Women Health and Environment

You’ve been told to wipe down the exercise equipment you use at the health club before and after your exercise session. Here’s an excellent reason to heed this advice: a potentially deadly bacteria has been found in clubs and professional locker rooms across the country.
The bacteria, called Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), can enter the blood-stream through a cut or abrasion on the skin and does not respond to antibiotics in a later stages. It spreads by direct physical contact and indirect contact with contaminated objects such as towels and exercise equipment.

The Centers for Disease Control have several suggestions for lowering your risk of contact with this germ. Take a shower after a work-out, wash your hands often with soap and water and immediately clean scratches and wounds. Launder your towels and gym clothes often, and don’t share personal equipment with friends. It’s also important to cover cuts and abrasions with bandages and to clean them frequently until they are healed.

If you notice a small pimple or boil on your skin, it might be the beginning of an MRSA infection. At this early stage, it can be treated by antibiotics, so see a doctors if you suspect that you have been infected.