Simple Hand and Surface Sanitizing Practices Can Limit Antibiotic-Resistant Infections at the Gym
If you’re an athlete, you should know you have a better chance than average of contracting a skin infection that is resistant to most antibiotics and can prove fatal under certain circumstances. Simple practices, such as wiping down equipment and using disinfecting wipes between workouts, can wipe out most super-bugs effectively and conveniently.
A recently released survey of U.S. athletic trainers has found that more than half have treated an athlete for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) over the past 12 months. The web-based survey, made public at a conference of infection control experts in April, found that of 364 certified trainers interviewed, 53 percent had seen such infections. Eighty-six percent of the infections were among male players, 65 percent of whom were football players. Basketball players and wrestlers accounted for 21 and 20 percent of the infections, respectively.
“MRSA can be easily spread from person to person by direct or indirect contact ,” says Jean Fleming, R.N. and Infection Control Education Manager for Professional Disposables International (PDI), the Healthcare division of Nice-Pak Products Inc. “If you participate in contact sports or even work-out in a community gym, you can substantially reduce your risk of MRSA by adopting a few simple practices.”
Fleming recommends using hand-sanitizing wipes like Sani-Hands®, an instant sanitizing wipe that is proven effective at killing MRSA. Super Sani-Cloth® Germicidal Disposable Wipes also kill up to 18 different types of microorganisms, including MRSA and Rotavirus and E. coli.
According to Fleming, safe locker room hygiene should include the following:
• Frequently sanitize hands after competing or working out
• Regularly wipe down mats, helmets, protective padding, common-area surfaces and other equipment
• Immediately treat and wrap all scrapes, burns and rashes
• Ensure availability of soap and water and encourage routine showering after each practice or game
• Make CLEAN towels available and have them washed immediately after each use
For more than 20 years, PDI® has pioneered the development, testing, manufacturing and marketing of pre-moistened wipes as the optimum system for infection prevention and control. With trusted brands including Sani-Cloth®, Sani-Dex® ALC, Hygea® and Chlorascrub®, PDI serves the healthcare market through hospitals, physician and dental offices, emergency medical services, long-term care, schools and a variety of other healthcare facilities. PDI is the Healthcare Division of Nice-Pak Products Inc., headquartered in Orangeburg, New York. For more information, visit www.pdipdi.com.
Public Relations Contact: Rosica Strategic Public Relations