Answer To Your Fitness Questions" />Good Gym Hygiene
February 4, 2008
As of late there has come to the forefront a “Superbug” named MRSA, the virulent bacteria methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is a variant of the common staph bacteria, it is resistant to most common antibiotics, which makes it difficult to treat. It is being found in gyms, health clubs, school gyms and every place where working out is going on without good hygiene.
Healthcare experts cite close physical contact and sharing of personal items and equipment as the first reason for the increasing cases of MRSA. The classic symptoms of infection are, red, swollen, and painful areas that are often warm. A fever can often accompany the infection, or flu-like symptoms. If you ignore those symptoms they can become much more troublesome, including a skin abscess or boil, chills, rash, and fatigue. Wounds with drainage or red need medic al treatment right away. I know this, I had a staph infection as of late.
How do we prevent this from happening to us? Here are a few suggestions that are simply good gym hygiene.
1. Avoid all contact with the wounds or bandages of others.
2. Keep all cuts clean and covered.
3. Wash your hands and any equipment with a disinfectant after use.
4. Do not share personal items with others.
5. Bring a towel as a barrier between your skin and the equipment, use a different towel to wipe your sweat.
6. When showering use liquid soap instead of bar soap.
7. Wash and dry your feet immediately after showering.
8. Wear flip flops in the locker, shower and sauna rooms
9. Cover any exercise mats with a towel or use a disinfectant wipe.
10. Never touch your eyes, nose or mouth during your workout.
11. Avoid exercising at the gym when sick to prevent spreading of germs.
12. Wear workout gloves when using equipment.
Just because there is a possible problem for us as we workout, don’t let it chase you off and not exercise. Just practice the good hygiene and good common sense. After all, good exercise habits increase your immune function and over all well-being to better fight off infections.
Good luck , everyone!!!
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