Wellness Newsletter
THRIVE @ LOYOLA
Caring for Our Common Home
Quarterly Wellness Newsletter
Winter 2026, Volume 3
Winter is here, and it鈥檚 the perfect time to focus on feeling your best. In this edition,
you鈥檒l find simple ways to stay active indoors, boost your mood during shorter days,
and keep your energy up with seasonal wellness tips. Loyola continues to focus on
employee wellbeing, operational clarity, and inclusive engagement. Inside, you鈥檒l
find important reminders about wellness incentives, policy updates, and upcoming events
designed to support you professionally and personally.
WHAT'S NEW?
Black History Month Spotlight 
Heart Health & Legacy: Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed one of the world鈥檚 first successful open鈥慼eart surgeries in 1893 鈥� repairing a wound to the protective sac around the heart. Read more about .
Maximize Your Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions 
Employees can now contribute more to their Loyola retirement plan and their health savings account. View the quick comparison below or visit the retirement plan page and HSA page for details.
| plans | 2025 maximum contribution | 2026 Maximum contribution | 2026 Maximum with Catch-up contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| 403b/Roth 403b | $ 23,500 | $ 24,500 | $ 32,500 (age 50+) |
| HSA - Employee Only Coverage | $ 4,150 (EE & ER total) | $ 4,400 (EE & ER total) | $ 5,400 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
| HSA - 2 Party & Family Coverage | $ 8,300 (EE & ER total) | $ 8,750 (EE & ER total) | $ 9,750 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
Retirement Plan Catch-up Contribution Changes under SECURE 2.0
If you鈥檙e age 50 or older, earned more than $145,000 in the prior calendar year, and
contribute the maximum amount, your catch-up contributions will automatically be made
as Roth (post-tax) to your 403(b) account. This means you鈥檒l pay taxes now, but enjoy
tax-free withdrawals later. Plus, if you鈥檙e between ages 60 and 63, you qualify for
an even higher catch-up limit. Speak with a TIAA plan advisor at 800-842-2252 or
log in to your to schedule a consultation.
Mid-Year Benefits Check-in 
We鈥檙e halfway through the plan year - are your benefits working for you? Take a moment to review your health, wellness, and financial options to stay on track for the rest of the year.
- Review/update your life insurance beneficiary information in Workday.
- Review/update your 403(b) beneficiary information online at .
- Review Loyola's Health and Wellness Programs in the .
New Year, New Healthy You
Explore coaching and tools for stress, healthy weight, and tobacco鈥慺ree living available through . Cigna enrollment is not necessary to view the following resources, however only participants can access myCigna.
(2 min video)
Omada Weight Loss Program for Cigna Participants
February is American Heart Month
A national observance dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health and
the importance of prevention. Throughout the month, we encourage everyone to take
proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart by staying informed, making mindful
lifestyle choices, and supporting wellness initiatives that promote long-term well鈥慴eing.
Quick Tip: Take a brisk 10鈥憁inute walk today. Just a short walk can help boost circulation,
lower stress, and support overall heart health. Easy, quick, and effective!
Hope & Renewal Prayer Service 
On February 6, 2026 at 10 am, Campus Ministry will hold their 8th annual Interfaith Hope and Renewal Prayer Service (H.A.R.P.S.) in the Alumni Memorial Chapel. The community is invited to gather in
prayers, readings, reflections and blessings from various faith traditions to inspire
hope and renewal at this time of the year.
Loyola Wellness Community
Be healthy, active, and inspired. Loyola's Recreation and Wellness department offers to support physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall lifestyle
鈥攖hrough group classes, wellness programs, outdoor adventures, and more.
Spiritual Wellness
Explore spiritual wellness through reflection, faith, and connection. Loyola鈥檚 Campus Ministry offers opportunities for prayer, retreats, service, and community - welcoming all
backgrounds and beliefs. Discover resources that support your journey toward meaning,
purpose, and belonging.
Wellness Incentives for Cigna Members
- Don't forget to complete your online Health Assessment before midnight on 10/31/25.
- Make sure you've completed your annual preventative exam (physical or wellness exam) within the last 12 months.
- Click a link below to get started.
Wellness/Non-Wellness Premiums Loyola Wellness
Employee Assistance Program
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) managed by Acentra Health, offers all benefits-eligible employees and their family members free, confidential support, 24/7, 365 days a year at 800-765-0770 or . Use company code "LOYOLA".
Monthly Themed Tip Sheets and Webinars
EAP Podcasts 馃帣锔�
Holiday Stress
The holiday season is often viewed as a time of joy, love, and celebration with friends and family. However, for many people, it can also be a time of stress. This podcast discusses causes of holiday stress and helpful tips on how to manage and cope during the holidays.
Dry January
In this podcast, we explore Dry January鈥攁 growing public health movement where participants commit to a month-long break from alcohol. We discuss why Dry January has become such a meaningful cultural event, highlighting how it raises awareness about alcohol use, supports healthier habits, and creates a shared sense of motivation and community. Listeners will learn about the mental-health and well-being benefits of taking a pause from drinking, along with practical strategies and tips for participating successfully.
The Science of Gratitude and Well-being
In this podcast, we explore the powerful role gratitude plays in supporting mental health and creating a healthier, more connected workplace. As we enter the holiday season鈥攁 time that can bring both joy and added stress鈥攚e break down the science behind gratitude, share how appreciation strengthens teamwork and reduces burnout, and offer practical strategies employees can use every day, both at home and at work. Whether you鈥檙e looking to boost your well-being, improve workplace relationships, or find simple tools to navigate stress, this conversation offers research-backed insights designed to help you feel more grounded, supported, and resilient.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
As the days get shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people experience changes in mood and energy that can affect both their personal lives and work performance. In this episode, we explore Seasonal Affective Disorder, or SAD鈥攚hat it is, how to recognize the signs, and what you can do to manage it. We share practical strategies to boost your well-being during the darker months and explore how small, intentional changes can make a big difference in how you feel each day.
Health Tools and Resources
Cigna鈥檚 well鈥慴eing resources and digital tools make it easier for participants to manage whole鈥憄erson health, anytime, anywhere. Through the 尘测颁颈驳苍补庐 web and mobile experience, members can view claims and benefits, find in鈥憂etwork care and cost estimates, access digital ID cards, and connect to virtual visits (including urgent care, behavioral health, dermatology, and wellness assessments), often at low or $0 cost depending on the plan. Cigna鈥檚 national virtual care network鈥攕uch as MDLIVE鈥攐ffers on鈥慸emand access to board鈥慶ertified clinicians and preventive screenings, with prescriptions sent to a preferred pharmacy when appropriate. Beyond care delivery, Cigna provides evidence鈥慴ased programs and coaching for stress management, weight management, tobacco cessation, and common behavioral health needs to help employees build healthy habits and resilience. Availability and features vary by plan; members can log in to myCigna to see what鈥檚 included for them.
Financial Well-Being
Financial wellness is key to your overall well-being. Whether you're budgeting, saving, or planning for retirement, Loyola offers tools and guidance to help you make informed decisions and reduce financial stress. Explore resources designed to support your goals - so you can focus on what matters most.
Free Live and On-Demand Financial Webinars 
Educational Benefits 
- 2026-27 Tuition Exchange and FACHEX Online Applications now available at .
- General Tuition Remission benefits information for employees and spouse? Visit Tuition Remission page.
Wellness Awareness & Activities 
January
International Mind鈥態ody Wellness Day (3rd)
Celebration of Life Day (22nd)
National Compliment Day (24th)
National Fun at Work Day (30th)
Cervical Health Awareness Month
National Blood Donor Month
Thyroid Awareness Month
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
February
World Cancer Day (4th)
National Donor Day (14th)
Founding of Mental Health America (19th)
Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb 23rd鈥揗ar 1st)
American Heart Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
March
Self-Injury Awareness Day (1st)
World Obesity Day (4th)
National Sleep Awareness Week (8th鈥�14th)
World Sleep Day (13th)
World Kidney Day (13th)
Brain Awareness Week (16th鈥�22nd)
National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (16th鈥�20th)
International Day of Happiness (20th)
American Diabetes Alert Day (24th)
World Bipolar Day (30th)
International Transgender Day of Visibility (31st)
National Nutrition Month
National Kidney Month
Visit for more wellness activities.
Wellness Newsletter Past Editions
Fall 2025
Disclaimer: Content in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not replace official policies or plan documents. For accurate benefits details, refer to the appropriate OPC materials. Loyola is not responsible for the content or services of external websites or vendors mentioned.