(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Janice Hardy, resident activity director at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Ville Platte. This column runs every Sunday in The Gazette.)

Staying well is an increasingly difficult thing to do. The population is growing and so are the strains of germs and diseases. We can reduce our risk of getting sick if we use reasonable caution and pay attention to our surroundings. We have always been told to cover our mouths when we sneeze or cough. This is right, but only if we have a tissue in our hands. If not, we will spread germs to others and even increase our chances of getting sick by giving germs a direct path to our eyes or our nose.

We need to relax and avoid stress. Stress can weaken our immune system, which in turn, makes us susceptible to germs and illness. We need to learn to wash our hands the right way, with soap for at least 30 seconds, making sure to get between the fingers and nails. Keep your hands away from your face. Germs travel primarily when we touch a contaminated surface and then touch our eyes or nose.

And lastly, stay warm. When our bodies get chilled, the blood vessels in our noses constrict and reduce our resistance to infection. Being cold can also lower our general resistance because our body is fighting hard to stay warm.

The staff of Heritage Manor would like to welcome Tessie Deshotel and Patrick Washington to the facility.

The staff of Heritage Manor would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the family of Alberta White.

Winners of the bingo game held Thursday, April 3, were Lucille Guillory, Carlton Soileau, Vernon Soileau and Ruby Johnson.

On Friday, April 4, a bingo game was sponsored in memory of Eva Lafleur. Big winners were Theresa Chapman, Mary Fontenot, Adele Thibodeaux, Lucille Guillory, Betty Jack, Essie Lafleur and Gladys Roberie.

Epsilon Sigma Chapter 7869 sponsored a bingo game Saturday, April 5. Big winners were Lionel Ardoin, Carlton Soileau, Essie Lafleur, Laura Ortego, Alcide Ortego, Theresa Chapman, Florence Manuel, Euna Vidrine and Curtis Soileau.

The staff of Heritage Manor would like to send get-well wishes to Aline Foret, Madeline McClelland, Amy Wagley, Oledia Tezeno, Joseph Verrette, Mary Guillory, Luna Deville, Nancy Pitre, Rhea Guillory and Mary Fontenot.