Wellness Newsletter
THRIVE @ LOYOLA
Caring for Our Common Home
Quarterly Wellness Newsletter
Winter 2026, Volume 3
Winter is here, and it’s the perfect time to focus on feeling your best. In this edition,
you’ll 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’ll
find important reminders about wellness incentives, policy updates, and upcoming events
designed to support you professionally and personally.
WHAT'S NEW?
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’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.
New Year, New Healthy You 
Explore coaching and tools for stress, healthy weight, and tobacco‑free living available through myCigna®. Cigna enrollment is not necessary to view the following resources, however only participants can access myCigna.
Change a Habit by Setting Goals
Weight Management
Cervical Cancer Screening (2 min video)
Omada Weight Loss Program for Cigna Participants
January is Mental Wellness Month
Invest in your emotional health and overall wellbeing. Take the time to slow down,
recharge, and build habits that help you feel your best all year long.
Quick Tip: Start your day with 5 minutes of mindfulness—just breathe deeply and set
a positive intention. Small steps like this can reduce stress and boost your mood.
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
—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 
- 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.
myCigna 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. Use company code "LOYOLA".
Monthly Themed Tip Sheets and Webinars
EAP Podcasts 🎙️
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—a 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—a time that can bring both joy and added stress—we 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’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 Awareness & Activities 
January
International Mind‑Body 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–Mar 1st)
American Heart Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
March
Self-Injury Awareness Day (1st)
World Obesity Day (4th)
National Sleep Awareness Week (8th–14th)
World Sleep Day (13th)
World Kidney Day (13th)
Brain Awareness Week (16th–22nd)
National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week (16th–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 MHA for more wellness activities.
Wellness Newsletter Past Editions
Summer 2025
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.