SUPER CLEAN SPONSORS H.I. FIVE SPORTS
SUPER CLEAN SPONSORS H.I. FIVE SPORTS
Many of you are probably already aware of the national news this past month surrounding MRSA and the tragic deaths of school children across our country. For over a year now, we at Super Clean have been warning people about the dangers of staph infections and MRSA and are sorry that something so tragic had to happen in order to increase the awareness of the American public to the dangers of MRSA.
Since its inception, we have felt that we are on a mission to educate the public about MRSA and to teach people how to take precautions to prevent these infections so that we can protect our children. We are rolling out an awareness campaign called H.I. Five Sports (which stands for Hygiene Initiative For Sports) to implement at our local schools and sports associations. This campaign is designed to familiarize the public about MRSA/staph infections so that we all know how to recognize the warning signs of the illness. Early detection is a key weapon in fighting MRSA and getting the medical assistance that can save your life. In addition, H.I. Five Sports will provide 5 simple rules to follow in order to reduce the risk of contracting this deadly disease. By following these guidelines, we all can lower the incidence of MRSA.
Unfortunately, Los Angeles is one of the areas where MRSA infections are fast approaching epidemic levels. And a study published last month in the Journal of the American Medical Association shows an alarming statistic: that MRSA kills more people a year than AIDS. The results of the study, coupled with the tragic deaths of a 12-year old Brooklyn boy and a 17-year old Virginia high school student, drew national awareness to MRSA. This "superbug", which has grown resistant to commonly used antibiotics, is more common than previously thought, infecting an estimated 94,000 people a year and killing 18,650 of them. The report also shows that more cases are being acquired in the community, striking otherwise healthy people, including our athletes. Iona College, located in New Rochelle, New York, reported recently that MRSA attacked 9 student athletes and 1 coach on one of its athletic teams. In response, the college has taken measures to protect against this emerging threat, including disinfecting its workout room, not allowing players with open wounds to play, and implementing proper hygiene practices among its teams and athletes.
In the face of the emerging threat of dangerous staph and MRSA infections, it is crucial that we understand the procedures for proper hygiene so that athletes may focus on playing and enjoying the game. By learning the important components of good sports hygiene, athletes will not have to be sidelined in a fight for their lives. That is why H.I. Five Sports is so important. To schedule a H.I. Five Sports presentation at your school or association, please contact us at 310.808.1080 or email us, Attention: H.I. Five Sports Administrator.
Athletes are especially vulnerable to MRSA infections due to the fact that abrasions, cuts and contusions are more common in sports. The bacteria can get inside the body through these portals of entry. Even sweating facilitates penetration by the bacteria into the body. Also, athletes wear equipment on which MRSA can survive. To prevent this form of transmission, the U.S. Center for Disease Control advises that sports equipment should be cleaned on a regular basis. To learn more, please visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.
Super Clean's cleaning processes kill MRSA bacteria living inside and on the surface of sports and recreation equipment. Please protect yourself and your children by dropping your gear off at any Super Clean Drop Zone. Find your nearest drop zone >>