USI Health Bulletin

 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Early Detection Matters.  Click the link for more information.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1uWnzh_sgA8JGb07GJ6iMPR7j3sC_LJnY/view?usp=sharing

Healthy Aging

We all want to age gracefully and get the most out of life as long as we can.  Click the link for some helpful tips.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ScZgNzhdGdW_kUFArnp3iB_Qz8SZgI5m/view?usp=sharing 

Preventive Care

 Preventive Care Guide from Cigna

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MWQXD5duxwAUv5i-G6j76JhTWfzuMM0E/view?usp=sharing

ABCs of Physical Therapy

 Doctor prescribed Physical Therapy?  To get the most form your care, remember the ABCs.  Click the link to learn more.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1kF6_4sssvvW3jufrwuTnlkLLwkkzRD8E/view?usp=sharing

Finding a doctor in Cigna

 Finding a doctor in Cigna is easy.  Click the link below for a helpful flyer.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RcMGEpDC6nXEaEJQLT8dSad7MKUdKPTU/view?usp=sharing

401(k) Company Match Continues for Plan Year Beginning July 1, 2026

 Independent is pleased to announce that it will continue matching 50% of each employee's 401(k) contributions for the plan year beginning July 1, 2026, up to the annual company match limit of $650.

This means that an employee who contributes $1,300 or more during the plan year will receive the maximum company match, resulting in a total investment of at least $1,950 in their retirement account. The automatic enrollment salary deferral will continue at 4% for employees when they become eligible to participate in the Plan.

While some companies have chosen to reduce or suspend their 401(k) matching contributions, Independent remains committed to supporting our employees' financial future. Continuing the company match reflects our confidence in the strength and stability of the organization. The Board approved the 401(k) committee’s recommendation.  Independent’s 401(k) Committee includes: Charlene Bisson, CEO/President, Wanda Ford-Waring, CS Vice President & Plan Trustee, Nicole Millner, CS Accounting Manager and Kathleen Kotzbauer, Arizona Business Manager

Saving for retirement is more important than ever, and the 401(k) Plan remains one of the most effective ways to build long-term financial security.  NFP Retirement Services is Independent’s co-fiduciary who provides administration, investment consulting and other services to the employees.  NFP will be conducting one-on-one meetings to discuss retirement, financial wellness and other related topics of the 401(k) plan.  Schedule a meeting with NFP’s wealth management advisory at  https://go.oncehub.com/30minuteInitialConsultation .

If you have questions about the 401(k) Plan or how to invest, contact the NFP service team at 800-958-5124 (press 3) or email TPAEdge@exchange.principal.com . Independent’s contract/plan ID# is 7- 21638.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xoWXizbv7mcPSFy52Tgc3d1tpsz5bAgW/view?usp=sharing

Fun in the Sun

 A little sunshine can provide your body with a natural source of  vitamin D and help improve your mood.  But too much of a good thing is not good.  Click the link to read USI July bulletin.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Qx0N_bUiDmxRk4lHJsT0Uc-7AFWxW7M7/view?usp=sharing

USI Health Bulletin

 Exercise your mind.  To learn how to support Brain Health click the link below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bcQC5LMtDCQLqunmM-M59GSp0z6elPS2/view?usp=sharing

USI Health Bulletin

Taking Care of Your Mental Health

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wljM6kPmmgfNTvyO9GRHRFAgg6Tdzx9z/view?usp=sharing

Alcohol and Your Health: Risks and Recommendations

April is Alcohol Awareness Month.  While alcohol is often enjoyed for socializing  or relaxation, it carries significant health risks.  Click the link below for more information,

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bUOgovrElbtgTbRzqRmXQrNpLk3g7PG_/view?usp=sharing

How to Read a Menu

 How to Read a Menu with Nutrition in Mind

 Ordering out should feel like a treat, not a setback. And eating well doesn’t have to be a guessing game.

 Whether you’re grabbing something quick after a long day or going out to celebrate, making nutrition-conscious choices doesn’t mean overthinking the menu. It just means knowing what to look for. Many restaurants now list calories right on the menu, which is a helpful starting point, but there’s more to the story.

 Here’s how to keep it simple:

·       Take a quick scan before deciding. Calories can help you compare options at a glance.

·       Look beyond the buzzwords. Labels like “high protein” or “low fat” don’t always tell the full picture, and most places can provide more detailed nutrition info if you ask.

Plan ahead when you can. Checking the menu beforehand can make it easier to choose without feeling rushed.

 Watch for These Menu Traps

 Certain words can be a signal that a dish is higher in calories, saturated fat, or sodium:

• Crispy, crunchy, battered, breaded
• Creamy, cheesy, alfredo

 Instead, lean toward options that are:

• Grilled, baked, roasted, or steamed

Lighter preparations like marinara or “al fresco”

 Simple Swaps That Make a Big Difference

 You don’t need to overhaul your order!  

 These small adjustments can go a long way:

• Choose water, unsweetened tea, or coffee instead of sugary drinks
• Ask for sauces and dressings on the side
• Swap fries for vegetables or fruit when possible
• Consider saving half your meal for later

 Make It Work for You

 There’s no “perfect” order—only what works best for your body and your goals.

 

 

Caring for High Blood Pressure

 High blood pressure, or hypertension, is known as the "silent killer" because it quietly damages blood vessels and my lead to health issues.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xtHOnlkVyOm0PcC9Y5-Nn6i97uLeuFxb/view?usp=sharing

Paid Holiday Schedule

 Please note the next INI holiday will be Memorial Day, May 25, 2026.

Independent provides employees with time off for the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth National Independence Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Thanksgiving Day
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas

Holiday pay is paid at the employee’s normal rate of pay and based on their normally scheduled work hours. For hourly employees, time off for holiday does not count when determining overtime for that specific week, nor is it to exceed 40 regular hours a week.

• Non-regular full-time employees are not entitled to holiday pay

• Regular full-time employees on vacation or excused absence will receive the holiday pay.

• Employees on unpaid leave are not entitled to holiday pay

• Salaried exempt employees are entitled to their normal compensation without any deductions for holidays observed by the company

• There is no accrual for the holiday when used.

• Time off is to occur on the actual holiday. With prior management approval, an employee may take the paid holiday on another day within the pay period in which the holiday occurs.

• If there is a circumstance such as an ‘act of God’ (i.e., hurricane) impacting the office personnel’s absence within the month in which a holiday occurs, the holiday may be used within another pay period of the month if approved by the CEO.

Printing Operations - For the printing operations only, if/when a regular full-time, non-exempt (hourly) employee is scheduled by their manager to work on the holiday, the employee will be paid time and a half for the hours worked.

• The maintenance-electrical technicians for the printing companies are scheduled off for the holiday. However, due to emergency reasons, these employees may be called in to repair equipment on a holiday. If they work less than eight (8) hours, the technician may use the remaining balance as holiday in the pay period in which the holiday occurs. The hours worked on the holiday will be paid time and half. This applies only to this position.

• The manager will make payroll@iniusa.org aware in advance of the scheduled full-time employees who are scheduled to work on the holidays.

• When an employee from the printing operations works on a holiday, the time worked is counted when determining overtime for the week.

• The employee who works on a holiday cannot use another day within that pay period to use time off for the holiday. However, an employee may use available vacation to take another day off within that pay period, provided they request the time off in advance and receive approval.

When an employee leaves the employment of Independent, they will not receive payout for the remaining holidays for the year.

 

USI Health Bulletin

 Know the Signs of Stroke

Did you know that someone in the U.S. des from a stroke every three and a half minutes, and that stroke is a leading cause of disability? 

Think FAST when stroke signs and symptoms occur.  Click the link below for more information. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1gVrZRP1gaKBNWWegjalmSwKLqx00xwjv/view?usp=sharing

Personalized Nutrition Support Is Available

 

Utopia WellCare info@utopiawellcare.com

Personalized nutrition support is not just for the rich and famous. You can meet one-on-one with a Utopia WellCare Registered Dietitian to get a nutrition plan built around you. Your dietitian will take your health, lifestyle, and goals into account, then help you build better eating and grocery shopping habits that actually stick. We focus on progress, not perfection. The first step is easy — just schedule a free appointment!

Appointments are free for Independent Newsmedia insurance plan members. No out-of-pocket costs, guaranteed.

Email info@utopiswellcare.com

USI Health Bulletin for January

 Preventive Care is important to identify abnormal changes to your health. 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1H9Z6KE-MIJmbjMHHJCWYF-oCkUrociy8/view?usp=sharing

New Vacation Policy Begins January 1, 2026

 VACATION:  Independent provides paid vacation time to its employees for the purpose of taking time off and are encouraged to do so during the year.  Vacation is reset the beginning of each calendar year based upon the years of service. 

Below is the annual vacation schedule.  Part-timers would be eligible for half of the hours shown and temporary employees will receive 20 hours.

*will receive 20 hours after three months of service during the year in which the employee is hired.

Each individual should schedule the planned use of vacation with his or her team leader and must advise his or her team leader as soon as possible when taking vacation for any reason. Certainly, planned absences of more than a few days must be scheduled well in advance so that arrangements can be made to get the individual's work done in his or her absence.

 

Due to the nature of our business and because most divisions have only limited staff, a team leader may refuse to approve an individual's request to take vacation at any specific time or to use more than 80 consecutive vacation hours. In all cases, requests to use more than 80 consecutive vacation hours must be approved in advance by Independent’s senior management.

 

There is no carryover of unused vacation into the following year. Unused vacation will be forfeited.

 

Workplace Safety Awareness

Everyone  is at risk for workplace injuries.  Stay current with training and safety procedures.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1h2DOolCpSM07VGQPTM-wmZyLfJnTHMXG/view?usp=sharing

Approving Time Off Requests

 Many employees are requesting time off through  the ADP app.  This is good.  However, ADP was not setup to notify anyone of requested time off, time was simply entered on the employee’s timecard.  This left managers completely in the dark as to when their team members were taking time off.   ADP has now been changed to send managers a notification email requiring approval for all time off requests.  If a manager does not approve a request the time off will not be entered for the employee.  The process for receiving, reviewing and approving requests is below.

Approving Time Off Requests

• The manager receives an email from ADP (noreply@adp.com Subject Action Needed: Pending Workflow Approval
• Email message: The Employee - Time Off Request for NAME needs your approval. Go to the ADP Workforce Now Things to Do to take action on this event.
• Manager signs on to ADP
• Clicks on Things to Do at the top
• Select Tasks (will probably be open to this tab)
• You will see the request
• Click review
• Click either approve request or Deny request
• If approved the time off is entered on their timecard
• Employee will receive a confirmation email

USI Health Bulletin - Practicing Self-Care

We often feel obligated to say “yes” when someone asks for our time or

energy. But saying “no” is OK, especially when you feel overwhelmed. Setting

healthy boundaries helps avoid burnout, anxiety, and stress.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/13WoskxQGh2DJd_WqdjJXCb4LltRoEH6P/view?usp=sharing