WELLNESS WAVE NEWSLETTER

SMART Goals for the New Year 2026

By: Mirabai Holland, MYC Health Coach

We’ve all heard the New Year, New You propaganda. A chance to push the reset button on life and get a kind of do over. We’ve all been there, tried that and we know life just doesn’t work that way. So why do we continue to make those New Year’s resolutions? And is there anything we can do to make them stick?

I’d say we make those resolutions because what we’re trying to achieve is important to us. We’re taking any opportunity to set up a structure that will help. Trouble is most of the time we either set up the wrong structure or one that’s so ambitious and difficult that we can’t sustain it long enough to reach our goals.

So what’s the right strategy for success this year? 

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that shows up around the same time each year, most often in fall and winter. It’s more than just feeling “off” for a few days. People with SAD experience noticeable changes in how they feel, think, eat, and sleep.

Symptoms can vary, but some of the most common signs include:

• Feeling sad, low, or hopeless for several weeks
• Sleeping more than usual but still feeling tired
• Losing interest in hobbies or activities
• Craving carbs and gaining weight
• Feeling irritable or anxious
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions

Crunch Fitness Membership

Peak Results Membership



Eligibility:

• All MYC Medical Plan Members age 18+
• MYC Medical Plan Members ages 14 - 17 may use the facility independently with parental permission. Please see website for details. Click Here

How to Request a Membership:

• CLICK HERE to request membership

Please Note:

• We appreciate your patience as we transition to this new membership benefit.
• Personal training sessions with Crunch trainers will begin on February 1.
• Please allow up to two weeks to receive communication from Crunch regarding your membership.
• If you do not receive an email from Crunch, please contact benefits@mymanatee.org.
• Rude or inappropriate conduct will not be tolerated and may result in revocation of the membership benefit.

Important Note Regarding Costs: 

• Adult members receive five free personal training sessions per year, which are covered by the Manatee YourChoice medical plan. Any additional sessions or other charges, including consultation fees and extra services, are not covered by the plan and are the member’s responsibility.

Current Crunch Fitness Members

• You must visit your local Crunch front desk to cancel your existing membership the month prior to starting YourChoice membership
• The YourChoice Crunch Peak Results Membership is a new membership
• Existing Crunch memberships cannot be transferred

What's Included:

• Access to 500+ Crunch locations nationwide
• Group fitness classes
• Guest privileges - bring a workout buddy
• And more

Personal Training - Give Me 5 Program

• Adult Members (18+) receive five free personal training sessions per year through the Give Me 5 program
• New this year: Crunch Fitness personal trainers are now an approved training option

⚠️Important Training Selection Rule (Disclaimer):

Members must select either Crunch Fitness personal training or a Manatee YourChoice contractor trainer for the Give Me 5 program; training sessions cannot be split or combined between providers.

Location Restriction:

• Give Me 5 personal training sessions with a Crunch Fitness personal trainer may only be used at participating Crunch Fitness locations in Bradenton

Additional details:

• Members may use all five sessions with a Crunch Fitness personal trainer or
• Use all five sessions with a Manatee YourChoice contractor personal trainer
• Once a training option is selected, all five sessions must be completed using that same option

Additional Options

• Child care is available at select locations for an additional fee
• Child care fees are not covered by the medical plan
• Check with your local Crunch Fitness for participating locations

QUESTIONS

Email benefits@mymanatee.org.

Noom Programs for Weight Management, Pre-Diabetes, and Diabetes Management

Our new Noom programs for Weight Management, Pre-Diabetes, and Diabetes Management are here! Designed to help you achieve your weight-loss goals and improve overall health, these programs provide personalized guidance, practical tools, and ongoing support to keep you on track. Noom will place you in the program that meets your needs.

Noom Weight:

Learn how to take small steps towards a healthier lifestyle and achieve real, long-lasting results through Noom’s proven behavior change program.

Noom Diabetes Prevention Program:

Learn strategies to build healthier habits and prevent diabetes through Noom’s CDC recognized program, designed for people with prediabetes or who are at risk for type 2 diabetes.

Noom Diabetes Program:

Better manage type 2 diabetes with condition specific education, nutrition guidance, and advanced tools like AI-powered glucose forecasting to help you make confident choices for your health.



Eligibility:  Employees and Dependents 18+ enrolled in the Manatee YourChoice Health Plan 

ENROLL HERE

QUESTIONS

Email benefits@mymanatee.org.

Your Give Me 5 Sessions Have Renewed!

Upcoming Wellness Events

• Vision Board Workshop Hosted by Wellness Journeys
• Tuesday, January 13 or Wednesday, January 21

• 7 Day Sodium Challenge Hosted by Wellness Journeys
• February 3 -10

• Your Money on Purpose Hosted by Workplace Money Coach
• February 11

• Nutrition Workshop Hosted by Natalia Garcia
• Coming in February