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National Wellness Month: Five Ways to Make a Big Difference

The Pulse
August 2026

August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on healthy habits that support your physical, mental and emotional well-being. National Wellness Month encourages you to prioritize self-care and build routines that help you stay healthy year round.  

The good news? As a TRS Health participant, you have access to benefits and programs designed to help you take charge of your health. This month, commit to one or two small changes that can make a big difference. 

example of people exercising

Try These Simple Things

  • Schedule Your Preventive Care

    One of the simplest and most important things you can do for your health is stay up to date on preventive care. Annual wellness visits, routine screenings and regular checkups can help identify potential health issues before they become more serious. Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your long-term health and catch concerns early.

    National Wellness Month is the perfect reminder to:

    • Schedule your annual wellness exam.
    • Talk with your doctor about recommended screenings.
    • Review any health concerns you've been putting off.

    A quick appointment today could help prevent bigger health issues tomorrow. 

  • Put Your Fitness Benefits to Work

    Regular physical activity can improve energy, reduce stress and help manage chronic conditions. Plus, you may already have fitness resources available through your health plan.

    Our fitness programs offer access to a large network of gyms and fitness facilities, including options if you prefer to work out from home. They’re designed to help you find an activity that fits your lifestyle and budget.  

    If you've been meaning to become more active, start small:

    • Take a daily walk.
    • Join a fitness class.
    • Try a new exercise routine.
    • Explore virtual workout options.

    The best exercise is the one you'll stick with. 

  • Take Care of Your Mental Health

    Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Stress, anxiety and daily life challenges can affect your sleep, energy levels and overall well-being.

    TRS Health plans include mental health coverage and resources to help you find support when you need it. Counseling services, virtual behavioral health care and mental wellness tools can help you manage stress and improve your emotional well-being.  

    Consider setting aside time each day to:

    • Practice mindfulness.
    • Spend time doing activities you enjoy.
    • Connect with family and friends.
    • Reach out for professional support if needed.

    Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

  • Make Nutrition a Priority

    Healthy eating doesn't have to mean a major diet overhaul. Small changes can add up over time.

    Each TRS health plan includes programs focused on nutrition, weight management, and healthy lifestyle habits. You can also get access to professionals who can give you personalized support.  

    Try one of these simple nutrition goals:

    • Add an extra serving of fruits or vegetables each day.
    • Drink more water.
    • Plan healthy snacks ahead of time.
    • Work with a wellness coach to create realistic goals.

    Healthy choices don't have to be perfect. They just need to be consistent. 

  • Build a Healthier Daily Routine

    Wellness isn't about one big change. It's about the small habits you practice every day.

    Whether it's getting enough sleep, staying hydrated, taking breaks during the workday or managing stress, healthy routines create a foundation for better health. National Wellness Month is a good time to focus on simple, sustainable habits that support your overall well-being.  

    Choose one habit to focus on this month:

    Go to bed 30 minutes earlier.

    • Take a short walk after lunch.
    • Drink more water.
    • Spend a few minutes each day stretching.
    • Schedule time for activities that help you recharge.

    Small steps taken consistently can lead to lasting results. 

Make Wellness a Year-Round Priority

National Wellness Month is a great opportunity to check in on your health and explore the benefits available to you. Whether you schedule preventive care, join a fitness program, focus on nutrition or seek support for your mental well-being, every step you take is an investment in your future health.

This August, challenge yourself to choose one healthy habit and stick with it. Your future self will thank you. 

  Choose your plan below to learn more about all of these programs and how you can start using them today.

Resources

​Provider Finder® ​​

Use Provider Finder® to find a doctor to help you stay up to date on vaccines and preventive care. You can search by location, gender or specialty.

You can also connect with a plan specialist about coverage and benefits or to get help finding a provider. They can even make an appointment for you! Call 1-866-355-5999 or chat in the BCBSTX app.

Headway

Connect with an in-network mental health provider quickly and easily. You can even get same day matching with providers who have openings within 48 hours.

Mental Health Personal Health Guide

Get real-time help from specially trained PHGs who can help you find a provider or get help in a crisis. Be sure to ask for mental health help when you call 1-866-355-5999, available 24/7.

Well onTarget®

Take self-guided courses or get one-on-one support from a credentialed health expert. These wellness coaches can help you with stress management, postpartum care, fitness, and dietary habits that could affect your mental health.

Learn to Live

Get matched with the right digital mental health program for the support you need for issues like stress, anxiety, worry, depression, insomnia and sleep problems, social anxiety, and substance misuse.

Fitness Program

​Join The Fitness Program to get affordable, no-contract memberships at gyms nationwide. Choose what works best for you based on location, budget or personal preference. There's even a virtual-only option!

Member Rewards

Get rewarded for getting cancer screenings like a mammogram or visit with your PCP, OBGYN or specialist with Member Rewards. You can earn up to $599 per year.

Let's Move

Let's Move by UnitedHealthcare is here to help keep your mind, body and social life active. With simple resources, tools, events and personalized support, Let’s Move helps you explore ways to eat well, stay connected and be financially, physically and mentally fit, all at no additional cost to you.

To explore, visit Letsmovebyuhc.com through your member website.

You can also participate in live, virtual events to learn how to cook healthy meals, be physically active and explore other wellness topics by visiting the events page.

Rewards

With the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage plan, you can earn rewards for things you probably already do, like completing your annual physical and wellness visit. Once you have attested to your first Reward item, you will receive a credit on your UnitedHealthcare UCard that you can use to shop for eligible items in-store or online at participating retailers nationwide. For more information about rewards available to you, sign in or register on your member website at retiree.uhc.com/TRS-CareMA.

Find a Provider

For more information about plan coverage or to find a primary care physician call UnitedHealthcare toll-free 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Friday or register on your member website

Mental and Behavioral Health Resources

Ongoing mental health support with Optum® Behavioral Health Resources through the UnitedHealthcare Health and Wellness experience.
To learn more, call the number on your UnitedHealthcare UCard or visit Health & Wellness on your member website.

SilverSneakers

SilverSneakers® is a fitness and lifestyle program designed for UnitedHealthcare Group Medicare Advantage plan members. It’s available to you at no additional cost and offers discounted (or free!) gym memberships, virtual classes, a thriving support network, and more.  Learn more in the UHC virtual retiree center. 

Real Appeal®


Real Appeal is an online weight management and healthy lifestyle program proven to help you achieve lifelong results and Real Appeal Diabetes Prevention is a CDC-recognized lifestyle program for pre-diabetes and high-risk individuals. The programs are designed to help you feel your best, reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions and achieve your long-term health goals through behavior change strategies and support.

Get started at Real Appeal by UnitedHealthcare or call 1-844-924-7325, TTY 711.