Health Is the Key

In our April episode, gastroenterologist Dr. Preeti Mehta explained the connection between a healthy gut and a healthy mind. She also talked about the role stress plays in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common digestive disorder that can often be managed with lifestyle changes. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Mehta discusses two other conditions that can be confused with IBS—and why getting the diagnosis right really matters. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubewww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineMembers’ Voiceswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Preeti Mehta, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 25 years of experience in digestive health care. She serves as Vice President of Digestive Disease Care, a multi-physician gastroenterology practice, and oversees two large Ambulatory Surgical Centers serving patients across Long Island and Queens. Dr. Mehta earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She went on to complete a Research Fellowship in Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, in affiliation with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Rockefeller University. She also completed a Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship in Endoscopic Ultrasound at the State University of New York. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

This month, Health Is the Key does double duty as we spotlight National Stress Awareness Month and IBS Awareness Month. If you’re wondering what stress has to do with irritable bowel syndrome and other digestive disorders, you’ll be glad you tuned in. We are lucky to be joined by Dr. Preeti Mehta, a gastroenterologist and founder of the private practice Digestive Disease Care. Dr. Mehta explains the effect the brain has on the digestive system and vice-versa. She also shares practical lifestyle habits that can support long-term gut health. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubewww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineMembers’ Voiceswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Preeti Mehta, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and hepatologist with over 25 years of experience in digestive health care. She serves as Vice President of Digestive Disease Care, a multi-physician gastroenterology practice, and oversees two large Ambulatory Surgical Centers serving patients across Long Island and Queens. Dr. Mehta earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, New York. She went on to complete a Research Fellowship in Hepatology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, in affiliation with Weill Medical College of Cornell University and Rockefeller University. She also completed a Clinical Fellowship in Gastroenterology and Hepatology and an Advanced Endoscopy Fellowship in Endoscopic Ultrasound at the State University of New York. She is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases.

In our March episode, we truly celebrated National Kidney Month with Dr. Kristin Meliambro, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Meliambro discussed the many vital jobs kidneys perform, the causes and symptoms of kidney disease, and preventive measures that can help keep them healthy. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Meliambro walks us through the latest innovations that are making dialysis – the necessary treatment for those living with Stage 5 kidney disease – more manageable. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubewww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineKidney.orgwww.aakp.orgKidneyRegistry.comMembers’ Voices1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channel1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Kristin Meliambro, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and she completed both her internal medicine residency and clinical and research nephrology fellowships at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to treating patients with a wide range of kidney diseases in diverse clinical settings, Dr. Meliambro is an NIH-funded physician-investigator who conducts basic and translational research with a focus on mechanisms of kidney podocyte injury and novel disease therapies. She is the co-Director of the Nephrology Division’s Renal Biorepository, which banks biological specimens and collects clinical data from patients starting at the time of kidney biopsy and continuing longitudinally. She also actively participates as a PI and Co-Investigator in clinical trials testing novel agents for glomerular diseases. Dr. Meliambro also has a strong record of research mentorship of Associate Researchers and graduate/medical students in her lab, the majority of whom have been women and from under-represented minorities in science and medicine. Dr. Meliambro sees patients with a variety of kidney diseases, and she has a particular clinical interest in glomerular diseases. Her clinical responsibilities include the care of outpatients at the Mount Sinai Doctors nephrology practice, hemodialysis patients at Central Park Dialysis Center and inpatients at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where she also teaches and supervises nephrology fellows on the inpatient nephrology services.

This National Kidney Month, we celebrate the unsung heroes of the human body. Kidneys do so much more than filter blood (they’ve been described as the body’s “cleaning crew” and “inventory managers”), so keeping them functioning well is vital to our overall health. Joining us to sing the praises of kidneys – and learn how to keep them healthy – is Dr. Kristin Meliambro, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Dr. Meliambro walks us through the many essential jobs kidneys do for us and breaks down the various causes of kidney disease. She also shares practical lifestyle habits that support long-term kidney health. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubewww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineKidney.orgwww.aakp.orgKidneyRegistry.comMembers’ Voices1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channel1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Kristin Meliambro, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She earned her medical degree from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and she completed both her internal medicine residency and clinical and research nephrology fellowships at the Mount Sinai Hospital. In addition to treating patients with a wide range of kidney diseases in diverse clinical settings, Dr. Meliambro is an NIH-funded physician-investigator who conducts basic and translational research with a focus on mechanisms of kidney podocyte injury and novel disease therapies. She is the co-Director of the Nephrology Division’s Renal Biorepository, which banks biological specimens and collects clinical data from patients starting at the time of kidney biopsy and continuing longitudinally. She also actively participates as a PI and Co-Investigator in clinical trials testing novel agents for glomerular diseases. Dr. Meliambro also has a strong record of research mentorship of Associate Researchers and graduate/medical students in her lab, the majority of whom have been women and from under-represented minorities in science and medicine. Dr. Meliambro sees patients with a variety of kidney diseases, and she has a particular clinical interest in glomerular diseases. Her clinical responsibilities include the care of outpatients at the Mount Sinai Doctors nephrology practice, hemodialysis patients at Central Park Dialysis Center and inpatients at the Mount Sinai Hospital, where she also teaches and supervises nephrology fellows on the inpatient nephrology services.

In our February episode, we marked American Heart Month with Dr. Michael Ghalchi, the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates and a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Ghalchi explained the importance of regular screenings and shared lifestyle habits that can keep your heart strong. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Ghalchi reviews the key health numbers to aim for to help you stay on track and live your best life. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubewww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineMembers’ Voiceswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist and the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, a New York City–based cardiology practice dedicated to making high-quality cardiovascular diagnostics and care accessible, efficient and patient-centered. He is also a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine. At Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, Dr. Ghalchi focuses on delivering timely, evidence-based cardiovascular care supported by advanced in-office diagnostics, streamlined access and a concierge-level patient experience. His clinical work emphasizes early detection, accurate diagnosis and thoughtful management of cardiovascular disease across a broad patient population. Dr. Ghalchi is also the founder and Medical Director of Apollo 360 Health, a digital preventive-care platform designed to extend high-quality cardiovascular and lifestyle medicine beyond the clinic walls. Apollo 360 Health integrates remote monitoring, data-driven insights and multidisciplinary coaching to help patients proactively manage risk factors, improve outcomes and sustain long-term health. Across both organizations, Dr. Ghalchi’s mission is to modernize cardiovascular care by combining rigorous clinical standards with innovative delivery models — ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the setting that best supports lasting health.

Welcome to American Heart Month, the perfect opportunity to focus on protecting our cardiovascular health to help ensure we can continue to do the things we love with the people we love. Experts estimate that heart disease is 80 percent preventable through early detection and simple lifestyle changes. So we are fortunate to be joined by Dr. Michael Ghalchi, the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates and a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Dr. Ghalchi discusses the importance of regular screenings, symptoms to watch for and sustainable habits you can adopt to support your heart health all year long. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTube.www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/1199SEIUBenefits.org/food-as-medicineMembers’ Voices1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channel1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC is a board-certified cardiologist and the founder and medical director of Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, a New York City–based cardiology practice dedicated to making high-quality cardiovascular diagnostics and care accessible, efficient and patient-centered. He is also a Clinical Instructor in the Department of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. He graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania and earned his medical degree from the New York University School of Medicine. At Manhattan Cardiovascular Associates, Dr. Ghalchi focuses on delivering timely, evidence-based cardiovascular care supported by advanced in-office diagnostics, streamlined access and a concierge-level patient experience. His clinical work emphasizes early detection, accurate diagnosis and thoughtful management of cardiovascular disease across a broad patient population. Dr. Ghalchi is also the founder and Medical Director of Apollo 360 Health, a digital preventive-care platform designed to extend high-quality cardiovascular and lifestyle medicine beyond the clinic walls. Apollo 360 Health integrates remote monitoring, data-driven insights and multidisciplinary coaching to help patients proactively manage risk factors, improve outcomes and sustain long-term health. Across both organizations, Dr. Ghalchi’s mission is to modernize cardiovascular care by combining rigorous clinical standards with innovative delivery models — ensuring patients receive the right care, at the right time, in the setting that best supports lasting health.

In our January episode, we focused on our Healthy Now, Healthy Later philosophy with the Benefit Funds’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lela Mayers. Dr. Mayers shared how prioritizing your health now can help you lower your risk of illness and improve your quality of life later. For our January Key Note, Dr. Mayers walks us through what to expect during a typical wellness checkup—and explains why it’s so important to make that appointment. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTube1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerKnow your numbers1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartsHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingscreenings1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthybodiesTeladoc.com1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/Provider Directory1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance Programnaminycmetro.orgwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Dr. Lela Mayers is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) of the 1199SEIU Benefit Funds, which provide comprehensive self-insured, self-administered healthcare benefits to more than 450,000 healthcare workers, retirees and their families. As DCMO, Dr. Mayers assists the Chief Medical Officer with the Benefit Funds’ clinical and care management strategies, as well as health and wellness initiatives. Prior to joining the Benefit Funds, Dr. Mayers served as Senior Medical Director at CVS Health/Aetna. There she collaborated with the account management teams, pharmacy teams, consulting firms and plan sponsors to drive improved health outcomes for commercial and labor health plan members. Prior to that, she served as Chief of Medicine at Premier Healthcare, where she managed five ambulatory health centers across New York City. Her previous experience with union membership was earned at the Benefit Fund of the New York Hotel Trades, where she was medical director of the Harlem Health Center. Dr. Mayers worked for many years as a primary care physician at the Farrell Health Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as faculty and medical director of the resident training program. Dr. Mayers continues to hold a position as voluntary faculty/instructor in clinical medicine at Columbia University’s Center for Family and Community Medicine. She is a licensed physician in New York State and is board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Mayers received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University, a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medical College) and a Master of Public Health from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

Happy New Year, and welcome to Season Three of Health Is the Key. With the holidays behind us, we turn our focus to the year ahead of us – a perfect time to re-commit to our health. And what better way to introduce our new Healthy Now, Healthy Later campaign than to have the Benefit Funds’ Deputy Chief Medical Officer Dr. Lela Mayers as our first guest in 2026! Dr. Mayers explains how preventive care can lower your risk of illness, improve your quality of life and help ensure long-term wellness. She also explores with us all the resources available to you to support you wherever you are on your health journey. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTube1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerKnow your numbers1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartsHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingscreenings1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthybodiesTeladoc.com1199SEIUBenefits.org/the-choice-is-yours/Provider Directory1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance Programnaminycmetro.orgwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Dr. Lela Mayers is the Deputy Chief Medical Officer (DCMO) of the 1199SEIU Benefit Funds, which provide comprehensive self-insured, self-administered healthcare benefits to more than 450,000 healthcare workers, retirees and their families. As DCMO, Dr. Mayers assists the Chief Medical Officer with the Benefit Funds’ clinical and care management strategies, as well as health and wellness initiatives. Prior to joining the Benefit Funds, Dr. Mayers served as Senior Medical Director at CVS Health/Aetna. There she collaborated with the account management teams, pharmacy teams, consulting firms and plan sponsors to drive improved health outcomes for commercial and labor health plan members. Prior to that, she served as Chief of Medicine at Premier Healthcare, where she managed five ambulatory health centers across New York City. Her previous experience with union membership was earned at the Benefit Fund of the New York Hotel Trades, where she was medical director of the Harlem Health Center. Dr. Mayers worked for many years as a primary care physician at the Farrell Health Center of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where she served as faculty and medical director of the resident training program. Dr. Mayers continues to hold a position as voluntary faculty/instructor in clinical medicine at Columbia University’s Center for Family and Community Medicine. She is a licensed physician in New York State and is board certified with the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Mayers received a Bachelor of Arts from Cornell University, a Doctor of Medicine from Cornell University Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medical College) and a Master of Public Health from the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University.

In our December episode, Dr. Tiffany Cudjoe-John explored with us the physical and mental health benefits of expressing gratitude. Of course, some of us may need a little encouragement in learning to recognize and appreciate the good things in life. So, for our Key Note episode, we asked Dr. Cudjoe-John to share a simple meditation you can use to help foster a thankful mindset. We hope this moment of reflection inspires you to begin your own gratitude journey. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealthy MindsHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/www.Teladoc.comProvider Directorywww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance Programwww.naminycmetro.orgwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube Channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Tiffany Cudjoe-John, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist with a passion for understanding and addressing the intricate interplay between mind, body and soul. Her journey into psychiatry began after graduating with a degree in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her psychiatric residency at Zucker Hillside Hospital, where she refined her clinical skills and deepened her empathy for individuals facing mental health challenges. Since completing her training in 2009, Dr. Cudjoe-John has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care. For eight years, she practiced Emergency Psychiatry at one of New York City’s busiest hospitals, gaining significant experience in crisis intervention, inpatient care and consult-liaison psychiatry. Over the past eight years, she has practiced community mental health at a clinic serving diverse and underserved populations, while also maintaining a private practice. Dr. Cudjoe-John’s approach to care is holistic and patient-centered. She integrates evidence-based psychopharmacology and psychotherapy with personalized treatment plans that honor the individuality of each patient. She strives to create a safe, collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to work toward healing, growth and their fullest potential. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Cudjoe-John is passionate about community engagement and mental health advocacy. She has given numerous talks to community groups on mental health awareness and self-care and remains committed to reducing stigma and increasing access to quality mental health care.

Gathering with loved ones during the holidays can lift spirits, strengthen relationships and even boost immunity. Yet, we know this time of year may not be so joyful for everyone, and the hustle and bustle may make some of us lose sight of the true gifts of the season. That’s when the practice of gratitude can help put things in perspective – as well as improve our mental and physical health. To learn more about the science – and art – behind this simple exercise, we are joined this month by Dr. Tiffany Cudjoe-John, a psychiatrist in private practice. Dr. John explains why practicing gratitude is more than just “counting our blessings” and shares practical tips that can help us make it part of our daily lives without stressing out. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealthy MindsHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/Teladoc.comProvider Directory1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance Programnaminycmetro.orgwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Tiffany Cudjoe-John, MD, is a dedicated psychiatrist with a passion for understanding and addressing the intricate interplay between mind, body and soul. Her journey into psychiatry began after graduating with a degree in chemistry from Johns Hopkins University. She completed her psychiatric residency at Zucker Hillside Hospital, where she refined her clinical skills and deepened her empathy for individuals facing mental health challenges. Since completing her training in 2009, Dr. Cudjoe-John has dedicated her career to providing compassionate, comprehensive psychiatric care. For eight years, she practiced Emergency Psychiatry at one of New York City’s busiest hospitals, gaining significant experience in crisis intervention, inpatient care and consult-liaison psychiatry. Over the past eight years, she has practiced community mental health at a clinic serving diverse and underserved populations, while also maintaining a private practice. Dr. Cudjoe-John’s approach to care is holistic and patient-centered. She integrates evidence-based psychopharmacology and psychotherapy with personalized treatment plans that honor the individuality of each patient. She strives to create a safe, collaborative environment where patients feel empowered to work toward healing, growth and their fullest potential. Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Cudjoe-John is passionate about community engagement and mental health advocacy. She has given numerous talks to community groups on mental health awareness and self-care and remains committed to reducing stigma and increasing access to quality mental health care.

In our November episode, Chef Adrienne Cheatham joined us to share healthy ways to tweak our holiday menus without sacrificing flavor. In this month’s Key Note, Chef Cheatham opens her cookbook, Sunday Best, to offer a delicious, nutritious, affordable, make-ahead alternative to traditional main dishes – Mississippi Pot Roast. Enjoy! The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTube www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos grownyc.org/greenmarket/ourmarketsYouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnesseventswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Mississippi-Pot-RoastPenguin Random House Books Guest Bio Adrienne Cheatham is a New York-based chef, author, consultant and television personality known for her bold perspective on food and culture. A veteran of some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens, Adrienne served as Executive Sous Chef at Le Bernardin and Executive Chef at Red Rooster Harlem and Corporate Chef of the Marcus Samuelsson Group. She rose to national prominence as the runner-up on Top Chef, Season 15, and has since returned to the show as a guest judge. In 2023, Adrienne published her debut cookbook, Sunday Best, inspired by her critically acclaimed pop-up dinner series of the same name. The book was nominated for a James Beard Award. Adrienne is a regular judge on the Food Network and contributor to Epicurious, where her videos have earned over 6 million views. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, USA Today and more—both as a subject and a writer. In 2025, she and her former Top Chef rival, Joe Flamm, launched The Chef’s Cut podcast. Through every platform, she shares stories that connect food, identity, and the communities that shape them.

The holidays are a joyful time to gather with family and friends, but for many of us they’re also a time to worry about staying on track with our health journey. To help us navigate the season’s seemingly endless offerings of rich foods, we are joined by Adrienne Cheatham, professional chef, runner-up on Bravo TV’s Top Chef, and author of Sunday Best, nominated for a James Beard Award for best cookbook. Chef Cheatham shares what she loves most about the holidays, simple tips to make seasonal favorites healthier and quick affordable ways to eat healthfully throughout the year. For a chance to win a signed copy of Sunday Best, visit our Facebook and Instagram pages to share your favorite healthy cooking tip. Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy holiday season! The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTube1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channel1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosgrownyc.org/greenmarket/ourmarketsYouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnesseventsPenguin Random House Books Guest Bio Adrienne Cheatham is a New York-based chef, author, consultant and television personality known for her bold perspective on food and culture. A veteran of some of the country’s most acclaimed kitchens, Adrienne served as Executive Sous Chef at Le Bernardin and Executive Chef at Red Rooster Harlem and Corporate Chef of the Marcus Samuelsson Group. She rose to national prominence as the runner-up on Top Chef, Season 15, and has since returned to the show as a guest judge. In 2023, Adrienne published her debut cookbook, Sunday Best, inspired by her critically acclaimed pop-up dinner series of the same name. The book was nominated for a James Beard Award. Adrienne is a regular judge on the Food Network and contributor to Epicurious, where her videos have earned over 6 million views. She’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, USA Today and more—both as a subject and a writer. In 2025, she and her former Top Chef rival, Joe Flamm, launched The Chef’s Cut podcast. Through every platform, she shares stories that connect food, identity, and the communities that shape them.

In our October episode, we spoke with Dr. Samantha Dunham, co-director of the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause at NYU Langone Health, who shared important information about this unique stage in women’s health journeys. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Dunham explains how women are taking control of their health and details simple lifestyle changes that can offer relief from menopause symptoms and boost overall wellness. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/Provider Directory1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance ProgramMenopause.org www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos YouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Dr. Samantha Dunham is a certified menopause practitioner and co-director of the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause at NYU Langone Health. She practices general gynecology and preventative women’s health, with a special focus on perimenopause and menopause and the role they play in disease development. At the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause, she educates patients on what to expect through perimenopause and menopause, and partners with them to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their symptoms and goals for treatment. Dr. Dunham completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at New York University, and has been a board-certified physician for NYU Langone Health since 2006.

Each year, more than 1 million women in the U.S. will experience menopause. And four out of five of those women will complain of symptoms that range from hot flashes and night sweats to sexual problems and sleep disturbances. In the not-so-distant past, menopause wasn’t taken seriously, and women were hard-pressed to find answers to their questions. Thankfully, that’s changing. To learn more about this unique aspect of women’s health, we’re joined by Dr. Samantha Dunham, a certified menopause practitioner and co-director of the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause at NYU Langone Health. Dr. Dunham explains the physical and emotional changes women experience during menopause – and perimenopause – and offers hope to those searching for treatment options to find relief from nagging symptoms and to protect their overall health. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeHealthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/Provider Directory1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-providerWellness Member Assistance ProgramMenopause.org www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos YouTube Channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Dr. Samantha Dunham is a certified menopause practitioner and co-director of the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause at NYU Langone Health. She practices general gynecology and preventative women’s health, with a special focus on perimenopause and menopause and the role they play in disease development. At the Center for Midlife Health and Menopause, she educates patients on what to expect through perimenopause and menopause, and partners with them to develop a treatment plan that aligns with their symptoms and goals for treatment. Dr. Dunham completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at New York University, and has been a board-certified physician for NYU Langone Health since 2006.

In our September episode, Mount Sinai’s Dr. Michael Kisicki explored with us the mental health crisis affecting so many teens in the U.S. In this month’s Key Note, Dr. Kisicki looks at just one of the many factors impacting teens’ mental health – social media – and shares strategies families can use to help them navigate the online world safely. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback FacebookInstagramYouTube Healthy MindsHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/ Provider Directorywww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider www.Teladoc.com brightline.com Wellness Member Assistance Program www.naminycmetro.org https://988lifeline.org www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices Benefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos YouTube Channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Michael “Mickey” Kisicki, M.D., is an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Pediatrics and Psychiatry and is the Chief Psychiatrist of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. He graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from Emory University and then studied Medical Ethics on a Fulbright Grant in the Netherlands. His received his medical education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha and has received multiple awards in medical education, as well as Top Doctor awards in New Hampshire and Connecticut. He has held faculty positions at the University of Washington, the University of Connecticut and Dartmouth College. His clinical interests and expertise are in trauma-related mental health symptoms, development of borderline personality traits in adolescents/young adults and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His research focus has been on medication-assisted psychotherapies in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

With the start of the school year, we are dedicating this month’s episode to the teen mental health crisis in the U.S. According to a recent survey, nearly one in five teenagers has a diagnosed mental or behavioral health condition – leaving parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends – searching for ways to support the mental health of the teens in their lives. Fortunately, we are joined by Dr. Michael Kisicki, an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Pediatrics and Psychiatry and is the Chief Psychiatrist of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. Dr. Kisicki – known to many of his patients as “Mickey” – shares insights from his practice, signs to watch for and simple strategies, like listening and modeling, that go a long way toward supporting teens, as well as the adults who love them. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback FacebookInstagramYouTube Healthy MindsHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/ Provider Directorywww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider www.Teladoc.com brightline.com Wellness Member Assistance Program www.naminycmetro.org https://988lifeline.org www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoices Benefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videos YouTube Channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Michael “Mickey” Kisicki, M.D., is an Associate Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Pediatrics and Psychiatry and is the Chief Psychiatrist of the Mount Sinai Adolescent Health Center. He graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from Emory University and then studied Medical Ethics on a Fulbright Grant in the Netherlands. His received his medical education at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), with a psychiatry residency at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and a child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at UCLA. He is a member of the medical honor society Alpha Omega Alpha and has received multiple awards in medical education, as well as Top Doctor awards in New Hampshire and Connecticut. He has held faculty positions at the University of Washington, the University of Connecticut and Dartmouth College. His clinical interests and expertise are in trauma-related mental health symptoms, development of borderline personality traits in adolescents/young adults and obsessive-compulsive disorder. His research focus has been on medication-assisted psychotherapies in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

In our August episode, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Danielle Sobieski answered some common questions about vitamins and supplements. In this month’s Key Note, Danielle explains what you can expect on your first visit to a nutritionist and how they will work with you to support you on your healthy eating journey. The Takeaway 1199seiubenefits.org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeNSF International;U.S. Pharmacopeia (USPConsumer LabUnmasking Myths: Supplements, Probiotics and Herbs”Healthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthylivingwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartsMembers’ Voiceswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channelwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelwww.youtube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlistswww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guest Bio Danielle Sobieski, MS, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of DS Nutrition, based in Brooklyn, New York. With a background in genetics and a master’s degree in human nutrition, Danielle combines science with a compassionate, collaborative and trauma-informed approach to help clients build healthier relationships with food and manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), disordered eating and other conditions. Her care is grounded in evidence-based practices and shaped by hands-on patient experience, ensuring personalized support for both physical and emotional well-being.

A nutritious, balanced diet is key to maintaining our health, but getting the alphabet list of nutrients we need to fuel our body can be a challenge. If you’re taking vitamins or supplements to fill in the gaps, you probably have questions. So for our August episode, we asked Danielle Sobieski, a registered dietitian nutritionist in private practice, to help us find answers. Danielle discusses the benefits and risks of taking vitamins and supplements, and details what to do to help ensure you’re doing so safely and effectively. Hint: Making a call to your primary care physician is step one. The Takeaway org/member-feedbackFacebookInstagramYouTubeNSF International;S. Pharmacopeia (USPConsumer LabUnmasking Myths: Supplements, Probiotics and Herbs”Healthy Living Resource Center1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyheartsMembers’ Voices1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyliving/membervoicesBenefits Channel1199SEIUBenefits.org/videosYouTube channelyoutube.com/@1199SEIUBenefitFunds/playlists1199SEIUBenefits.org/wellnessevents Guet Bio Danielle Sobieski, MS, RDN, CDN, is a registered dietitian nutritionist and the founder of DS Nutrition, based in Brooklyn, New York. With a background in genetics and a master’s degree in human nutrition, Danielle combines science with a compassionate, collaborative and trauma-informed approach to help clients build healthier relationships with food and manage chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), disordered eating and other conditions. Her care is grounded in evidence-based practices and shaped by hands-on patient experience, ensuring personalized support for both physical and emotional well-being.

In our July replay episode, Dr. Karinn Glover, an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, explored burnout, the unique stressors that healthcare workers face and resources that can help. In our July Key Note, Dr. Glover discusses the role empathy plays – tuning into others’ feelings as well as our own – in building supportive relationships that are key to battling burnout. The Takeaway 1199SEIUBenefits.org/member-feedback Facebook Instagram YouTube www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider www.Teladoc.com www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds www.naminycmetro.org Guest Bio Karinn Glover, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she teaches psychopharmacology and aspects of psychotherapy to Psychiatry and Family Medicine residents. Her decade-plus experience as a psychiatrist and leader in the practice of integrated care and workplace mental health has informed her approach to health equity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI+B), and the styles of leadership that produce organizational success. Dr. Glover attended SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and obtained a Master of Public Health from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health via the highly competitive Macy Scholars Program.

Listen as we talk about recognizing burnout with Dr. Karinn Glover, a board-certified physician and psychiatrist and clinician with Montefiore Health System. Dr. Glover helps us examine the unique stressors that healthcare workers face, the symptoms of burnout and when to ask for help. She offers insights and strategies for getting the support you need, from DIY remedies like self-care to professional care and how to find it. Dr. Glover also runs down some outside influences that can contribute to burnout and what you can do to overcome them. The Takeaway Provider Directorywww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/find-a-provider www.Teladoc.com Healthy MindsHealthy Living Resource Centerwww.1199SEIUBenefits.org/healthyminds/ Wellness Member Assistance Program www.naminycmetro.org Guest Bio Karinn Glover, MD, MPH, is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, where she teaches psychopharmacology and aspects of psychotherapy to Psychiatry and Family Medicine residents. Her decade-plus experience as a psychiatrist and leader in the practice of integrated care and workplace mental health has informed her approach to health equity, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI+B), and the styles of leadership that produce organizational success. Dr. Gloverattended SUNY Downstate College of Medicine and obtained a Master of Public Health from Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health via the highly competitive Macy Scholars Program.