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”.

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

Life sometimes gets hard. Things we don’t want to happen occur. Our plans vaporize. We find ourselves exactly where we never wanted to be—or perhaps we have to sit by and watch a loved one suffer.

Yet God gives rivers in the deserts of life. We want a way around them—for ourselves and for our loved ones. But God doesn’t promise to take us around the deserts of life—instead He promises to give us life-giving, refreshing rivers in the midst of them. Many times, it’s in the desert—in those hard times—we
learn to receive His miraculous provision and strength.

“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19

Whatever you’re facing, whether it’s a big or comparatively small hardship, choose to thank God. Thank Him because it can help show you His provision. Thank Him for working all things together for your good (Romans 8:28). Thank Him that He knows what it is to suffer—that He came and suffered on the cross so we would one day get to live again with Him in a perfect world. Thank Him for using suffering to refine and work eternal glory we cannot even comprehend (2 Corinthians 4:17), even though suffering was not part of His original creation but came as a result of the fall in the garden of Eden. Thank God for how He has proven His faithfulness to you and others in the past and know that He will be faithful to keep and guide you through this too.

As you choose to “rejoice always” (1 Thessalonians 5:16), you’ll find the refreshing rivers of His strength and joy in the middle of life’s challenges.

By Irene Brown, Life Enrichment Coordinator

Wow! Trinity Woods is not only a community of lifelong learners, but we are blessed with an amazing number of talented, educated, and enthusiastic lifelong teachers as well. This year will mark the seventh year of Trinity Woods Summer School and I am excited to announce that it also is the year we have more classes than ever before, all taught by our very own community members in July and August.

The Wellness Team strives to off er lifelong learning programs on a variety of different topics. We recognize that people have a natural drive to explore, learn and grow and we encourage everyone to improve their quality of life and sense of self-worth by pursuing the ideas and goals that inspire them. Kudos to those who have stepped up each year of Summer School not only to learn but also to teach such fascinating classes.

Lifelong learning is good for your brain and for your self-esteem. Trinity Woods Summer School classes promote social wellness as we learn and discuss together. There is such a wide variety of classes offered this year that I know every resident will find at least one class to be of interest. From games to wine to end-of-life planning to science to theology and even more, there is a cornucopia of learning to be enjoyed!

All the classes will be held on the Trinity Woods campus. The classes are all at different times, which makes it easy to take part in as many classes as you wish. Peruse the fascinating course offerings and see what you would like to learn more about. For a full list of the classes offered in July, please see page 4 and 5. Class will soon be in session!

By Alison McMillan

Summer is here bringing many good things like bright sunshine, warm fresh air, and the opportunity to
increase activity outdoors. Summer also brings high temperatures, high UV index ratings, and an increased risk of dehydration. Because water is crucial for bodily functions, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration, as well as to take measures so you stay hydrated this summer.

Hydration Tips:
Drink more water throughout the day. If you struggle with the taste (or lack thereof), drop some fresh
slices of strawberries, cucumbers, or lemons in to add some flavor. Another alternative is low/no calorie
flavor additives you can find in the beverage aisle of your grocery store.

>Carry a refillable water bottle or tumbler throughout the day to help you remember to drink more, especially if you’re in a place that doesn’t have easily accessible water.
>Drink slowly. Your body doesn’t process water the way it processes food. Excessive water gets sent to the kidneys where it’s turned into urine.
>Get water with your diet by eating more water-dense foods – watermelon, cucumbers, celery, frozen fruit ice pops, lettuce, and dairy products, etc.
>Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol. Drinks like coffee, tea, beer, wine, and spirits all have diuretic effects meaning they make you produce more urine which creates a risk of lowering your body’s water content.
>Plan to bring and drink more water if you’re getting ready for an outdoor activity, such as a sports game, a concert, a picnic, gardening, etc.
>Try low calorie electrolyte drinks. There are several on the market that help hydrate the body as well as replenish lost electrolytes. Look for the ones that have low or no sugar content!

By Weldon Tisdale, Chaplain

There is a phrase I remember as a child that causes me to look forward to the month of May with excitement and enthusiasm. Despite the depression that looms from the hard and long winter of the past several months, the phrase “April showers bring May flowers” brings a sense of hope called springtime.

Following the commemoration of the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus over the Easter weekend, I kept thinking about phrases like: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

The reality of Jesus’ death producing new life parallels with the thought of sunshine following a season of gloom and sadness. Perhaps you have heard this rhyme at some point, generally having been taught it at an early age by parents or teachers. It is a popular thing to say and hear around springtime.

“April showers bring May flowers” is a reminder that even the most unpleasant of things, in this case the heavy rains of April, can bring about very enjoyable things indeed – an abundance of flowers in May. This rhyme is also a lesson in patience, and one that remains valid to this day.

Many of life’s greatest things come only to those who wait, and by patiently and happily enduring the clouds and dampness of April, you can find yourself more easily able to take in the sights and smells of May. After all, it’s easier to love something if you begin with an optimistic outlook.

Bad thing happen, and sometimes a bad thing, later on down the line, turns out to not be bad at all, even though at the time you wouldn’t have know it. ~ Kenneth Arthur

Have you had a season of setbacks, disappointments, or hindrances? Do not be dismayed. Remember these things: weeping endures for a night but joy comes in the morning; there is a silver lining beyond each dark cloud; these light afflictions are but for a moment; and this too shall pass.

By Bonnie Polak, VP of Philanthropy and Community Engagement

We all have heard the story of the Good Samaritan who came to the aid of a complete stranger in a great time of need. But what you may not know is that in 1961 Dr. John Webb, the appointed director of Oklahoma Methodist Manor (as we were called at the time), spoke to the then Board of Directors about a great need for our community.

Dr. Webb told the story of residents who were living on campus, solely by the generosity of gifts from people across the state. He said we were not just called to preach the gospel of the New Testament but also called into action. That was the beginning of what we know as the Good Samaritan Fund.

Today the Good Samaritan Fund continues to be a vital part of the mission and ministry of Trinity Woods. It addresses the needs of current and future residents who outlive their resources. This benevolence bridges the gap not covered by Medicaid. Over the past 5 years we have provided $1.2 million in funds for residents at Trinity Woods.

“The Good Samaritan Fund is what allows us to fulfill our brand promise to our residents,” said Steve Dickie, CEO. “Once you move to Trinity Woods, you will be able to live out your days with peace of mind and dignity, knowing you will be cared for if you run out of money.”

A gift to the Good Samaritan Fund DOES make a difference. Remember that any gift of $300 receives a commemorative brick that will be engraved and located in front of the Community Life Center. A gift can be made as an honorarium or memorial in the name of someone who is living or no longer with us. All donations are 100% tax deductible. For more information or to make a gift, visit TrinityWoodsTulsa.com/donate.