, we dramatically increase our risk for cancer, hypertension, asthma, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.

On the other hand, if we eat high-quality food and maintain a healthy weight, our hearts and bodies work together better and we feel good.

There are no clogged arteries or other obstacles to overcome.

Mitos Comunes sobre la Nutrición – Desenmascarados!

Con todos los consejos conflictivos sobre la nutrición que están flotando en la Internet, en revistas y en libros de dietas para perder peso rápidamente, puede ser difícil diferenciar los hechos de la ficción. Así que vamos a analizar algunos de los mitos más comunes sobre la nutrición para ayudarle a estar bien informado y en camino hacia una alimentación saludable.

Mito:

En realidad, saltearme comidas no es tan dañino

para mí.

So here are some heart-healthy habits you can incorporate into your families’ lives to lower the risk of heart disease or any of its related conditions or diseases.

Realidad: Usted puede pensar que saltearse comidas le ayudaría a perder peso, pero los estudios demuestran que las personas acumulan más grasa en el cuerpo cuando consumen un menor número de comidas más grandes, en lugar de consumir más frecuentemente comidas más pequeñas. Saltearse comidas típicamente conduce a comer más comida que la que necesita durante el día y a consumir refrigerios de alimentos de altas calorías para prevenir el hambre. Comer más frecuentemente le ayudará a reducir la sensación de sentirse hinchado, a controlar el azúcar en la sangre y el hambre. Consuma refrigerios de comidas saludables como frutas o verduras para asegurarse de que su cuerpo obtenga la energía que necesita.

Mito:

Si un paquete de alimentos dice “todo natural”, tiene que ser saludable para mí.

Realidad: Incluso si tiene la etiqueta que dice “todo natural”, todavía puede contener grandes cantidades de azúcar, grasas no saturadas u otros ingredientes que pueden desbaratar su dieta saludable. ¡Algunos pueden contener tanta grasa como una barra de golosina! Para averiguar realmente si un producto es saludable, asegúrese de leer la etiqueta de nutrición, o mejor aún, elija una fruta fresca o verduras.

Mito:

Si como mayormente alimentos bajos en grasas, perderé peso.

Mito:

Realidad: Las investigaciones han demostrado que los alimentos bajos en grasas o de grasas reducidas pueden tener las mismas calorías o más que las versiones con la cantidad completa de grasas de los alimentos. Esto se debe a que con frecuencia los fabricantes de alimentos reemplazan las grasas con azúcar.

También, para muchas personas, ver las palabras “bajo en grasas” o “sin grasas” significa tener una luz verde para comer en exceso.

Por ello debe controlar sus porciones y seguir una dieta balanceada, asegurándose de obtener las cantidades recomendadas de frutas, verduras, granos enteros, proteínas magras y lácteos.

Realidad:

Mito:

Nunca voy a perder peso a menos que deje de consumir mis “malos” alimentos favoritos.

Aunque la mayoría de los antojos pasan en cerca de cinco minutos, las investigaciones han demostrado que consumir una dieta saludable no significa que tiene que privarse de sus comidas favoritas, siempre que las consuma con moderación y que lo haga de vez en cuando. Así que siga adelante y cómase ese brownie, pero agregue unos 15 minutos adicionales a su caminata ese día. O dé a sus comidas favoritas una transformación saludable. Si tiene antojo de pizza, trate de prepararla en casa para que pueda utilizar queso sin grasa y una base de harina integral. Si tiene que utilizar tocino, use tocino de pavo. Así podrá satisfacer su antojo sin sentirse privado.

Las frutas y verduras congeladas no son tan nutritivas como las frescas.

Realidad: Los alimentos recién cosechados tienen más vitaminas y minerales, pero los niveles de nutrición bajan durante el embarque y almacenamiento. Las frutas y verduras congeladas pueden ser tan saludables como las frescas, sino más, ya que son recogidas y congeladas inmediatamente después de la cosecha, preservando así sus nutrientes. Cuando compre los productos congelados, recuerde evitar aquellos empacados en salsas, ya que sólo agregan sal o azúcar y calorías.

Fuentes:WebMD.com; mayoclinic.com; eatright.org

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PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

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Acondicionamiento Físico Saludable

No Deje que el Invierno Congele su Rutina de Ejercicios Durante los meses del invierno, los días más cortos, las temperaturas heladas y las calles cubiertas de nieve pueden hacer que sea un reto mantener su rutina de caminar, pero no es imposible. Cuando el clima no coopera, existen muchas formas de mantener su rutina de caminar o de ejercicios en interiores. Intente seguir estas sugerencias y no tendrá que perder todo lo que ha ganado con tanto esfuerzo en los últimos meses. Porque como probablemente ya sabe, mantenerse en buena condición física es mucho más fácil que alcanzar una buena condición física.

•

Use las escaleras en el trabajo en lugar de utilizar el ascensor. Si su edificio tiene cubos de escaleras que no le permiten reingresar en cada piso, puede comenzar subiendo varios pisos y tomando el ascensor para el resto del camino. Después de un tiempo, probablemente podrá subir varias escaleras sin sentirse cansado y observará que los músculos en sus piernas se vuelven más duros. Agregue un piso por semana, a medida que se sienta listo, y una vez que venga la primavera estará más que listo para trasladar su rutina afuera nuevamente.

•

•

•

•

Camine en una banda caminadora. Si ya pertenece a un club para mantenerse en forma, este es el momento para regresar a la rutina de ir al gimnasio. Utilizar la banda caminadora le permite caminar a su propio ritmo, y a medida que se sienta más seguro, puede caminar más rápido, aumentar su distancia o agregar inclinación. Si no se ha unido a un gimnasio, recuerde que usted es elegible para recibir descuentos en membresías en YMCA of Greater New York, New York Sports Clubs o Crunch Fitness. Para obtener información adicional, visite nuestro sitio web, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, o llame a un representante de Servicios para los Miembros al (646) 473-9200.

Vaya al centro comercial temprano en la mañana y haga varias caminatas adentro antes de que abran las tiendas. Por supuesto que puede hacer esto por su propia cuenta, pero caminar en los centros comerciales se ha convertido en una actividad popular en los días en que el clima está frío y es posible que pueda encontrar un grupo en su área. O reclute a amigos y familiares para que se unan a usted y comience su propio grupo.

Camine en el lugar o haga tareas domésticas mientras mira televisión, especialmente durante los comerciales. Levántese y camine en el lugar, elevando sus rodillas al nivel de la cintura. Recuerde que la regularidad es más importante que la resistencia, siga haciéndolo durante varias semanas y notará la diferencia.

Si sale afuera, vístase en capas para protegerse contra el frío. El ejercicio genera mucho calor en el cuerpo, y utilizar varias capas de ropa impedirá que agarre frío cuando se seque el sudor. Comience usando una camisa hecha de material sintético para que el sudor salga fuera de su cuerpo. Luego agregue un suéter de algodón y un abrigo de forro polar o lana.Y asegúrese de prestar atención adicional a sus extremidades, mantenga abrigados sus manos, pies, orejas y cabeza.

Fuentes:WebMD; America on the Move; Mayo Clinic

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Join Us “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop at Our

We all know how hard it can be to stick to a New Year’s resolution – from eating better to exercising more – and your Wellness team is here to help. Join us at the “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop, taking place on Saturday, January 28, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm in the Penthouse at 330 West 42nd Street in Manhattan.

The workshop will offer you tools and strategies to help you keep your commitment toward living a healthier life. There will be a nutrition seminar to discuss ways to improve your eating habits, an all-ages aerobic exercise class led by our Funds’ instructor, Foluke Arthurton, and a stress workshop to offer tips in managing stress levels at home and at work. It's a fun way to get the support you need to make healthy lifestyle changes that will last not just all year but for a lifetime. For added incentive, all workshop participants will receive an 1199SEIU Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD and band.

So mark your calendar, and we'll see you there!

What: “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop When: Saturday, January, 28, 2012 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Where: 330 West 42nd Street, Penthouse To reserve your spot, please call (646) 473-8960, option 2, then option 1.

Validated parking for $10 will be available across the street at Impark, and child care will be offered for children ages 3 and above.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Fitness

Don’t Let Winter Put Your Exercise Routine on Ice During the winter months, the short days, icy temperatures and snow-covered streets can make sticking to your walking routine a challenge – but not impossible.When the weather refuses to cooperate, there are lots of ways you can keep up your walking or exercise routine inside.Try these suggestions and you won’t have to give back all the hard-earned gains you’ve made in the last several months. Because as you probably know, staying fit is a lot easier than getting fit.

• Take the stairs at work rather than using the elevator. If your building has stairwells that don’t allow you to re-enter on every floor, you can start by walking up a few flights and taking the elevator the rest of the way. After a while, you’ll probably be able to climb several flights of stairs without feeling winded and you’ll notice the muscles in your legs firming up. Add a floor per week, as you feel ready, and come spring you’ll be more than ready to move your routine back outside.

• Walk on a treadmill. If you already belong to a fitness club, now’s the time to get back into the routine of going to the gym. Using a treadmill lets you walk at your own pace, and as you build up your stamina, you can walk faster, increase your distance or add inclines. If you haven’t joined a health club, remember that you’re eligible for discounted memberships at the YMCA of Greater New York, New York Sports Clubs or Crunch Fitness. For more information, visit our website, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, or call a Member Services representative at (646) 473-9200.

• Go to the mall early in the morning and walk a few laps inside before the stores open. Of course, you can do this on your own, but mall walking has become a popular cold-weather activity and you may be able to find a group in your area. Or recruit friends and family members to join you and start a group of your own.

• March in place or do household chores while watching TV, especially during commercials. Stand and walk in place, lifting your knees to waist level. Remember, consistency is more important than endurance – keep at it for a few weeks and you’ll feel the difference.

• If you do head outside, dress in layers to protect yourself against the cold. Exercise generates a lot of body heat, and wearing several layers of clothing will keep you from catching a chill when your sweat dries. Start with a shirt made from synthetic material so your sweat will be drawn away from your body. Then add a cotton top and a fleece or wool coat. And pay extra attention to your extremities, making sure you keep your hands, feet, ears and head warm.

Sources:WebMD; America on the Move; Mayo Clinic

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Únase a Nosotros en Nuestro Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo” Sabemos lo difícil que puede ser cumplir una resolución de Año Nuevo, desde comer mejor hasta hacer más ejercicios, y su equipo de Bienestar está a su disposición para ayudarle. Únase a nosotros en el Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo”, que se llevará a cabo el sábado 28 de enero en el horario de 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. en el Penthouse de 330 West 42nd Street en Manhattan.

El taller le ofrecerá las herramientas y estrategias que le ayudarán a mantener su compromiso para vivir una vida más saludable. Habrá un seminario de nutrición para tratar las formas de mejorar sus hábitos de alimentación, una clase de ejercicios aeróbicos para todas las edades impartida por el instructor del Fondo, Foluke Arthurton, y un taller sobre el estrés para ofrecer consejos sobre el control de los niveles de estrés en el hogar y en el trabajo. Es una manera divertida de obtener el apoyo que usted necesita para hacer cambios saludables en su estilo de vida que no sólo serán para todo el año sino también para toda la vida. Como incentivo adicional, todos los participantes en el taller recibirán una copia del DVD Ejercicios Totales para el Cuerpo con la Banda de Resistencia de 1199SEIU y una banda. Entonces marque su calendario y nos vemos ahí.

Qué:

Taller “Cumpla con su Resolución de Año Nuevo”

Cuándo: Sábado, 28 de enero de 2012 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m.

Dónde: 330 West 42nd Street, Penthouse Para reservar su lugar, llame al (646) 473-8960, opción 2, luego opción 1.

El estacionamiento validado de $10 estará disponible al frente en Impark, y se ofrecerá cuidado infantil para los niños de 3 años y mayores

PA R A S U B E N E F I C I O

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Vida Saludable

Información Básica para un Corazón Sano ¿Sabía usted que las enfermedades cardíacas constituyen la causa número uno de muertes en hombres y mujeres en los Estados Unidos? En efecto, la Asociación Americana del Corazón calcula que más de 64 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos tienen una o varias formas de enfermedades cardiovasculares.

Parece obvio pero un corazón sano es esencial para vivir una vida plena y saludable.Y la forma de tener un corazón sano es comiendo de manera saludable, haciendo ejercicios y evitando comportamientos dañinos como fumar y beber alcohol en exceso.

Nuestro corazón, un sólo músculo que no es más grande que un puño, realiza el servicio de soporte vital más crítico al bombear la sangre rica en oxígeno a través del cuerpo para que todos sus complejos sistemas y órganos trabajen bien juntos y nos hagan sentir bien.

Si consumimos comidas no saludables que comprometen la función de nuestro corazón, este tiene que hacer un esfuerzo para realizar su trabajo y terminamos sintiéndonos mal y aumentando nuestro riesgo de sufrir de afecciones y enfermedades crónicas graves. Muchas grasas “malas” bloquean nuestras arterias y causan la hipertensión, el colesterol alto y la obesidad. Muchos alimentos procesados con alto contenido de azúcar producen diabetes. Sufrimos los mismos síntomas de salud deficiente cuando no hacemos ejercicios.Y si fumamos, aumentamos radicalmente nuestro riesgo de cáncer, hipertensión, asma, enfermedades cardíacas, ataques al corazón y un derrame cerebral.

Por otro lado, si consumimos alimentos de alta calidad y mantenemos un peso saludable, nuestros corazones y cuerpos trabajan juntos mejor y nos sentimos mejor. No hay arterias bloqueadas ni otros obstáculos que superar.

Así que a continuación le presentamos algunos hábitos para tener un corazón sano que puede incorporar a las vidas de sus familias para reducir el riesgo de sufrir enfermedades cardíacas o cualquiera de sus afecciones o enfermedades relacionadas.

Common Nutrition Myths – Busted!

With all the conflicting nutrition advice floating around on the Internet, in magazines and in lose-weight-fast diet books, it can be hard to tell fact from fiction. So we got to the bottom of some of the most common nutritional myths to help keep you ahead of the curve and on the track to healthy eating.

Myth: Skipping meals isn’t really so bad for me.

Reality: You might think that skipping meals will help you lose weight, but studies show that people accumulate more body fat when they eat fewer, larger meals instead of smaller, more frequent meals. Skipping meals typically leads to eating more food than you need throughout the day and snacking on high-calorie foods to prevent hunger. Eating more frequently will help reduce bloating, control blood sugar and manage hunger. Snack on healthy foods like fruits or vegetables to make sure your body gets the energy it needs.

Myth: I’ll never lose weight unless I give up my favorite “bad” foods.

Reality:

While most cravings pass in about five minutes, research has shown that eating a healthy diet doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of your favorite foods – as long as you eat them in moderation and keep it to a now-and-then basis. So go ahead and have that brownie, but you might want to add an extra 15 minutes to your walk that day. Or give your favorite foods a healthy makeover. If you’re craving pizza, try making it at home so you can top it with nonfat cheese and use a whole-wheat crust. If you just have to have bacon, make it turkey bacon.

You’ll satisfy your craving without feeling deprived.

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Myth:

If a food package says “all natural” on it, it has to be healthy for me.

Reality:

Even if something is labeled “all natural,” it can still contain high amounts of sugar, unsaturated fats or other ingredients that can derail your healthy diet. Some may even contain as much fat as a candy bar! To truly figure out whether a product is healthy, be sure to read the nutritional label – or better yet, opt for fresh fruit or vegetables.

Myth: If I eat mostly low-fat foods, I will lose weight.

Reality: Research has shown that a low-fat or reduced-fat food may actually have the same or more calories than the full-fat version of the food. This is because food manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.

Also, for many people, seeing the words “low-fat” or “fat-free” is a green light to overeat. So, control your portions and stick with a balanced diet, making sure you get the recommended amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy.

Myth:

Frozen fruits and vegetables are not as nutritious as fresh ones.

Reality:

Just-picked produce does have more vitamins and minerals, but nutrient levels drop during shipping and storage. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be just as healthy as fresh, if not more so, since they are picked and frozen right after harvest, preserving their nutrients.When buying frozen produce, remember to avoid those packaged in sauces, which only add sodium or sugar and calories.

Sources:WebMD.com; mayoclinic.com; eatright.org

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Healthy Eating

We’re Still Cooking!

Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco:

las Diferencias entre los Hombres y las Mujeres

Submit a Recipe for What’s Cooking Now Our first edition of the Funds cookbook What’s Cooking was such a hit that we wanted to update it to offer members fresh new ideas for healthy cooking. But we can’t do it without your help! Like the original, the new edition of What’s Cooking Now will be created by members, for members. If you have an original nutritious recipe, or one that you have modified, please share it with us.Your contribution could help members and their families cook and eat healthier meals.

We’re looking for recipes for soups, salads, side dishes, entrees or desserts. All the recipes are reviewed by our nutritional experts, and only those recipes that are healthy and flavorful may be published.

If you don’t have a copy of the first edition of What’s Cooking, you can get one by attending a Protecting Our Health workshop or event or by ordering it through Amazon.com.

We’re looking for recipes for soups, salads, side dishes, entrees or desserts.

To submit a recipe for the new What’s Cooking Now, please visit our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Then just fill in your recipe on the easy-to-use form, which gives you step-by-step instructions, and click “Send” – it’s that simple!

If your recipe is chosen, you will receive a special gift.

So what are you waiting for?

Es importante conocer las diferencias entre los hombres y las mujeres en los síntomas de ataque cardíaco. Con frecuencia los signos de advertencia en las mujeres son más sutiles, difíciles de detectar y se pueden diagnosticar incorrectamente como problemas de salud menos agudos. No obstante, independientemente de si es hombre o mujer y ha sufrido alguno de los siguientes síntomas en el pasado, asegúrese de informar exactamente cómo se siente a los profesionales de atención de la salud donde obtiene sus cuidados médicos. Por supuesto, si sufre algunos de estos síntomas en el futuro, obtenga inmediatamente atención médica.

Mantener un peso saludable Sólo perder unas cuantas libras puede dar grandes resultados para tener un corazón más saludable. Con cada libra que pierde, tenga en cuenta que está mejorando la salud de su corazón.

Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco en las Mujeres •

Pérdida de aliento que no necesariamente va acompañado de molestias en el pecho

La Asociación Americana del Corazón recomienda hacer ejercicios de intensidad moderada un mínimo de 30 minutos cinco días a la semana. Si eso le parece mucho, trate de dividirlo durante el día en sesiones de 10 a 15 minutos de ejercicios cada vez que lo pueda hacer. ¡Cada poquito cuenta!

•

Sensación de fatiga inusual, dolor en el cuerpo o debilidad

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Náuseas, vómitos, dolores de cabeza, sudor frío y cualquier otro síntoma parecido a la gripe

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Sensación de dolor en la parte superior del cuerpo, pecho, hombros, cuello y espalda

Dejar de fumar

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Sensación de ansiedad o intranquilidad sin explicación

Hacer ejercicios con regularidad

Todos sabemos que fumar causa enfermedades cardíacas, pero si es un fumador también sabe que dejar los cigarrillos no es fácil. Si está listo para dejar de fumar, llame al Servicio de Entrenamiento de Salud de 1199SEIU para unirse al programa para dejar de fumar. Es gratuito y le puede brindar el apoyo que necesita para dejar el hábito, para siempre. ¡Llame hoy mismo al (866) 935-1199!

Sométase a chequeos y exámenes regulares Para supervisar la salud de su corazón, sométase a un chequeo anual de su médico de atención primaria y exámenes regulares de presión arterial y colesterol. Recuerde: su Fondo le ofrece cobertura para todos estos servicios.

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Síntomas del Ataque Cardíaco en los Hombres •

Episodios intermitentes de dolor de pecho, presión incómoda, sensación de llenura, opresión o dolor en el pecho

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Molestias o dolor en uno o en ambos brazos, cuello, mandíbula, espalda o estómago

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Falta de aliento, aturdimiento, náuseas o sudoración

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Incomodidad abdominal que puede sentirse como indigestión

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Comience el Año Nuevo Correctamente – Programe sus Exámenes Hoy Mismo El comienzo del año es el momento perfecto para renovar su compromiso con una vida más saludable, y una de las formas más fáciles de proteger su salud es programar su chequeo anual y sus exámenes preventivos. Los exámenes le permiten a usted y a su médico controlar cualquier inquietud de salud que pueda tener, y una detección temprana puede hacer toda la diferencia en su respuesta al tratamiento. Por supuesto, su Fondo Nacional de Beneficios cubre los exámenes recomendados sin que signifique ningún costo para usted.

Recuerde, puede someterse a exámenes de detección de enfermedades crónicas como hipertensión, colesterol alto y diabetes sólo visitando a su médico o asistiendo a una feria de salud de 1199SEIU. La lista de exámenes recomendados es sólo un punto de partida. Hable con su médico sobre otros exámenes que podría necesitar, como: • un análisis de orina para detectar alguna enfermedad renal crónica que por lo general, no se detecta hasta que se encuentra en una etapa avanzada; • examen de VIH o examen de enfermedades transmitidas sexualmente (STD, por sus siglas en inglés) y • análisis de sangre y pruebas para detectar la depresión y el cáncer de piel.

Su médico puede recomendar pruebas más frecuentes dependiendo de su historia familiar o si sufre de determinadas afecciones de salud.

“I feel so much better, and I hope sharing my experience will help others,” Zoila said.

“Every member should know that this service is there for them and that it really works.”

Fuentes:Academia Americana de Médicos de Familia, Sociedad Americana del Cáncer, Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de los Estados Unidos.

* Pese a estudios recientes, que lo recomiendan cada 2 o 3 años, su Fondo todavía recomienda que se acaten las pautas de la Sociedad Americana del Cáncer.

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FOR YOUR BENEFIT

7

Member Profile

A Health Coach Paves the Way to Better Health Zoila got her diabetes under control by working with an 1199SEIU health coach Like many of us, Zoila Quito would eat lots of the not-so-healthy foods she loved and very little of the more-nutritional foods she found less appetizing. Still, she thought she was eating well enough and that her overall health was good. But at her annual check-up last summer, Zoila found out that her blood sugar level was dangerously high and that she had Type 2 diabetes. Her doctor prescribed medication and referred her to a nutritionist, telling her that if she wanted to avoid daily shots of insulin, she’d have to make better nutrition a top priority.

Soon after her diagnosis, Zoila, who is a Patient Care Technician at NYU Medical Center, received a call at her home in Queens from one of our 1199SEIU health coaches. After their first talk, her health coach sent her specific dietary guidelines, which included a breakdown of the types of foods she needed to eat more of – and the types that she needed to limit or eliminate.The information package also included the USDA’s new MyPlate diagram, which recently replaced the somewhat confusing Food Pyramid. MyPlate breaks down the recommended portions of each food group for every meal and provides a visual tool that Zoila said opened her eyes to some of the habits she needed to break. “I put that guide right on my refrigerator and use it for breakfast, lunch and dinner,” she said. “I could see that I needed to eat more vegetables and less rice, and that’s one of the changes I’ve been able to make without much of a struggle.”

Zoila credits the coaching service with helping her transform her diet and get her diabetes under control. Being able to call someone who is familiar with her condition and can offer one-on-one support and expert advice has been invaluable, she said. Rather than having to wait for her next

6

appointment with her nutritionist, Zoila can contact a health coach (or our 24-Hour Nurse Helpline) for answers to any questions as they come up. “The health coaching service has been so helpful because they have the time to spend with me whenever I need it,” she said. “If I have a question, I call a health coach and they answer it.”

For someone who admits she used to eat too many salty snacks, cutting out unhealthy choices like nachos has been tough, but Zoila said working with her health coach and seeing her nutritionist have taught her the importance of counting calories and exercising proper portion control. Now, she often substitutes a piece of fruit for a bag of chips when she feels like having a snack, and her efforts are paying off. Her blood sugar is now under control, she said, though she continues to measure it before and after meals. She’s also noticed a big difference in her energy level in a relatively short period of time, and as an added benefit, her blood pressure is lower after being on the high end of the scale for many years. “I feel so much better, and I hope sharing my experience will help others,” she said. “Every member should know that this service is there for them and that it really works.”

Do you have a healthy story to share?

We’re always looking for the opportunity to spotlight members who have used their 1199SEIU benefits to help lose weight, bring a chronic condition under control or just improve their lifestyle in general. If you would like to be featured in an upcoming issue of For Your Benefit, please contact the Fund at communications@1199Funds.org.

Le Ayudamos a Conseguir el Mayor Reembolso Posible de su Declaración de Impuestos Cada año, el Programa de Asistencia Tributaria del Fondo Nacional de Beneficios de 1199SEIU ayuda a miles de miembros elegibles a solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo y a obtener la máxima devolución posible de impuestos. Nuevamente el Fondo se está asociando con la Coalición del Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo de la Ciudad de Nueva York para ayudarle a preparar su declaración de impuestos. La Coalición del Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo está dirigida por el Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor de la Ciudad de Nueva York e incluye la Office of Financial Empowerment y el Food Bank For New York City.

Otros Programas

Zoila Quito

Visite a nuestros Socios de la Ciudad de Nueva York para obtener una Preparación Gratuita de la Declaración de Impuestos Ya sea o no que califique para recibir el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, siempre que los ingresos de su hogar para 2011 hayan sido inferiores a $50,000 (o $18,000 si es soltero y no tiene dependientes), nuestros socios del Food Bank For New York City están ofreciendo eventos gratuitos de preparación de la declaración de impuestos en los lugares en que trabajan y viven nuestros miembros.Y si califica para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo, los expertos de la preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos le ayudarán a solicitar el crédito. Para obtener información detallada sobre los lugares, horarios y fechas para los eventos gratuitos de preparación de las declaraciones de impuestos, sírvase llamar al 311.

Solicite su Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) Puede verificar si reúne los requisitos de ingresos para solicitar el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) utilizando las pautas de impuestos de 2011 que se indican a continuación: • Ingreso inferior a $43,998 (o $49,078 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con tres o más hijos dependientes • Ingreso inferior a $40,964 ($46,044 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con dos hijos dependientes • Ingreso inferior a $36,052 ($41,132 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) con un hijo dependiente • Ingreso inferior a $13,660 ($18,740 si es casado y presenta una declaración conjunta) sin hijos dependientes

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Utilice su Cupón de 1199SEIU para Obtener Servicios de Preparación de Impuestos con un Mayor Descuento en H&R Block Si no puede acudir a uno de los lugares de preparación gratuita de la declaración de impuestos, hemos negociado este año un descuento especial excepcional con H&R Block para los miembros que viven en los cinco distritos de la ciudad de Nueva York, Long Island, Nueva Jersey, y a partir de este año, el condado de Westchester. Los miembros que viven en cualquiera de dichas áreas y cuyos ingresos del hogar para 2011 fueron de $41,000 o menos con dependientes ($31,000 o menos para solteros sin dependientes) y que son elegibles para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) pueden hacer que su declaración de impuestos sea preparada en una oficina local de H&R Block ¡por tan sólo $1! (Los miembros que no califican para recibir el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) y cuyos ingresos del hogar para 2011 satisfacen los requisitos anteriores pueden hacer que su declaración de impuestos sea preparada por $19.)

Si sus ingresos del hogar para 2011 fueron superiores a aquellos límites pero inferiores de $100,000, H&R Block preparará su declaración de impuestos en una escala de tarifas fluctuante que no exceda de $125. Simplemente traiga a su cita su cupón de descuento de 1199SEIU y preséntelo al representante de H&R Block – no existen otros requisitos para calificar para esta tarifa reducida.

Vistazo a los Descuentos de H&R Block para los Miembros de 1199SEIU •

•

•

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Debería recibir por correo en las próximas semanas información adicional sobre nuestro Programa de Descuento de H&R Block y el cupón que necesita para obtener su descuento. El cupón será válido entre el 23 de enero y el 17 de abril de 2012.

El Nuevo Programa de H&R Block Puede Significar Aún Más Dinero en Su Bolsillo

Pague sólo $1 para la presentación de su declaración de impuestos si el ingreso de su hogar es de hasta $41,000 y es elegible para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos del Trabajo (EITC) Este año, H&R Block también está ofreciendo Pague sólo $19 si el ingreso de su hogar un nuevo programa para los miembros de es hasta $41,000, pero no es elegible 1199SEIU llamado Second Look Review (Segunda para el Crédito Tributario por Ingresos Revisión).Traiga sus declaraciones de impuestos de del Trabajo (EITC) 2008, 2009 o 2010 a cualquier oficina de Block en Pague hasta $125 en base a la los cinco distritos, Long Island, Nueva Jersey o complejidad de su declaración de Westchester durante los meses de febrero y marzo, y impuestos si el ingreso de su hogar un profesional en impuestos las revisará, gratuitamente, es mayor de $41,000 pero no para asegurarse de que fueron exactas y de que haya recibido excede de $100,000 todos los créditos y deducciones posibles. Usted decide si desea presentar una declaración de impuestos enmendada. Si bien no se le cobra por la revisión, el costo por presentar una declaración de impuestos enmendada será de $79 por declaración, que cubren tanto las declaraciones federales como estatales.

Get One-on-One Support from a

Health Coach Take the Call!

Along with your physician, your personal health coach can also support you in managing chronic conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. And our weight management and smoking cessation programs offer specifically tailored support for two of the leading health challenges in the U.S.

Make the Call!

Have you finally made the decision to take control of your weight or quit smoking for good? While these two healthy changes may top the wish lists for millions, as an 1199SEIU member you can get the added benefit of personal, one-on-one health coaching to help you reach your goals. Our weight-loss and smoking cessation programs connect you with trained, professional health coaches who will help you develop a plan and stick to it, offering expert advice, support and encouragement all along the way. So call (866) 935-1199 today and stop trying to go it alone!

1199SEIU 24-Hour Nurse Helpline (866) 935-1199 Remember, for round-the-clock advice, you can call our Nurse Helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with any medical questions, whether your child runs a fever in the middle of the night, you’re not sure about a particular medication or you have any other medical question.

For more information and online support, visit our website, www.1199SEIUBenefits.org, and click on the Health Coaching Service link. Our Group ID is 1199SEIU.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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The 2012 Protecting Our Health Calendar Is Here!

Your new 2012 1199SEIU Protecting Our Health calendar can help keep you and your family healthy all year round. The 2012 calendar is designed to help you and your family make healthy choices throughout the year. It’s loaded with healthy lifestyle tips, nutrition and fitness facts, and useful contact information. Stop by one of your Benefit Fund’s Protecting Our Health workshops, events or health fairs to receive your copy. Please visit our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org to view upcoming events on our Funds’ calendar.

Celebrating Marriage Equality and What It Means for Our Funds

Programa de Campamento de Estadía Anne Shore 2012 para niños entre 9 y 15 años

Long before New York State granted equal marriage rights to gay and lesbian couples effective July 24, 2011, your National Benefit Fund offered benefit coverage to members’ same-sex domestic partners.Therefore, we needed to update NBF rules now that marriage was a legal option in New York State.That meant ensuring that the NBF’s same-sex domestic partnership rules – which had different requirements to prove partnership – applied only to those states that still do not recognize marriage equality.

But if you live in New York State, or a neighboring state that recognizes marriage equality, you must be married to receive spousal health benefits.

Para solicitar la inscripción en el Programa de Campamento de Estadía Anne Shore, simplemente llene el cupón anterior y envíelo a la Corporación de Cuidado Infantil de 1199SEIU antes del 31 de enero de 2012. Si su hijo es elegible, nuestro personal del programa se comunicará con usted para programar una cita para asistir a una orientación obligatoria de modo que pueda seleccionar el campamento que mejor se adapte a los intereses y las necesidades de su hijo.

Dirección ___________________________________ Apartamento No. __________

Tenga en cuenta: Existe una cuota de solicitud de $10 que se debe pagar al momento de la orientación.

Cargo __________________________________ Turno de trabajo ______________

El Programa de Campamento de Verano es un campamento de estadía de tres a cuatro semanas. Esta solicitud no es para un campamento diurno.

Fecha de nacimiento del hijo _____________________________________________

Haga sus Planes Ahora para el Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber de 2012-2013

Información del miembro:

The Trustees did decide, however, to allow same-sex couples a grace period of a full year from the effective date of the law to get married in order to continue coverage.We sent letters to our members who had domestic partnership benefits at the time, but we want to ensure that everyone has the information so they can avoid any disruption in coverage. By July 24, 2012, same-sex couples who live in a state that recognizes marriage equality must provide the Fund with proof of marriage. Once you have married, please submit a copy of your marriage certificate and an Enrollment Change Form so that we may update your spouse’s eligibility.

You can access a form on our website at www.1199SEIUBenefits.org.

Of course, you can also ask your Outreach Coordinator for assistance.

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Cada año, el Programa de Campamento de Verano envía a más de 800 hijos de los miembros de 1199SEIU a campamentos de estadía de tres y cuatro semanas en el noreste, sin costo alguno para sus padres.

Oportunidades de Becas para la Universidad para sus Hijos (hasta la edad de 22 años) El Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber ofrece becas para hijos (hasta la edad de 22 años) de miembros elegibles de 1199SEIU que asisten a programas universitarios de pregrado acreditados. Los montos de las becas varían de acuerdo con la necesidad, con una beca mínima anual de $750. También se cuenta con Becas de Incentivos de Estudios para los estudiantes que reciban la beca y que mantienen un promedio de calificaciones de 3.0 o más durante el semestre de primavera y/o el de otoño. Además, el programa de Becas para la Próxima Generación de Enfermeras Registradas de 1199SEIU ofrece ayuda financiera y académica a los hijos de los miembros de 1199SEIU que son estudiantes en la fase clínica de un programa de enfermería. Para averiguar si su hijo califica o, si tiene alguna pregunta, llame al (646) 473-8999.

Para pedir una solicitud al Programa de Becas Joseph Tauber, llene el cupón y devuélvalo antes del 31 de enero de 2012. También puede descargar el cupón visitando nuestro sitio web en www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/ccf durante el período de recibo de solicitudes. Tome en cuenta que no se otorgan renovaciones automáticas de becas; los beneficiarios anteriores deben volver a solicitar la beca cada año para ser considerados.

Envíe por fax su cupón lleno a (646) 473-6949 o envíelo por correo a la siguiente dirección: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program, 330 West 42nd Street, 18th Floor, New York, NY 100366977. Si envía su cupón de acuerdo con lo indicado, en marzo se le enviará una carpeta de solicitud o paquete de la beca, que incluye varios formularios que se deben llenar y devolver según las instrucciones específicas y las fechas indicadas, a fin de que su solicitud sea válida. Si ya envió un cupón, no envíe otro. Si ambos padres son empleados de 1199SEIU, envíe sólo un cupón.

ESTE CUPÓN ES VÁLIDO SÓLO PARA EL AÑO DE LA BECA 2012-2013.

Este cupón es sólo un formulario de petición de solicitud. No es una solicitud real.

CUPÓN DE ELEGIBILIDAD PARA 2012 DEL PROGRAMA DE CAMPAMENTO DE ESTADÍA ANNE SHORE (Por favor escriba claramente con letra de imprenta y con tinta)

Primer nombre del miembro _____________________________________________ Apellido del miembro _________________________________________________ N.° de identificación del miembro _________________________________________

Ciudad ____________________________ Estado _______ Código postal ________ Teléfono en el hogar __________________________________________________ Teléfono celular _____________________________________________________ Teléfono del trabajo __________________________________________________ Empleado en _______________________________________________________

Nombre del hijo _____________________________________________________

Escuela _______________________________________ Grado actual _________ Dirección de correo electrónico del miembro _______________________________

Fondo Nacional de Beneficios (NBF) Gran Nueva York Fondo de Cuidado Infantil Miembros del NBF del área de Rochester Llene este formulario completamente y devuélvalo antes del 31 de enero de 2012. Envíelo a: 1199SEIU Child Care Corporation, Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program, P.O. Box 955, New York, NY 10108-0955. También puede enviar este formulario por fax a la atención de Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program al (646) 473-8311. Se debe enviar un cupón por separado para cada hijo.

PROGRAMA DE BECAS JOSEPH TAUBER PETICIÓN DE SOLICITUD DE BECA PARA 2012-2013 Nombre del estudiante ________________________________________________________ Dirección de correo electrónico ___________________________________________________ Fecha en que se graduó o espera graduarse de la escuela secundaria _______________________ Fecha de ingreso a la universidad _________________________________________________ Solicitante nuevo en escuela post-secundaria

Solicitante anterior

Información del miembro: Nombre del miembro __________________________________________________ N.° de identificación del miembro _________________________________________ Dirección __________________________________________________________ Ciudad _______________________ Estado _________ Código postal __________ Teléfono en el hogar _________________________________________________ Teléfono celular _____________________________________________________ Dirección de correo electrónico ____________________________________________ Fondo Nacional de Beneficios (NBF)

Gran Nueva York Fondo de Cuidado Infantil

Miembros del NBF del área de Rochester Fondo de Bienestar LPN El Departamento de Becas debe recibir este cupón antes del 31 de enero de 2012 para poder enviarle un paquete oficial de la beca. Si no recibe su paquete de la beca antes del 1 de abril de 2012, llámenos para que podamos ayudarlo.

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This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health & Human Service Employees, EIN: 13-1628401, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance Information The plan has a contract with Amalgamated Life Insurance Company and Guardian Life Insurance of America to pay certain life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment claims incurred under the terms of the plan. The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2010, were $608,278.

Because it is a so called “experience-rated” contract, the premium costs are affected by, among other things, the number and size of claims. Of the total insurance premiums paid for the plan year ending

December 31, 2010, the premiums paid under such “experience-rated” contracts were $7,352,003 and the total of all benefit claims paid under the experience-rated contract during the plan year was $7,341,877.

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $194,384,090 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $119,367,303 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $75,016,787. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $1,319,625,429, including employer contributions of $1,297,704,678, employee COBRA contributions of $6,321,885 and earnings from investments of $9,732,290. Plan expenses were $1,244,608,642. These expenses included $1,153,580,477 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries and $91,028,165 in general and administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU LEAGUE JOB SECURITY FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund, EIN: 13-3712851, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $5,865,774 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $10,837,668 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced a

decrease in its net assets of $4,971,894. This decrease includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $7,700,544, including employer contributions of $5,757,171, grant income from related entity of $1,515,556 and earnings from investments of $403,272. Plan expenses were $12,672,438. These expenses included $11,014,633 in program expenses and $1,657,805 in administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU LEAGUE REGISTERED NURSE TRAINING AND JOB SECURITY FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU League Registered Nurse Training and Job Security Fund, EIN: 13-3946135, for the period 01/01/10 to 12/31/10. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $4,084,595 as of December 31,

2010, compared to $2,529,192 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $1,555,403. This increase includes unrealized appreciation and depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan’s assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $4,097,882, including employer contributions of $4,082,922. Plan expenses were $2,542,479. These expenses included $1,980,149 in program expenses and $562,330 in administrative expenses.

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU/EMPLOYER CHILD CARE FUND This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU/Employer Child Care Fund, EIN 13-3641466, Plan Number 501, for the period January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010. The annual report has been filed with the Department of Labor, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Insurance Information The plan has (a) contract(s) with Metropolitan Life Insurance Company to pay the following types of claims incurred under the terms of the plan: The total premiums paid for the plan year ending December 31, 2010, were $8,882.

2010, compared to $18,216,062 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year the plan experienced a change in its net assets of $-351,915. This change includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of the plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or the cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $23,164,615 which included employer contributions of $22,059,825, employee contributions of $803,756, gain/loss of $0 from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $299,924.

Total plan expenses were $23,516,530. These expenses included $5,815,999 in administrative expenses and $17,700,531 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and $0 in other expenses.

Basic Financial Statement The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $17,864,147 as of December 31,

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND AND AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS 401(K) PLAN This is a summary of the annual report for the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund and Affiliated Organizations 401(k) Plan, EIN 13-1628401 for January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. The annual report has been filed with the Employee Benefits Security Administration, as required under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

Basic Financial Statement Benefits under the plan are provided by a combination of funding arrangements. Plan expenses were $1,941,437. These expenses included $58,039 in administrative expenses and $1,878,426 in benefits paid to participants and beneficiaries, and $4,972 in other expenses. A total of 1,582 persons were participants in or beneficiaries of the plan at the end of the plan year, although not all of these persons

had yet earned the right to receive benefits.

The value of plan assets, after subtracting liabilities of the plan, was $26,369,042 as of December 31, 2010, compared to $21,838,099 as of January 1, 2010. During the plan year, the plan experienced an increase in its net assets of $4,530,943. This increase includes unrealized appreciation or depreciation in the value of the plan assets; that is, the difference between the value of plan's assets at the end of the year and the value of the assets at the beginning of the year or cost of assets acquired during the year. The plan had total income of $6,472,380, including employer contributions of $0, employee contributions of $3,491,322, gains of $0, from the sale of assets, and earnings from investments of $2,827,145.

YOUR RIGHTS TO ADDITIONAL INFORMATION You have the right to receive a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, on request. The items listed below are included in that report: • • • • • • •

An accountant's report; Financial information and information on payments to service providers Assets held for investment; Transactions in excess of 5 percent of plan assets; Insurance information, including sales commissions paid by insurance carriers; Information regarding any common or collective trusts, pooled separate accounts, master trusts, or 103-12 investment entities in which the plan participates; Actuarial information regarding the funding of the plan (for Pension Funds only).

To obtain a copy of the full annual report, or any part thereof, write or call your Fund office at: 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 1199SEIU Training and Employment Funds 1199SEIU Child Care Funds 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036 (646) 473-9200

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The report is furnished without charge. The charge to cover copying costs will be $0.25 per page.

You also have the right to receive from the plan administrator, on request and at no charge, a statement of the assets and liabilities of the plan and accompanying notes, or a statement of income and expenses of the plan and accompanying notes, or both. If you request a copy of the full annual report from the plan administrator, these two statements and accompanying notes will be included as part of that report. The charge to cover copying costs given above does not include a charge for the copying of these portions of the report because these portions are furnished without charge.

You also have the legally protected right to examine the annual report at the main office of the plan: 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036, and at the U.S. Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., or to obtain a copy from the U.S. Department of Labor upon payment of copying costs. Requests to the Department should be addressed to: Public Disclosure Room, Room N-1513, Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210.

Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too For several months, the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund has been working with the Union and your employers to support worksite wellness initiatives within our institutions to help our members live healthier lives. As part of this initiative, nearly 1,500 of you have already volunteered to take the Pledge to become Wellness Champions. But if you’re not one of the 1,500, it’s not too late to get involved!

As healthcare workers, you spend so much time caring for others. Make your health a top priority and empower your co-workers to do the same.Wellness Champions will help organize events and programs at your institution, such as walking groups, exercise workshops or a competition to submit recipes for the new edition of the Funds’ cookbook, What’s Cooking Now. Get involved by attending the next Wellness Champion meeting at your institution and you will receive a copy of the 1199SEIU Resistance Band Total-Body Workout DVD to jumpstart your fitness routine! In addition to the fitness DVD, those who sign up to be Wellness Champions will also receive a bag filled with healthy giveaways and the tools they need to help get the job done.To find out when the next Wellness Champion meeting will take place, contact your Union organizer or Outreach Coordinator.

And don’t forget to lead by example: If you have health issues yourself, Make the Call! to an 1199SEIU health coach or Take the Call! if a coach reaches out to you.

An 1199SEIU Wellness Champion Is a Member Who… Q

Leads by example and commits to participate in his or her institution’s wellness programs.

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Attends Union-Management-Fund committee meetings regularly to review progress, set goals, generate ideas and even, when possible, submit proposals for initiative funding.

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Encourages fellow members to Take the Call! and Make the Call! to receive one-on-one support to make healthy changes through the 1199SEIU Health Coaching Service.

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Promotes and communicates worksite wellness events, including Fund health fairs and onsite wellness workshops.

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Encourages co-workers to participate in the worksite wellness programs.

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Stays up to date on wellness events, facts and programs and shares information with fellow members.

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Connects with his or her Outreach Coordinator to discuss challenges and get support and ideas.

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Reports to monthly Chapter Delegate Meetings, Benefit Outreach Committees or the Labor Management Wellness Group.

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Is committed to creating a culture of health at the workplace!

Benefit Update & News

SUMMARY ANNUAL REPORT • 1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYEES

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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1199SEIU LEAGUE JOB SECURITY FUND • SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS This Summary of Material Modifications describes changes that affect your job security benefit plan and updates the Summary Plan Description (“SPD”) that was previously distributed to you. You should keep this summary with your SPD until the SPD is updated to reflect the changes discussed herein.

MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

In this issue 3

4 4

5

Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too The 2012 Protecting Our Health Calendar Is Here!

Celebrating Marriage Equality and What It Means for Our Funds Get One-on-One Support from a Health Coach

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Member Profile: Zoila Quito

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We’re Still Cooking! Submit a Recipe for What’s Cooking Now

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Common Nutrition Myths – Busted!

10 Don’t Let Winter Put Your Exercise Routine on Ice 11 Join Us at Our “Keep Your New Year’s Resolution” Workshop 12 Healthy Heart Basics 14 Start the New Year Off Right – Schedule Your Screenings Today 15 Helping You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return

Over the past few months, so many of you have taken action to make healthy changes in your life and create a culture of health at your worksites. In fact, so far more than 1,500 of you have signed on to become Wellness Champions! If you have not joined yet, there is still time, and we encourage you to become leaders in this important effort to build a culture of health across our institutions.

In this issue of For Your Benefit, you will find all the details you need to get involved in this exciting new initiative. Plus, you will find plenty of information on how to keep yourself and your family healthy despite the icy winter weather – from healthy heart guidelines to common nutrition myths, timelines for common medical screenings and ideas for working out in the colder months.You will also read an inspiring story from one of our members who worked with an 1199SEIU health coach to manage her diabetes and turn her health around.

Of course, we have also included information about the benefits and services available to you through your Fund, including free or discounted tax preparation to help you get thousands of dollars more back in your refund, and camp and scholarship opportunities for your children.

We hope you enjoy this issue of For Your Benefit, and use it to get 2012 off to a healthy start!

Sincerely,

17 2012 Anne Shore Sleep-Away Camp Program for Children Ages 9 to 15 Years 17 Plan Now for the 2012-2013 Joseph Tauber Scholarship Program

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Effective immediately, the following changes to the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund (JSF) apply: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Duration of JSF benefits. (a) Except as provided in (c) below, laid-off eligible JSF participants shall be entitled to JSF benefits (SUB, benefit coverage) for one year from the date of layoff, and (b) The JSF Executive Director shall have discretion to approve a second year of JSF benefits; (c) Provided, however (i) JSF benefits shall not exceed the length of the employee’s continuous employment immediately prior to layoff and (ii) the Executive Director may terminate full JSF benefits if the employee fails to pursue JSF referrals, refuses to enroll in JSF-recommended training, or turns down appropriate job offers.

Effect of receipt of 1199SEIU Pension. JSF benefits shall not be provided to any JSF participant after the effective date of a pension benefit from the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund.

Temporary placement. After six (6) months of layoff, JSF participants shall be required to accept placement into temporary jobs where the duration of the job is of 3 months or longer.

Travel limitation. In the case of closed institutions, the maximum travel time for mandatory placement shall be the greater of (i) one and one half (1 and 1/2) hours from his/her home or (ii) his/her average commuting time to the job from which he/she was laid off.

Hard-to-place participants. Where the JSF assesses at orientation or thereafter, that a participant will be unable to be placed back into his/her classification (example: technical/ professional who don’t have the necessary education or who don’t have the current

This summary only highlights the key changes made to the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund.

Summaries of material modifications together with your plan documents make up your official plan descriptions; please keep them together and refer to them as necessary. We have made every attempt to insure the accuracy of the information in this summary and the Summary Plan Description.

The 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund reserves the right to amend or terminate the 1199SEIU League Job Security Fund, or any part of it, at any time.

In addition to the changes listed in the above SMM, the League Agreement’s Contract Interpretation and Policy Committee (“CIPC”) has approved the following changes to the League Agreement: i.

The JSF Executive Director shall have discretion to approve placement rights beyond the first year following a participant’s layoff, and ii.

The seven working day “refer and hold period” set forth in paragraph 6(c)(i)(4) of the League Agreement shall be extended to fourteen working days.

1199SEIU NATIONAL BENEFIT FUND FOR HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICE EMPLOYEES • SUMMARY OF MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS This Summary of Material Modifications describes changes that affect your welfare benefit plan and updates the Summary Plan Description (SPD) that was previously distributed to you. You should keep this summary with your current SPD until the booklet is updated to reflect the changes discussed herein.

Effective January 1, 2011, the following Subsections are hereby eliminated: • “Extension of Coverage for Students Under Michelle’s Law,” in Section I.A • “Maximum Lifetime Benefit” and “Maximum Benefit for Newborn Care,” in Section I.D (and any other reference to maximum lifetime benefit) • “If You Don’t Call 1199SEIU CareReview” in Section II.B • “Newborn Care” in Section II.C • “Newborn Care Benefits” in Section II.G • “Biotechnology Drugs” in Section II.L Effective January 1, 2011, the following sentence is added to Section VII.D, Subsection “What Is Not Covered”: Charges for claims containing misrepresentations or false, incomplete or misleading information.

Effective January 1, 2011, the SPD is further amended, as shown below, with changes highlighted and deletions in strikeout: SECTION I.A YOUR CHILDREN Your children are eligible up to their 19th birthday if all of the following conditions are met: • They’re your biological children; or • They’re your legally adopted children (coverage for legally adopted children starts from placement); or • You are their legal parent identified on their birth certificate; and • They’re dependent on you for their full support and are living permanently with you, or an appropriate court issues a qualified medical child support order Which provides otherwise (see box in Section I.A); They’re not married; They’re not eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored health plan • (excluding parent coverage); and • You are eligible for family coverage, based on your Wage Class (see Section I.D).

Your stepchildren, foster children and grandchildren are not covered by the Benefit Fund. Children of your same-sex partner cannot be covered by the Benefit Fund, unless you are their legally recognized parent or they are legally adopted by or placed for adoption with you.

AFTER YOUR CHILD REACHES AGE 19 Your child’s coverage may be continued from your child’s 19th birthday up to his or her 26th birthday if: • You file a properly completed Young Adult Enrollment Form with the Benefit Fund when your child turns age 19 and each year after that until your child’s 26 birthday; and • They’re not eligible to enroll in another employer-sponsored health plan (excluding parent coverage).

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES If your child is disabled, as described below, coverage for your child may continue after age 26 if all of the following conditions are met: • There is no other coverage available from either a government agency or through a special organization; and • Your child is not married; and • Your child became handicapped before age 19; and • You file a properly completed Disability Certification Form with the Benefit Fund each year after your child reaches age 26.

Section II.K – DENTAL BENEFITS Benefit Brief Member Choice Dental Benefits • Effective January 1, 2003, maximum benefit of $3,000 per person per year (excluding essential oral pediatric services) If You Are Not Enrolled in Member Choice • Maximum benefit of $1,200 per person per year (excluding essential oral pediatric services) Benefits are paid according to the actual charges or the Benefit Fund’s Schedule of Allowances, whichever is less, up to the maximum benefit of $1,200 per person per year unless you are enrolled in Member Choice. Effective January 1, 2003, the maximum benefit for Member Choice enrollees is $3,000 per person per year. Effective January 1, 2011, there is no limit on essential oral pediatric services.

Orthodontics • Orthodontics (treatment and appliances to correct tooth misalignment) once in a lifetime for children. Adult orthodontic coverage will be considered only when repositioning of teeth is in conjunction with orthognathic surgery.

Mitra Behroozi Executive Director 1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds

requirements for the job or who are in unusual titles), an alternative placement plan will be established, and the JSF will offer one of the following options: a.

Placement in another job/classification that the participant can perform; or b.

Enrollment in a program in which he/she can acquire a credential within two years or less (this option is only for professional and technical titles); or c.

Retraining in another classification provided credential can be obtained within one year (with a possible extension for a second year); or d.

In lieu of JSF benefits and obligations, provision of a one-time payment buy-out. If applicable, details will be discussed with your counselor.

SECTION VI.A – RETIREE HEALTH BENEFITS Special Rule Members who have at least 15 years of consecutive coverage by the Benefit Fund immediately prior to retirement and are age 65 or older, who are not participants in the Pension Fund, may be eligible for a Life Insurance Benefit.

In most cases, retiree benefits start 30 days after you retire and stop for you and your spouse if you go back to work. If you retired before October 1, 1998, your spouse’s benefits will stop 30 days after your death. If you retired on or after October 1, 1998, your spouse will continue to be eligible after your death for retiree health benefits for the remainder of his or her life. Your benefits must be coordinated

with any other health insurance that you or your spouse may have, including Medicare (see Section I.F).

Except as indicated above, in order to be eligible for retiree health benefits, you must be receiving a pension from the 1199SEIU Health Care Employees Pension Fund. If your pension benefit is suspended or stops for any reason (including your return to work or your loss of entitlement to a Social Security Disability Award, you will no longer be eligible for retiree health benefits.

SECTION VII.C WHEN BENEFITS MAY BE SUSPENDED, WITHHELD OR DENIED It is important that you provide the Benefit Fund with all the information, documents or other material it needs to process your claim for benefits.

The Benefit Fund may be unable to process your claim if you, your spouse or your children: • Do not sign the Assignment of Benefits authorization when you want your benefits paid directly to your provider; or • Do not allow the disclosure of medical information, medical records or other documents and information when requested by the Benefit Fund.

Benefits may be suspended, withheld or denied for the purpose of the recovery of any and all benefits paid: • That you were not entitled to receive; • That your spouse or dependent children were not entitled to receive; or • For claims that you, your spouse or dependent children would otherwise be entitled to until full restitution (which may include interest and expenses incurred by the Fund) has been made for any fraudulent claims that were paid by the Fund; or • That were the subject of a legal claim against a third party for which a lien form was not signed and received by the Benefit Fund as required in Section I.G. SECTION VII.E – ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS Nothing in this booklet shall be construed as creating any right in any third party to receive payment from this Benefit Fund.

Payments shall not be made to a person who is: • A minor (under age 18) • Unable to care for his or her affairs due to illness, injury, or incapacity.

Instead, the payment shall be made to a duly appointed legal representative or to such person who, in the judgment of the Plan Administrator, is maintaining or has custody of the person entitled to payments.

No legal action may be brought against the Benefit Fund or the Trustees until all remedies under the Benefit Fund have been exhausted, including requests for administrative reviews or appeals.

Payments made by the Benefit Fund which are not consistent with the Plan – as stated in this booklet or as it may be amended – must be returned to the Benefit Fund.

No benefit payable under the Plan shall be subject in any manner to anticipation, alienation, sale, transfer, assignment, pledge, encumbrance or charge.

Any action by way of anticipating, alienating, selling, pledging, encumbering or charging the same shall be void and of no effect. Nor shall any benefit be in any manner subject to the debts, contracts, liabilities, engagements or torts of the person entitled to such benefit.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Benefit Fund shall have the power and authority to authorize the distribution of benefits in accordance with the terms of a court order that it determines is a qualified medical child support order, as required by applicable federal law.

The Fund does not cover claims containing misrepresentations or false, incomplete or misleading information. If a false or fraudulent claim is filed, the Fund may seek full restitution plus interest and reimbursement of any expenses incurred by the Fund. In addition, the Fund may suspend the benefits to which the participant and his or her dependents(s) would otherwise be entitled until full restitution has been made.

The Trustees reserve the right to turn any such matter over to the proper authorities for prosecution.

This summary only highlights the key changes made to the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees. Summaries of material modifications together with the Summary Plan Description make up your official plan descriptions; please keep them together and refer to them as necessary. We have made every attempt to insure the accuracy of the information in this summary and the Summary Plan Description. However, if there is any discrepancy between them and the plan document, insurance contracts or other legal documents, the legal documents will always govern. If you would like to review the plan document or have any questions, please contact the Fund’s Member Services Representatives at (646) 473-9200.

The Fund believes it is a “grandfathered health plan” under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (the Affordable Care Act). As permitted by the Affordable Care Act, a grandfathered health plan can preserve certain basic health coverage that was already in effect when that law was enacted. Being a grandfathered health plan means that this plan may not include certain consumer protections of the Affordable Care Act that apply to other plans, for example, the requirement for an external review process for claims appeals. However, grandfathered health plans must comply with certain other consumer protections in the Affordable Care Act, for example, the elimination of lifetime limits on benefits.

Questions regarding which protections apply and which protections do not apply to a grandfathered health plan and what might cause a plan to change from grandfathered health plan status can be directed to the plan administrator at: c/o Executive Director, 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees, 330 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. You may also contact the Employee Benefits Security Administration, U.S. Department of Labor, at (866) 444-3272 or www.dol.gov/ebsa/healthreform. This website has a table summarizing which protections do and do not apply to grandfathered health plans.

The plan sponsor of the1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees reserves the right to amend or terminate the 1199SEIU National Benefit Fund for Health and Human Service Employees, or any part of it, at any time.

FOR YOUR BENEFIT

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID New York, NY Permit No. 3700

1199SEIU Benefit and Pension Funds 330 West 42nd Street New York, NY 10036-6977 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

DEDICATED TO THE HEALTH & WELL-BEING OF 1199SEIU MEMBERS

WINTER 2012

For Your Benefit EN ESPAﾃ前L p18

Become a Wellness Champion and Recruit Fellow Members to Get Healthy, Too

Meet Our Featured Member

ZOILA QUITO Let Us Help You Get the Most Out of Your Tax Return www.1199SEIUBenefits.org