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MARCH 2026
Omada Meal Map — a new way to track what you eat
There’s no one “perfect” diet. But if you want to eat healthier, try the Omada Meal Map. It’s not about perfection, just progress.
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Get real-time meal insights
Snap photos of your meals and the Omada app will give you instant feedback and personalized nutrition guidance. It makes it easier to:
- Focus on nutrients, not calories
- See how balanced your meals are with quick feedback
- Track eating habits without calorie counting
- Get tips and recipes that fit your taste
- View weekly summaries of your eating patterns
Meal Map helps you build healthy habits that last — boosting energy, supporting immunity and lowering your risk of heart disease, diabetes and more. You can also discuss your goals and progress with your Health Coach.
Get more support from Omada
Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension and Prevention Weight Health offers care between doctor visits with personalized coaching, smart tools and proven strategies.
Diabetes
Eat well, move more and manage stress to support healthy glucose levels
- Smart scale, glucose meter and strips
Hypertension
Lower blood pressure
- Blood pressure monitor and/or smart scale
Prevention & Weight Health
Reduce health risks through small but powerful changes, including weight loss
- Smart scale
OmadaHealth.com/Costco | 888-409-8687 | Age 18+ | No cost
Take charge: Tips to help prevent and manage diabetes
Managing blood sugar doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Small changes can make a big difference.
Build a balanced plate
- Half: Non-starchy vegetables — broccoli, spinach, peppers
- One-quarter: Lean protein — chicken, fish, eggs, tofu, beans
- One-quarter: Nutrient-rich carbs — whole grains, beans, corn, potatoes, peas
Make smart carb choices
Pick high-fiber, low-sugar carbs (beans, fruit and whole grains) over refined carbs (white bread and pasta, pastries and chips).
Avoid hidden sugars in drinks
Choose water or unsweetened options like seltzer or tea instead of sugary sports drinks and sodas.
Choose the right fats
Opt for unsaturated fats, like olive oil, nuts and avocado, and omega-3s like salmon instead of foods high in saturated fat.
Watch sodium
Choose more fresh foods. Canned soups, deli meats, prepackaged snacks and frozen entrées are often very high in sodium.
Categories
2 min read
2 MIN READ
MARCH 2026
Benefits to help with weight management
Does it feel like everything you eat upsets your stomach — and you’ve been dealing with this discomfort for years? You’re not alone. Nearly 40,000 Costco employees and their family members deal with gut issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.
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Access health programs built just for you
Omada can help you lose weight, manage diabetes and lower blood pressure with one-on-one coaching, smart device and specialist support (if needed). Programs are available to employees and dependents age 18+ enrolled in a Costco medical plan.
Diabetes —
Keep glucose levels in check. Includes a glucose meter and test strips.
Hypertension —
Take control of your blood pressure. Includes a pressure monitor and/or smart scale.
Prevention —
Lower your health risks through small but powerful changes, including weight loss.
Includes a wireless smart scale.
Is it just a snore or something more?
Snoring, grogginess and headaches are just three symptoms of sleep apnea. Having extra weight can put pressure on your airways and increase your risk of this condition.
GEM Sleep, now available through Sleepio, makes it easy to get tested and treated for sleep apnea from the comfort of your own bed, without an overnight stay at a sleep clinic. Aetna medical plan benefits apply.
Let a registered dietitian weigh in
The Aetna Live Healthy Team offers dedicated support to Costco employees and their family members. They can connect you with registered dietitians who can build a meal plan that fits your needs — whether that’s eating more protein, losing weight, or lowering your cholesterol or blood sugar.
Make eating healthy simpler and more fun
Costco employees and their families get discounted rates for WeightWatchers, a points-based weight-loss program with recipes and resources to help you stay motivated — and keep the weight off.
Well-being coaching can help you meet your goals
Resources for Living® (RFL®) offers free, confidential well-being coaching to help you work toward almost any goal, like weight loss or meal planning. It’s all about you and what you want to achieve. Check out the RFL Healthy Living Guidebook for actionable guidance on nutrition, movement, mindset and more to support your health on and off the scale.
Source(s):
WebMd. What is body composition?
Sleep Foundation. How weight affects sleep apnea
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1 min read
1 MIN READ
MARCH 2026
Tired of stomachaches after you eat?
Does it feel like everything you eat upsets your stomach — and you’ve been dealing with this discomfort for years? You’re not alone. Nearly 40,000 Costco employees and their family members deal with gut issues like bloating, cramping and constipation.
Looking for more? Find other articles below
Figure out what’s going on with your gut
Cylinder, your free digestive health program, starts with an at-home gut health test to measure good and bad bacteria. Then experts and registered dietitians help you spot triggers and build a gut-friendly meal plan.
Registered dietitian: One-on-one support for symptom triggers, meal planning, nutrition tips, weight management and overall gut health.
Health coach: Help managing stress, setting goals, navigating health care, making exercise plans, managing medications and making lasting changes.
On-call nurse: On-demand support — anytime, anywhere.
What’s your poop trying to tell you?
Get answers from Cylinder’s new Stool Tracker. How it works:
- Snap a photo of your stool and upload it to the app
- Get an analysis based on the Bristol Stool Chart
- See helpful insights on what’s going on inside you
You can also track meals, symptoms (like bloating and pain), stress levels and other digestive factors in a diary. The app helps build a custom care plan, with support from a coach and registered dietitian to help you identify trigger foods and ease your symptoms.
Gut health is more than just a bellyache
That’s why it’s important to know what’s going on. Your gut is home to trillions of tiny organisms that affect more than just digestion. From immune health to mood and even sleep, your gut plays a big role in how you feel every day.
Immune health — About 70% of your immune system lives in your gut.1 A healthy gut fights germs and keeps inflammation in check.
Mental health — Your gut and brain are closely connected. Most of your body’s serotonin — the “feel-good chemical” — is made in your gut.
Sleep — Your gut helps produce melatonin, the hormone that controls sleep. When your gut is out of balance, sleep can suffer.2
Get better rest with Sleepio, an online sleep improvement program. And don’t ignore the snore and grogginess no matter how much sleep you get — GEM Sleep (now available through Sleepio) offers at-home sleep tests and treatments for sleep apnea. Available to mainland employees only.
Source(s):
1Nutrients. The interplay between the gut microbiome and the immune system in the context of infectious diseases throughout life and the role of nutrition in optimizing treatment strategies
2Open Life Sciences. Gut microbiota and sleep: Interaction mechanisms and therapeutic processes
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1 min read
1 MIN READ
MARCH 2026
Build meal plans with a registered dietitian
Planning healthy meals can feel hard when you’re busy with work and life. A registered dietitian can take the mystery out of meal planning, guide you on nutrition and grocery lists, and help you reach your goals.
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Connect with a dietitian at no cost
The Live Healthy Team can connect you with registered dietitians to help build a meal plan and healthier eating habits. Connect with a Live Healthy registered dietitian by calling the Live Healthy Team at 800-814-3543, Monday–Friday, 7 am–7 pm CT, or completing the Registered Dietitian Form. Available to mainland employees only.
Another resource that supports healthier eating habits is Omada for Diabetes, Hypertension and Prevention & Weight Health. If you’re age 18+, get programs and one-on-one support for weight loss, plus help managing and preventing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Visit OmadaHealth.com/Costco or call 888-409-8687 to get started.
Meal planning can also help you lose weight and improve gut health. Cylinder, a digestive health program for those age 18+, also offers nutrition support. Work one-on-one with a dietitian on food choices, meal planning, weight management and more. Visit Go.CylinderHealth.com/Costco or call 888-246-5019 to learn more. Available to mainland and Hawaii employees only.
SSS Contigo connects you with a team of health experts, including nutritionists and health educators. They can help you plan nutritious meals while keeping in mind your health, social and nutritional needs. Head to SSSPR.com to learn more or call 787-706-2552 or 800-981-3241. Available to Puerto Rico employees only.
All Costco employees and their family members age 18+ can join
WeightWatchers
at a discounted rate. Learn how to eat healthier, move more and reach your weight-loss goals.
Find recipes, track your food and activity, and monitor your progress as you go. You can learn
more by visiting
WW.com/Costco
or calling
866-204-2885.
Check out this month’s healthy WITT recipe.
Check out this month’s healthy WITT recipe.
Categories
1 min read
1 MIN READ
MARCH 2026
Recipe: Greek chicken sheet pan dinner
Want a healthy, stress-free dinner that’s full of flavor? This Greek chicken sheet pan meal is packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies and gut-healthy ingredients — roasted together for a nutritious, satisfying dish with easy cleanup.
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Ingredients:
3 tbsp. extra virgin olive or avocado oil
4 Kirkland Signature boneless, skinless chicken thighs
2 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
1/2 cup kalamata olives
Garnishes: freshly chopped parsley, feta cheese
Directions:
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Step 2
Combine the oil, chicken, lemon juice, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Marinate in the fridge while you prepare the veggies.
Step 3
Arrange the prepared veggies and olives on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Step 4
Place the chicken on top of the veggies and roast for 30 to 35 minutes.
Step 5
Top with fresh parsley, feta or other optional garnishes, then serve.
Boost your gut health
Your gut is home to trillions of good bacteria that keep your digestion, immunity and overall health on track. And they thrive on variety! Toss in any of these fiber-rich veggies for extra flavor and to keep your microbiome strong:
3 cloves of minced garlic
1 can (14 oz.) of artichoke hearts in water (drained and cut in half)
1 cup of cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
1 cup of Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
A mix of different colored bell peppers
1 diced red onion
Nutrition facts
Nutrition facts
Serving size: 1 | Calories: 363 | Total fat: 19 g | Sodium: 496 mg | Total carbohydrates: 7 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 3 g | Protein: 27 g
Source: Cylinder
Looking for more healthy recipes?
With WeightWatchers program and app, you can lose weight, find healthy recipes, move more and develop a more positive mindset. Costco employees can join now for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.
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2 min read
1 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Skin checks help catch cancer early
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers among Costco employees, affecting more than 6,000 employees and family members. In the U.S., 1 in 5 people will develop skin cancer by the age of 70.1 It’s also become increasingly common among young adults.2
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5-year survival rates for melanoma3 — the most serious type of skin cancer
Stage 0: about 100% when it’s caught before it spreads deeper into the skin
Stage 1–2 (localized): 97% once it grows deeper into the skin
Stage 3 (regional): 60% once it spreads to the lymph nodes
Stage 4 (distant): 16% once it spreads to other organs
Skin checks can help you catch skin cancer early, when it’s easier to treat.
Concerned about a new or changing mole?
Get on-demand care via text from 98point6® for a $0 copay. In just a few minutes, you can start an appointment and get a diagnosis and treatment for skin issues, allergies and more.
Take a photo and upload it to your doctor or describe what you’re seeing. Clinicians can tell you if it looks concerning or recommend following up with a specialist, such as a dermatologist or oncologist, for biopsies or treatment.
Need help finding a dermatologist? Get tips on how to find an in-network doctor.
Start with a self-exam
Doctors recommend a skin cancer self-check once a month, ideally after a shower or bath. Be on the lookout for any new, changing or unusual moles or spots. If anything seems off, you’ll want to get it checked by a dermatologist right away.Here’s how to do a self-exam:
Check your whole body in a full-length mirror — front, back and sides with arms raised.
Look at underarms, forearms and palms — bend elbows for a closer view.
Check your legs and feet — including backs of legs, between toes and soles.
Use a hand mirror for your neck and scalp — part your hair to see your skin.
Finish with your backside — use a hand mirror for hard-to-see areas.
Your primary care provider may recommend annual skin exams by a board-certified dermatologist if you have a:
- History of skin cancer in your family
- History of blistering sunburns or tanning bed use
- Large number of moles or a history of atypical moles
- History of regular sun exposure
Source(s):
1 Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin cancer facts & statistics.
2 Journal of Cancer Education. Increasing skin cancer prevention in young adults: The cumulative impact of personalized UV photography and MC1R genetic testing.
3 National Cancer Institute. Melanoma: Five-year survival rates.
Categories
1 min read
1 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Heart-healthy pasta e fagioli
It’s soup season! When colds and flus start making the rounds, nothing beats a quick, heart-healthy bowl of soup. This Italian classic is a hearty, veggie-packed soup with beans, pasta and a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s comfort in a bowl.
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Heart health in every bite
Olive oil
Healthy fats to help lower bad cholesterol
Veggies
Fiber and antioxidants for blood pressure
Vegetable broth
Flavor without saturated fat
Beans and spinach
Plant protein and minerals for heart health
Pasta
Energy in a small portion
Parmesan
Flavor with minimal saturated fat
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 min | Cook Time: 25 min
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
2 tsp. Kirkland Signature Olive Oil
1 rib celery, finely chopped
1 carrot, finely chopped
1 medium red onion, finely chopped
1 plum tomato, coarsely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
4 cups vegetable broth
1/2 cup uncooked macaroni (ditalini or elbows)
15 1/2 oz. can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
5 oz. baby spinach, coarsely chopped
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
Step 1
Heat oil in a medium pot over medium-high. Cook celery, carrot and onion until tender (about 8 minutes), stirring often.
Step 2
Add tomato and garlic. Cook until tomato softens (about 6 minutes).
Step 3
Stir in broth and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Cook uncovered until pasta is tender (about 8 minutes).
Step 4
Add beans and spinach. Cook until heated through and spinach wilts (about 2 minutes).
Step 5
Divide into bowls and top with Parmesan.
Nutrition facts
Serving size: 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tsp. cheese | Calories: 177 | Total fat: 3 g | Saturated fat: 1 g | Sodium: 638 mg | Carbs: 24 g | Sugar: 4 g | Fiber: 6 g | Protein: 7 g
Source: WeightWatchers
With WeightWatchers you can lose weight, eat healthier, move more and develop a more positive mindset. Costco employees can join now for as low as $9 per month, and spouses/domestic partners and dependents can join for as low as $14.50 each per month. Participants must be age 18 or older to join. Sign up at WW.com/Costco or call 866-204-2885.
Categories
2 min read
1 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Get answers to claims and coverage questions
Health care can be confusing. It’s normal to have questions — especially when you’re trying to figure out what’s covered or how your claim was processed.
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If you’re enrolled in the Aetna® medical plan, the Aetna Health℠ app is like an on-call personal assistant who helps make health care simpler.
Here are new tools that make it easier to access your plan info
New! Understand claims at a glance
Snap a photo of your provider bill to match it with the right claim. Then you’ll get a clear breakdown of what your plan covers and what you owe.
Ask away, get quick answers
Tap the smart chat icon for quick answers to questions, 24/7. Try “What’s my deductible?” You can also chat with a live agent Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm.
Use the search bar to get more detailed answers — but without medical terms or complex language. Type “What’s my chiro benefit?” and you’ll get your copay, visit limit and other coverage info.
Track your costs
Tap into tools to track your spending, deductible, coinsurance, claims and Health Care Reimbursement Account expenses. That way, you can stay on top of your health care costs.
What else can you do on the Aetna Health app?
Access your ID card
Check coverage
Find care
Compare costs and more
New! Get personalized care recommendations
Get started with Aetna Care Paths for personalized condition support, tailored care recommendations and more — all powered by technology to simplify your health care experience.
Categories
2 min read
2 MIN READ
FEBRUARY 2026
Has health taken a back seat to your to-do list?
Between work, family and everything else, it’s easy to put health on the back burner — especially if you’re not feeling sick. When you’re caring for others, it’s easy to overlook preventive care and other ways to stay healthy. But when you take care of yourself, you’re in a better position to support those around you. Your well-being matters — and taking time for it is important.
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Here are 3 ways to stay on top of your health and your family’s — and make the most of your benefits
1. Save time and money when you need care right away
The ER is for emergencies
Using the emergency room (ER) for nonemergency care can lead to longer wait times and higher costs. When your situation isn’t life-threatening, you have other in-network options for care.
Got a sick kid? Dealing with a cold or the flu?
Get urgent virtual care for a $0 copay through 98point6® — text-based care, 24/7, at home or on the go. It’s available to employees and dependents age 1+ enrolled in the Aetna® or HMSA medical plan. Visit 98point6/Costco or download the app so you’re ready when you need care.
Wondering where to go for care? Not sure if you need the ER or if it can wait until morning?
Call the Aetna 24-Hour Nurse Line for guidance from a registered nurse. They’re available 24/7 at 800-556-1555 (TTY: 711) to answer health questions and help you find urgent in-network care when you need it.
You can also download the Aetna Health℠ app to find in-network urgent care and walk-in clinics. (Text AETNA to 90156 to download the app. Note that message and data rates may apply.)
In case of emergency
For a true emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER. True emergencies are always covered — even out of network.
2. Get your annual checkups on the calendar
It may take weeks — sometimes months — to get in for your routine checkup. Schedule yours early and build a healthy habit.
Preventive care is key, even if you’re healthy. It includes your yearly physical, recommended screenings and vaccines. Your provider can use these tools to help catch health issues early, like heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and some cancers. They can also recommend heart-healthy lifestyle habits to reduce your risk of serious conditions down the road.
Don’t forget: You pay $0 when you use in-network providers. Having trouble finding an in-network doctor accepting new patients? Your Aetna Health Concierge can help you find providers and schedule appointments.
3. Book dental and vision exams early
Planning ahead helps prevent you from competing for appointments during the end-of-year rush.
Dental exams and cleanings protect your teeth, mouth and overall health. Plus, you and your enrolled dependents can each earn a $50 credit toward your medical deductible and coinsurance when you get your first dental cleaning each year with an in-network dentist.
Eye exams check vision and can spot early signs of conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. Your plan pays up to $80 for your annual eye exam and $200 toward prescribed eyewear from Costco Optical every year.
If you’re unsure about your hearing, consider scheduling a hearing exam at a Costco Hearing Aid Center. If you need medically necessary hearing aids, your plan pays up to $1,750 every 4 years. Your plan also pays up to $3,000 every 4 years for enrolled dependents under age 18.