The Local 1014 Health Line Winter 2024

Photo by AV Fire Photo

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Local 1014 Health Trust is pleased to present the Winter 2024 Edition of the Health Line.

Firstly, we would like to welcome our newest Trustees, Tony Carcioppolo, Chris Reade and Sydney Gagnier, to The Local 1014 Health Trust. Each brings a new perspective on the needs of young families as we work to make the plan reflective of our members’ needs. We are excited to welcome them and thank them for their service to our members and their families.

In this edition, you will find an explanation of our dental benefits as well as important reminders about updating your beneficiaries with the Plan and the Union. We are also excited to share the ongoing improvements to your health plan, designed to make your experience better, faster, and more secure. In addition to bringing in new technology that enhances access to care, we’ve expanded our efforts in several key areas:

YouTube Channel: We’re creating more educational content on our new YouTube channel to help you navigate your benefits, stay informed about plan updates, and make the most of your coverage. Be sure to subscribe for the latest videos!

Claim Portal: Our claim portal makes it easy to manage your claims anytime, anywhere—streamlining the process so you can focus on what matters most, your health.

LiveHealth Online: With LiveHealth Online, you can connect with healthcare professionals from the comfort of your home, making it more convenient than ever to get the care you need, when you need it.

Customer Service Call Center: We’ve completely overhauled our customer service call center at the Union Hall to provide faster, more comprehensive support. Whether you need assistance with claims, benefits, or anything else, our team is here and ready to help.

And as we innovate, we remain dedicated to providing the highest level of cybersecurity to protect your personal data, ensuring that you and your family’s privacy is always safeguarded.

The Local 1014 Health Plan Board of Trustees would like to wish you and your loved ones a happy and HEALTHY Holiday Season and a joyous New Year. It is an honor to serve our fellow members of the Los Angeles County Fire Department and their families!

And as we innovate, we remain dedicated to providing the highest level of cybersecurity to protect your personal data, ensuring that you and your family’s privacy is always safeguarded.”

SHALAURA SOLIAI

WELCOME SHALAURA SOLIAI -

LOCAL 1014 HEALTH AND WELFARE’S NEW PLAN MANAGER

LOCAL 1014 HEALTH AND WELFARE’S

NEW PLAN MANAGER

We are proud to announce that on October 1st, Shalaura Soliai became our first woman Plan Manager and CEO of The Local 1014 Health Plan.

Shalaura has over 20 years of experience as a healthcare plan operations executive and comes to us with experience from Discovery Behavioral Health, a Veterans, Tri-Care, Medicaid, and Medicare facility operation with experience in strategic initiatives and evaluation of scientific proposals. She has worked with private equity-backed start-ups in health care, to legacy companies in multi-state and multi-site health plans with operations in hospitals, clinics and provider networks, including Vitality Medicare Health, Verity Hospital System, Care 1st Blue Shield, and Liberty Dental Plan. She holds an MBA from the University of La Verne and a Doctorate of Education from Purdue University

Shalaura’s approach to health care is characterized by a commitment to ensuring that quality care is accessible to all individuals in a timely and supportive manner. We want to improve some operational aspects of our plan, making the best care you can get easier to access and revising systems to modernize and make our processes more fluid so that our members and their families can spend more time handling the difficult and important decisions about care.

We also are working on a plan to hold the Department accountable for their worker’s compensation administration, in particular for presumptive claims for cancer, heart, lung, PTSD, etc., and also behavioral health and orthopedic claims.

We look forward to her work. She will be conducting outreach to the membership to learn how we can grow our plan and become even better. Welcome to the Local 1014 Fire Family!

The Local 1014 Health Plan

The Local 1014 Health Plan Dental Benefit Explained

Dental Benefit Explained

The Local 1014 Health Plan Dental Benefit Explained

Over the past several years, The Local 1014 Health Plan has expanded the dental benefit significantly for our members. All dental expenses must be performed by or under the direction of a dentist and be medically necessary.

Excess Dental Coverage

One of the most unique features of The Local 1014 Health Plan is the Excess Dental Coverage benefit. The Local 1014 Health Plan will reimburse 100% of your out-of-pocket expenses under your underlying dental plan, up to a maximum of $1,500 per covered person per calendar year. This benefit is available regardless of the underlying dental plan in which you are enrolled.

Orthodontia

The Plan will pay 100% of covered expenses for orthodontia treatment, up to a maximum benefit of $5,000 per person per lifetime. Any licensed orthodontist can be used. You or your orthodontist must submit a treatment plan and periodic claims to received payment. Once lifetime maximum is reached you can use your excess dental coverage to pay for orthodontia.

Dental Implant Coverage

The Plan will pay 100% of the charges up to a maximum benefit of $12,000 per lifetime. Once lifetime maximum is reached you can use your excess dental coverage to pay for implants.

What is a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a metal post that replaces the root portion of a missing tooth. An artificial tooth (crown) is placed on an extension of the post (abutment) on the dental implant, giving you the look of a real tooth. Dental implants are often selected over dental bridges.

Dental implants are often selected over dental bridges.

Dental Accident Coverage

If you have a non-occupational accidental injury to the teeth, the Plan will pay 100% of dental expenses related to your accident, up to a maximum benefit of $10,000 per accident. Expenses must be incurred within 180 days of the accident.

For more information on our dental benefit view the Summary Plan Description at www.local1014medical.org.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONFERENCE

70TH

70TH ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONFERENCE

ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONFERENCE

70TH ANNUAL EMPLOYEE BENEFITS CONFERENCE

Our Local 1014 Health and Welfare Trust board members and staff attended the International Foundation of Employee Benefits and Plan’s (IFEBP) 70th Annual Employee Benefits Conference last month. The IFEBP is the premier association of pension and health care trustees and providers and a platform to keep up with the latest legally required and best practices training and education for our Union Board Members, Trustees for LACERA, and our Local 1014 Health and Welfare Plan and Retiree Medical Trust Plan for Plan C Members.

We came together with plan administrators from a wide variety of industries, both in the public and private sectors, to help with decisions that impact our members’ lives regarding pension and healthcare. Starting in 1954, the IFEBP has become the premier educator and alliance builder for public pensions and healthcare, in particular, with a wide variety of classes, seminars, and workshops, in addition to legally required fiduciary certification programs.

Partnering with CEBS and Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania training curriculum regarding funding of plans, legal and regulatory issues, medical and fund management firm issues, and hardware and software and disease management tools covered. Local 1014 members were engaged in investment strategy and fund management platforms and logistical training with new software and processing programs we will invest in to run our health plan more efficiently.

Cancer treatment and behavioral health treatment issues were also topics of training. Local 1014 is broaching new technology and management of these issues as well as IVF and fertility treatment. There were a variety of keynote speakers and topics addressing administration, fiduciary responsibility, fund management, and investments, fund professional use and evaluation, and apprenticeship programs, and education.

Local 1014 remains committed to providing our Health Plan leaders and staff the best training and education available and courting alliances where we drive the work on behalf of our members concerning retirement and healthcare benefits. We look forward, in particular, to the new software implemented in the Health Plan by our new Plan Manager, Shalaura Soliai. We will update the membership on implementation and strategies to help administer our plan more effectively

5.Complying with Plan Requirements

Many health and retirement plans require regular updates to your beneficiary information to remain valid. Failing to keep your records up-to-date could mean that your benefits are distributed according to the default provisions of the plan, which may not align with your wishes.

When Should You Update Your Beneficiaries?

The Importance of Updating Your Beneficiaries for the Local 1014 Health Plan

It’s a good idea to review your beneficiaries at least once a year, but you should always update them in the event of major life changes, such as:

•Marriage or divorce

When it comes to safeguarding your family’s future, one of the most important yet often overlooked tasks is ensuring that your beneficiary information is up-to-date. Whether you’ve experienced life changes such as marriage, the birth of a child, or a divorce, it’s crucial to revisit your Local 1014 Health Plan and update your beneficiaries as needed.

•Birth or adoption of a child

•Death of a previously named beneficiary

•Major changes in financial situation

Here’s why keeping your beneficiary information current is essential, and the steps you can take to ensure your loved ones are protected.

•Change in personal wishes

Here’s why keeping your beneficiary information current is essential, and the steps you can take to ensure your loved ones are protected.

What is a Beneficiary?

How to Update Your Beneficiaries

What is a Beneficiary?

A beneficiary is the person or persons you designate to receive the financial benefits associated with your health plan, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies in the event of your death. For the Local 1014 Health Plan and Local 1014 Union, this may include life insurance proceeds, health savings accounts, and other benefits linked to your plan.

The process to update your beneficiaries for the Local 1014 Health Plan is simple but important. Here are the basic steps:

Beneficiaries can include:

1. Review Your Current Beneficiaries: Look at your plan’s current beneficiary designations to ensure they match your current intentions.

Beneficiaries can include:

•Spouses

•Children

2. Obtain the Necessary Forms: Contact the Local 1014 Health Plan or visit their website to obtain the beneficiary designation form.

•Children

•Other family members

•Friends

3. Complete and Submit the Form: Fill out the form, specifying your new beneficiaries and the percentage of benefits each will receive. Be clear and accurate, as any mistakes could lead to complications. Submit the completed form to your plan administrator.

Why Updating Your Beneficiary is Important

4. Get Confirmation: After submitting the updated beneficiary form, confirm with the plan that the changes have been processed and are reflected in your account.

Life changes quickly, and your designated beneficiaries should reflect your current family and financial situation. Here are key reasons why updating your beneficiary is crucial:

1.Avoiding Legal Disputes

Your Local 1014 Health Plan is designed to provide financial security to you and your loved ones. However, without updated beneficiary information, that protection may not work as intended. By regularly reviewing and updating your beneficiary designations, you can ensure that your benefits will go to the right people, helping to avoid unnecessary stress and legal challenges during difficult times.

Outdated beneficiary information can lead to legal conflicts among surviving family members. If your beneficiary designation does not reflect your current wishes, it can create confusion and disputes about who is entitled to your health and life insurance benefits. Courts may get involved, causing unnecessary stress and delays for your loved ones.

Taking a few minutes today to update your beneficiaries is a simple but vital step in protecting your family’s financial future.

2.Ensuring Your Benefits Go to the Right Person

2.Ensuring

Your Benefits Go to the Right Person

Don’t delay—review your Local 1014 Health Plan and ensure your loved ones are covered according to your current wishes.

If you do not update your beneficiaries, the proceeds from your health plan may go to someone you no longer wish to receive them. For instance, if you divorced but forgot to remove your ex-spouse as the primary beneficiary, they may still be entitled to your benefits—even if you’ve remarried.

3.Protecting New Family Members

If you’ve recently welcomed a child, grandchild, or other dependent into your life, you’ll want to make sure they are included as beneficiaries. Without updating your information, they may not receive any financial support from your plan, even if that’s your intent.

4.Reflecting Changes in Relationships

Relationships change over time. If you’ve had a falling out with someone you previously listed as a beneficiary, or if a friend or family member has passed away, it’s important to update your records so that your benefits are distributed according to your current wishes.

5.Complying with Plan Requirements

5.Complying

with Plan Requirements

When Should You Update Your Beneficiaries?

It’s a good idea to review your beneficiaries at least once a year, but you should always update them in the event of major life changes, such as:

•Marriage or divorce

•Birth or adoption of a child

•Death of a previously named beneficiary

•Major changes in financial situation

•Change in personal wishes

How to Update Your Beneficiaries

The process to update your beneficiaries for the Local 1014 Health Plan is simple but important. Here are the basic steps:

1. Review Your Current Beneficiaries: Look at your plan’s current beneficiary designations to ensure they match your current intentions.

2. Obtain the Necessary Forms: Contact the Local 1014 Health Plan or visit their website to obtain the beneficiary designation form.

4. Get Confirmation: After submitting the updated beneficiary form, confirm with the plan that the changes have been processed and are reflected in your account.

Taking a few minutes today to update your beneficiaries is a simple but vital step in protecting your family’s financial future.

Don’t delay—review your Local 1014 Health Plan and ensure your loved ones are covered according to your current wishes.

Unlocking the Power of Your Healthcare Benefits:

From understanding insurance coverage to deciphering medical bills, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed and confused when it comes to utilizing our healthcare benefits effectively.

We are pleased to announce the launch of our new Local 1014 Health Plan YouTube channel dedicated to empowering you with the knowledge and tools needed to make the most out of your healthcare benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran of the healthcare system or a newcomer looking to demystify the process, our channel offers invaluable insights and practical advice to guide you every step of the way.

So, why should you subscribe? Join

So, why should you subscribe?

One of the biggest challenges in healthcare is understanding what services are covered by your insurance plan. Our videos break down the jargon and explain the ins and outs of insurance coverage.

Did you know that many people miss out on valuable healthcare benefits simply because they don’t know they exist? From preventive services to wellness programs, our channel will show you how to take full advantage of everything your healthcare plan has to offer.

At the heart of our channel is the belief that everyone deserves access to high-quality healthcare and the knowledge to advocate for themselves. By arming you with the information you need, we empower you to take control of your healthcare journey and make informed decisions about your health.

Whether you’re dealing with a specific health issue, planning for the future, or simply looking to stay informed, our YouTube channel is your go-to resource for all things healthcare-related. Join us on this journey towards better health and discover the power of unlocking your healthcare benefits today!

Scan the QR Code to watch our latest video on dental coverage to unpack the power of The Local 1014 Health Plan.

https://www.youtube.com/@TheLocal1014HealthPlan

Smart Eating During the Holiday Season: Tips for

Smart Eating During the Holiday Season: Tips for Heart-Healthy,

Heart-Healthy, Low-Sugar, and High-Protein

Low-Sugar, and High-Protein

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and indulgence. However, for those trying to stick to a heart-healthy, low-sugar, or high-protein diet, it can also be a time of temptation and stress. Thankfully, with a few mindful strategies and smart substitutions, you can still enjoy holiday meals without compromising your health goals.

Here’s a guide to making your holiday meals more balanced, nutritious, and satisfying—whether you’re focused on protecting your heart, managing blood sugar, or increasing your protein intake.

1. Mindful Eating: General Holiday Tips

Here’s a guide to making your holiday meals more balanced, nutritious, and satisfying—whether you’re focused on protecting your heart, managing blood sugar, or increasing your protein intake.

Regardless of your specific dietary needs, practicing mindful eating can help you make better choices

Regardless of your specific dietary needs, practicing mindful eating can help you make better choices during the holidays:

Regardless of your specific dietary needs, practicing mindful eating can help you make better choices

Stick to smaller portions, especially for calorie-dense dishes like creamy casseroles, desserts, and sugary beverages.

• Portion Control: Stick to smaller portions, especially for calorie-dense dishes like creamy casseroles, desserts, and sugary beverages.

Stick to smaller portions, especially for calorie-dense dishes like creamy casseroles, desserts, and sugary beverages.

Take your time to enjoy the flavors, and give your body a chance to signal when you’re full. This can prevent overeating.

• Slow Down: Take your time to enjoy the flavors, and give your body a chance to signal when you’re full. This can prevent overeating.

Take your time to enjoy the flavors, and give your body a chance to signal when you’re full. This can prevent overeating.

Fill Your Plate with Veggies: Prioritize non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots, which are rich in fiber and nutrients but low in

• Fill Your Plate with Veggies: Prioritize non-starchy vegetables like leafy greens, broccoli, and carrots, which are rich in fiber and nutrients but low in calories and sugar.

Alcohol can add extra calories and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation. Try alternating between alcoholic drinks and water.

2. Heart-Healthy Eating Tips

Alcohol can add extra calories and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation. Try alternating between alcoholic drinks and water.

• Limit Alcohol: Alcohol can add extra calories and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation. Try alternating between alcoholic drinks and water.

If you’re following a heart-healthy diet, focus on foods that support cardiovascular health by reducing saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Here are some simple tips: Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for turkey, chicken breast, or plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. If you’re eating red meat, stick to lean cuts like tenderloin.

If you’re following a heart-healthy diet, focus on foods that support cardiovascular health by reducing saturated fat, sodium, and cholesterol. Here are some simple tips:

Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for turkey, chicken breast, or plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. If you’re eating red meat, stick to lean cuts like tenderloin.

• Choose Lean Proteins: Opt for turkey, chicken breast, or plant-based proteins like lentils and chickpeas. If you’re eating red meat, stick to lean cuts like tenderloin.

Cook with Heart-Healthy Fats: Replace butter with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in your cooking and baking. These fats are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.

• Cook with Heart-Healthy Fats: Replace butter with olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil in your cooking and baking. These fats are rich in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Use Herbs and Spices Over Salt: Instead of adding salt to flavor your dishes, use garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, or pepper. These can enhance the taste without increasing

• Use Herbs and Spices Over Salt: Instead of adding salt to flavor your dishes, use garlic, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, or pepper. These can enhance the taste without increasing sodium levels.

Watch Out for Processed Foods: Dishes like stuffing, gravy, and processed meats can be high in sodium. Look for low-sodium options or try making them from scratch to control the

• Watch Out for Processed Foods: Dishes like stuffing, gravy, and processed meats can be high in sodium. Look for low-sodium options or try making them from scratch to control the salt content.

Watch Out for Processed Foods: Dishes like stuffing, gravy, and processed meats can be high in sodium. Look for low-sodium options or try making them from scratch to control the

Swap Creamy Sauces for Light Alternatives: Instead of using heavy cream in sauces and soups, opt for unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.

• Swap Creamy Sauces for Light Alternatives: Instead of using heavy cream in sauces and soups, opt for unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.

Swap Creamy Sauces for Light Alternatives: Instead of using heavy cream in sauces and soups, opt for unsweetened almond milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier option.

3. Low-Sugar Diet Tips

3. Low-Sugar

Diet Tips

For those on a low-sugar diet, managing the sugar content of holiday foods can be tricky. However, with a few substitutions, you can still satisfy your sweet tooth:

• Choose Natural Sweeteners: Replace sugar with stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol when baking desserts. These alternatives provide sweetness without spiking blood sugar levels.

• Watch Out for Hidden Sugars: Many holiday foods, including sauces, dressings, and even savory dishes, contain hidden sugars. Read labels carefully or make sauces (like cranberry sauce) from scratch using sugar alternatives.

• Opt for Fresh Fruit-Based Desserts: Instead of sugary pies or cakes, try fruit-based desserts like baked apples or poached pears, sweetened with a touch of cinnamon and stevia. These are naturally lower in sugar and offer more fiber.

• Cut Down on Sweetened Beverages: Holiday cocktails, eggnog, and sodas are often loaded with sugar. Choose sparkling water with a splash of lime or unsweetened herbal teas instead.

• Reduce Sugar in Recipes: Most dessert recipes can tolerate a 25-50% reduction in sugar without compromising taste. When baking, experiment with cutting back on sugar and adding natural spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor.

4. Protein-Rich Substitutions

If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, holiday meals offer many opportunities to pack in extra protein without sacrificing flavor:

• Swap Starchy Sides for Protein-Rich Options: Instead of traditional mashed potatoes or stuffing, serve quinoa, lentils, or chickpea salads. These provide a solid amount of protein along with fiber.

• Add Nuts and Seeds: Incorporate almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, or sunflower seeds into salads, desserts, or as toppings for dishes. They’re packed with protein and heart-healthy fats.

• Use Greek Yogurt in Recipes: Greek yogurt is an excellent high-protein substitute for sour cream or mayonnaise in dips, dressings, or even desserts like parfaits.

• Choose Protein-Rich Appetizers: Instead of carb-heavy appetizers like chips and bread, opt for deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, smoked salmon, or hummus with vegetable sticks.

• Protein-Packed Desserts: Consider protein-enhanced desserts like chia seed pudding or protein-packed pumpkin custards, made with egg whites or protein powder.

Sample Holiday Meal Ideas

Here’s how you can incorporate these tips into your holiday meals:

• Appetizer: Serve a veggie platter with a Greek yogurt-based dip. Add hummus or guacamole for healthy fats and extra protein.

• Main Course: Roast turkey or chicken breast with fresh herbs and garlic. For plant-based eaters, try a lentil loaf or chickpea-stuffed peppers.

• Side Dish: Serve quinoa or a wild rice salad with cranberries, walnuts, and spinach instead of traditional stuffing.

• Dessert: Bake a pumpkin custard with stevia or monk fruit, and top it with crushed pecans for added crunch and protein.

Staying healthy during the holiday season doesn’t have to mean missing out on delicious food. With a few smart substitutions, you can enjoy a heart-healthy, low-sugar, and protein-rich holiday meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious. By planning ahead and making intentional choices, you’ll be able to indulge in holiday favorites while still keeping your health goals on track.

Continued

Embracing Joy: Beating the Holiday Blues and Prioritizing Mental Health

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves caught up in the whirlwind of festive preparations, cheerful decorations, and the anticipation of joyous gatherings. However, for some individuals, the holidays can bring about a sense of loneliness, stress, and even sadness, giving rise to what is commonly known as the “holiday blues.” In this article, we’ll explore ways to beat the holiday blues and prioritize mental health during this special time of the year.

Understanding the Holiday Blues:

The holiday blues can manifest for various reasons, such as unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, loneliness, or the reminder of lost loved ones. Recognizing and acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward addressing them. It’s essential to understand that experiencing a range of emotions during the holidays is normal, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Understanding the Holiday Blues: The holiday blues can manifest for various reasons, such as unrealistic expectations, financial pressures, loneliness, or the reminder of lost loved ones. Recognizing and acknowledging these feelings is the first step toward addressing them. It’s essential to understand that experiencing a range of emotions during the holidays is normal, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

the LACOFD Peer Support Team or visit

for more resources:

for more

BEATING THE HOLIDAY BLUES

Tips for Beating the Holiday Blues

1. Set Realistic Expectations: Often, we build up unrealistic expectations for the holiday season, expecting everything to be perfect. It’s important to remember that imperfections are a natural part of life. Set achievable goals, prioritize self-care, and allow yourself to enjoy the simple pleasures of the season.

2. Connect with Loved Ones: If you’re feeling lonely or isolated, make an effort to connect with friends, family, or even colleagues. Attend social gatherings, make virtual plans, or participate in community events. Surrounding yourself with positive relationships can significantly impact your mood and alleviate feelings of loneliness.

3. Manage Stress: The holiday season can be stressful with the added pressure of gift-giving, party planning, and other commitments. Practice stress-management techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Prioritize self-care, get enough sleep, and don’t hesitate to delegate tasks to reduce your workload.

4. Reflect on Gratitude: Take time to reflect on the positive aspects of your life and express gratitude for them. Focusing on what you are thankful for can shift your perspective and enhance your overall sense of well-being.

5. Create New Traditions: If traditional holiday activities evoke sadness, consider creating new traditions that bring you joy. This might involve trying out different activities, volunteering, or spending the holidays in a new location. Embrace the opportunity for change and personal growth.

6. Seek Professional Support: If the holiday blues persist and begin to impact your daily life, seeking professional support is crucial. A mental health professional can provide guidance, coping strategies, and a safe space to discuss your feelings.

Prioritizing Mental Health:

Beyond addressing the holiday blues, it’s essential to prioritize your mental health year-round. Incorporate practices that promote well-being, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.

Conclusion:

Beating the holiday blues and prioritizing mental health involves a combination of self-awareness, self-care, and reaching out for support. By setting realistic expectations, fostering connections, managing stress, and embracing gratitude, you can navigate the holiday season with a renewed sense of joy and well-being. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help, and taking care of your mental health is a gift to yourself that lasts far beyond the holiday season.

Spiced Baked Pears Spiced Baked Pears

Spiced Baked Pears

Ingredients:

4 ripe pears (Bosc or Anjou work well)

1/2 cup 100% apple juice or orange juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp nutmeg

1/4 tsp ground ginger

2 tbsp chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)

2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional)

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Directions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Prepare the Pears: Cut the pears in half lengthwise and scoop out the cores with a spoon or melon baller. Arrange the pear halves in the baking dish, cut side up.

Make the Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, mix the apple juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Drizzle this mixture over the pears, ensuring each one is coated.

Add Optional Toppings: Sprinkle the walnuts or pecans and dried cranberries into the hollowed centers of the pears for added texture and flavor.

Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 15–20 minutes, or until the pears are tender when pierced with a fork.

Serve: Let cool slightly before serving. Drizzle lightly with honey or maple syrup if desired, and pair with a dollop of low-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess.

This dessert is naturally sweetened by the pears and spices, making it both guilt-free and delicious! Perfect for a light and festive holiday treat.

Photo

James Anderson