WHAT'S GROWING IN MY GEAR? Sports padding for hockey players, football players and lacrosse players, for example, are the ideal breeding ground for trouble. A strong odour is usually the result of a mixture of sweat, mucus, blood, dirt, and other substances, which create the perfect environment for bacteria, mold, and fungus to thrive in. Here is a sample of what is found in the typical gear: Staphylococcus Epidermis - Gloves, Elbow Pads, & Shoulder Pads Staphylococcus Aureus - Helmet - leads to pimples, boils and complicated skin infections Streptococcus Veridans - Shin Guards & Elbow Pads - normally found in the mouth Streptococcus Faecalis - Hockey Jock / Jill - associated with stool and fecal material Environmental Bacteria - Picked up from water fountains Yeast - Normally found on skin surfaces and in the intestinal tracts Preventing MRSA Bacterial infection found within sports equipment is a real danger. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the USA sites 5 ways in which bacteria and infections spread: CROWDING CONTACT CUTS & ABRASIONS CONTAMINATION of items and surfaces Lack of CLEANLINESS

IS THERE A HEALTH RISK?

Bacteria and surface molds can enter the body through cuts and abrasions, causing more severe infections. Some are agressive, long-lasting and can expand into other areas of the body. Remember the 5 ways (5 C's) for contracting infections mentioned above? Contact sports often involve crowding of people, skin contact, cuts, contamination of locker rooms and lack of cleanliness when it comes to protective gear (helmets, pads, gloves, etc).

Thus, athletes specifically need to be concerned.

WHAT IS MRSA?

MRSA is a form of "staph infection" caused when Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria, that is resistant to the Methicillin family of antibiotics, enters the body. These enter the body through cuts and abrasions and can lead to pneumonia, joint and blood-stream infections. MRSA usually appears, at first, as "spider bites" or small boils in the skin. If you experience any like the ones pictured here, consult a physician.

WHAT CAN BE DONE?

NATA, the National Athletic Trainers Association, recommends that athletes avoid sharing towels, razors, and daily athletic gear. Also strongly recommended is to clean and disinfect protective equipment such as helmets, shoulder pads, catcher's equipment and hockey goalie equipment on a regular basis.

Fresh Gear's Cyclone cleaning machine destroys harmful bacteria in sports equipment and helps prevent the spread of disease.