Routine exercise is good for your health, but dirty equipment isn't. Nubella.com reminds us that cardio-machines, barbells, pools, spa's, mats, locker room floors and showers, etc, are all breeding grounds for infectious disease.
The dreaded antibiotic resistant infection known as MRSA, is very common in gyms, and is transmitted when skin contacts contaminated surfaces. 80% of MRSA infections occur in hospitals, but it is also common in and around steambaths and public pools. The Center for Disease Control says MRSA is difficult to treat because it can attack bones and blood, becoming a potentially deadly disease. The CDC estimates MRSA causes 90,000 serious infections a year, and 17,000 deaths.
Gyms also breed fungi, bacteria, protozoa, and other viruses that live on surfaces of equipment or towles, just waiting to infect the body through an open wound. Health experts offer these tips:
- Make sure your gym is not stuffy, properly ventilated.
- Bandage any open skin wound.
- Do not share towels or other personal items.
- Use a barrier such as a towel, between your skin and equipment.
- Wipe surfaces before and after use.
- Wash hands before and after workouts.
- Always wear sandals or shoes in the locker room.
- Avoid touching eyes, mouth or face since most germs are transmitted this way.
These are not fun to think about, but my husband actually contracted ringworm once from the pool at our apartment complex. It makes you re-think your approach when using public facilities.
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Oh! dreadful news. I never thought about it this way. Thanks for the advices.
Posted by: Karl | September 7, 2006 1:42 PM | Permalink to Comment