Wellness Newsletter
THRIVE @ LOYOLA
Caring for Our Common Home
Quarterly Wellness Newsletter
Spring 2026, Volume 4
As we step into spring, it’s the perfect opportunity to refresh our routines, renew our energy, and prioritize preventive care. At Loyola, we remain deeply committed to supporting your physical, mental, and financial well‑being—living out our shared value of cura personalis, or care for the whole person.
This season brings continued enhancements to our programs, greater operational clarity, and meaningful opportunities for employee engagement. Inside, you’ll find helpful reminders, key program updates, and information about upcoming wellness‑focused events designed to support you both professionally and personally.
WHAT'S NEW?
April is National Stress Awareness Month
Managing stress supports both mental and physical well-being. Recognizing the signs
of stress, building resilience, and knowing where to seek support are key. Explore
your EAP resources, including the Sleep Well to Live Well podcast featured below, for helpful tips and tools.
Save the Date - FY27 Open Enrollment 
- Starts April 27, 2026. Ends May 8, 2026
- Benefits Fair on April 30, 2026 from 10 am to 1 pm
- Be on the lookout for more information coming soon
Prioritize Preventive Care
Spring is the perfect reminder to schedule recommended preventive screenings and annual
check‑ups. Most preventive services are covered 100% in‑network. Log in to myCigna to see if it's time for your annual physical exam. It's an easy way to complete one
of your wellness steps.
Maximize Your Retirement Plan and HSA Contributions 
The IRS sets annual limits for both the retirement plans and the HSA. Employees can update their contributions anytime during the year, outside of open enrollment. View the new annual limits below or visit the retirement plan page and HSA page for details including how to update your contributions.
| plans | annual contribution limits | age based annual contribution limits |
|---|---|---|
| 403b + Roth 403b (Combined) | $ 24,500 | $ 32,500 (age 50+) |
| HSA - Employee Only Coverage | $ 4,400 (EE & ER total) | $ 5,400 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
| HSA - 2 Party & Family Coverage | $ 8,750 (EE & ER total) | $ 9,750 (age 55+, EE & ER total) |
Retirement Plan Catch-up Contribution Changes under SECURE 2.0
If you’re 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’ll pay taxes now, but enjoy
tax-free withdrawals later. Plus, if you’re 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 TIAA account to schedule a consultation.
Add/Update your Beneficiary in Workday
Open enrollment is around the corner so this is a good time to review your beneficiary information. This is very important as all benefits-eligible employees are automatically enrolled in the Core Life Insurance plan. In addition to life insurance, benefiicary information is also needed for the retirement plan and HSA.
- Review/update your life insurance and HSA (if enrolled) beneficiary information in Workday.
- Review/update your 403(b) beneficiary information online at TIAA.
Loyola Wellness Community
Be healthy, active, and inspired. Loyola's Recreation and Wellness department offers to support physical fitness, mental wellbeing, and overall lifestyle
—through group classes, wellness programs, outdoor adventures, and more.
Spiritual Wellness
Explore spiritual wellness through reflection, faith, and connection. Loyola’s 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
- The FY27 Wellness Incentive Period starts on July 1, 2026 and ends on October 31,
2026.
- Complete your online Health Assessment.
- Have a completed annual physical/wellness exam between July 1, 2025 to October 31, 2026.
- Click a link below to get started.
Start your Wellness Steps 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 EAPHelplink. Enter Company Code "LOYOLA".
Monthly Themed Tip Sheets and Webinars
EAP Podcasts 🎙️
Sleep Well to Live Well
Quality sleep is essential to your overall well‑being. Explore how disrupted sleep,
especially in high‑stress roles can affect focus, decision‑making, emotional balance,
and physical health. Learn about the real impact of chronic fatigue and walk away
with simple, practical strategies to build healthier sleep habits and restore balance.
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
Explore Dry January, a growing public health movement where participants commit to
a month-long break from alcohol. Learn 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. Whether you’re 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 - what 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’s well‑being resources and digital tools make it easier for participants to manage whole‑person health, anytime, anywhere. Through the myCigna® web and mobile experience, members can view claims and benefits, find in‑network 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’s national virtual care network—such as MDLIVE—offers on‑demand access to board‑certified clinicians and preventive screenings, with prescriptions sent to a preferred pharmacy when appropriate. Beyond care delivery, Cigna provides evidence‑based 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’s 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 
PersonalSAGE Retirement Workshop
TIAA: Saving for Retirement
EAP: Financial Center
Educational Benefits 
- 2026-27 Tuition Exchange and FACHEX Online Applications now available at TEP.org.
- General Tuition Remission benefits information for employees and spouse? Visit Tuition Remission page.
Wellness Calendar Highlights 
March
Self-Injury Awareness Day (1)
World Obesity Day (4)
National Sleep Awareness Week (8–14)
World Kidney Day (12)
World Sleep Day (13)
Brain Awareness Week (16–22)
National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (16–20)
Certified Nurses Day (19)
International Day of Happiness (20)
American Diabetes Alert Day (24)
World TB Day (24)
World Bipolar Day (30)
International Transgender Day of Visibility (31)
National Nutrition Month
National Kidney Month
April
World Health Day (7)
National Alcohol Screening Day (9)
National Healthy Schools Day (8)
National Public Health Week (7-13)
Earth Day (22)
World Immunization Week (24-30)
National Stress Awareness Month
Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month
BIPOC Health Month
National Arab American Heritage Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Autism Month
May
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (4-10)
Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week (4-10)
National Day of Prayer (7)
National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day (7)
International Day of Action for Women’s Health (28)
World No Tobacco Day (31)
Arthritis Awareness Month
Better Sleep Month
Lupus Awareness Month
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Mental Health Month
Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month
Women’s Health Month
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Visit nationalforum.org for more wellness awareness and activities.
Past Editions
Summer 2025
Fall 2025
Winter 2026
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.