By Lupina Fry, Wellness Nurse

When the temperature reaches into the 90’s some of us head for the air conditioning indoors, while others head for the sunny outdoors! The longer days beckon us to enjoy the sunshine and the activities available to us. Whether it’s a barbecue with family and friends, or just a walk outdoors, it’s important to be careful of the greater exposure to the sun’s rays and the accompanying heat. While there might be some precautions we know by heart, there can be many misconceptions.

For instance, sunscreen is helpful but alone is not enough. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin including, scalp, upper back and other hard to reach areas, a full ounce at least 15 minutes before heading outdoors and again every two hours. Sunscreen becomes less effective over time as well, so reapply regularly.

Don’t forget to grab a stylish pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes as well. If you like your sunglasses, you’re more likely to wear them. Blockage of 99-100% of UVA/UVB rays is standard for sunglasses made in the US today. Single gradient, shaded only on top, are great for driving; double gradient, shaded
bottom and top, are best if you’ll be involved in activities or sports.

Seek shade whenever possible, wear light colored clothing that covers any exposed skin. Consider a wide brimmed hat to protect the delicate skin on ears and neck. Dr. Vernon Sondak, Chair of the Cutaneous Oncology Program at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida has this useful phrase- “slip, slap, slop”. “Slip” on protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirt and long pants; “slap” on a brimmed hat and sunglasses; “slop” on a lot of sunscreen.

Remember to stay hydrated, as well! Start your day with a full glass of water, drinking at least two more before heading to any outdoor activity. If engaging in strenuous activity continue drinking those important fluids. Lastly, try to avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Keeping these precautions in mind will help make your summer a safe and more enjoyable one!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to play a round of golf at Pebble Beach or St. Andrews, just like the professionals? Well, now you can at Trinity Woods’ new Indoor Golf Experience, located on campus.

“We are so excited to off er this new activity to our residents,” said Steve Dickie, Trinity Woods CEO. “Whether you are an everyday golfer, trying to fi ne-tune your swing, or just trying to do something fun with your friends, this is a great opportunity.”

The Indoor Golf Experience features golf simulator technology that is used by novice and professional golfers all over the world. Residents can play a round of golf on one of 25 golf courses, have a long drive contest, or just practice. The golf simulator can also provide immediate swing analysis data such as
angle and speed.

It doesn’t matter your level of golf experience, whether it’s beginner or experienced golfer, anyone can play. The Indoor Golf Experience is meant to bring people together for a fun opportunity.

“We hope the golfers in the community enjoy the fact that they can get in a round of golf no matter the weather outside and we hope it allows more people to try something new. Who knows, maybe there is a hidden talent on campus waiting to be discovered,” said Dickie.

Highlights:
Stunning reproductions of the world’s best courses – Enjoy the world’s most challenging and beautiful courses, all faithfully reproduced to deliver the most true-to-life golf simulation experience available.

Endless Settings Customization – From player options to weather conditions, there are nearly endless options.

Compete in Skills Challenges, Closest to the Pin, and Long Drive competitions – Power and precision become the focus in our skills challenges. Test your skills against others on a selected par 4, par 5, or the Foresight Sports range.

This new experience available at Trinity Woods would not have been possible without the generosity of Rich and Barbara Lilienthal. Be watching for more information on the Indoor Golf Experience location, times of play, and tutorial sessions.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (KJV)

When we allow fear into our lives, our thinking gets clouded. Instead of seeing situations from God’s point of view, our fears and worries about what others think (or will think), our finances, our health, our loved ones, our jobs, our school, our homes, etc. cloud our assessments and rob us of the joy of walking in God’s victory.

The opposite of living in fear is living in fearlessness, or boldness and confidence. I got to thinking about some individuals in the Bible who lived fearlessly: Joshua, Caleb, Deborah, Esther, David, Paul, Daniel, and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Each of them boldly faced their situations because they were confident in God and in His will…and submitted to whatever that was. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego had confidence God could save them from the flames, yet they were surrendered to perish if God chose to allow the flames to consume them (Daniel 3).

On the other hand, the Bible has many examples of individuals who lived fearfully, such as the man who hid his talent in the ground (Matthew 25:14-28). This man was so afraid of making a mistake and displeasing his master that he wasted even the one talent he had been given. Fear immobilized him.

We can’t overestimate the importance of thinking clearly, both physically and spiritually. This month let us remember to check ourselves to see if we are surrendered to God’s will and confident in His love, care, and leading, or if we’re allowing fear to cloud our thinking…and ultimately our actions.

When we have alleviated our fears, we can then begin the process of thinking with a sound mind – “Thinking Clearly”.