Hello Cougar Fans, I wanted to take a moment to address something that is often overlooked and if neglected can impact a players performance and lead to possible health issues. Football fields are open areas and are frequently visited by wild animals, and used by the public to exercise their pets therefor it is very important to clean and disinfect all equipment at the conclusion of every practice or game. Did you know that injury and sickness can be caused by poor equipment maintenance? In some extreme cases, not cleaning young players equipment can lead to life threatening illness and injuries. Throughout the season it will be very important that you and your player maintain the equipment to insure a fun and safe experience. Parents can help prevent staph infections by disinfecting their equipment frequently. Did you know staph infections have affected over 60% of young athletes playing football each year? The following steps are recommended and will help you and your player do their part to prevent illness and possible injury. 1. Store equipment in a dry place. Be sure to hang on hooks, hangers or store on floor on cardboard or pallet. This will allow air to circulate and dry the equipment. 2. Disinfect Equipment to prevent Staph Infections. According to the Center for Disease Control over 25% of the population carries Staphylococcus Aureus in their nose or skin. The infection is transferred from person to person through direct contact or via an object such as a helmet or uniform. Commmon staph infections lead to Pneumonia, and infections of the bloodstream. In extreme cases Staph has caused severe illness and even death. To prevent the spread of Staph or other close contact communicable germs it is important that the equipment and uniforms be washed and disinfected often. Players should remove equipment immediately after practice or a game. Before taking a shower, clean the equipment. The extra time and energy spent to clean and disinfect equipment is a small sacrifice when it comes to the health and safety of the player. If you start to notice any of the signs associated with a skin infection or have more questions regarding known bacteria, or ways to identify and treat infections please contact your healthcare provider right away. I wish everyone a safe and successful football season. Gooooo Cougars!!!!!
Posted on: Fri, 09 Aug 2013 03:30:26 +0000