There are many different infections and diseases you can get from going to a facility to work out, such as: MRSA, Ringworm and other contagions. Our main concern is to maintain a safe environment for our patrons. This does not just apply to the kind of equipment we purchase and the cleanliness of the Student Recreation Center. It applies to the hygiene of the surroundings. Even though we do all these things:
1.) We installed non-alcohol based hand sanitizer in facility, for patrons to clean their hands before and after their workout.
2.) We provide the patrons with disinfectant cleaners and rags to wipe machines before and after use to prevent spreading of germs and bacteria.
3.) We have staff that thoroughly cleans machines, mats and benches continuously throughout the hours the facility is open.
We can’t guarantee 100 percent hygienic environment.
Beginning fall 2016 we will require that all patrons working out on the fitness floors wear a T-shirt and appropriate lower body apparel. Our definition of a T-shirt does not include cut off sleeves, tank tops, belly-shirts, or sport bras. Lower body apparel will be defined as gym shorts, warm up pants or running pants, yoga pants, and spandex shorts that covers the glutes.
If these rules are broken, you will be asked to change your apparel or you will have to leave.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphy- lococcus aureus) is a staph infection that can cause irritation on the skin in the form of a pimple or a boil. It can be red, swollen or fluid filled. If left untreated, it can cause pneumonia or bloodstream infections. MRSA can also have flu-like symptoms. Yes, it can be treated by antibiotics or by drainage of the infection, but these forms only account for 1 percent of staph infections and is resistant to many antibiotics. It is transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Ringworm is another infection that is commonly associated with work out facilities. Ringworm is a contagious fungus infection that can affect the scalp, the body (particularly the groin), the feet and the nails. Despite its name, it has nothing to do with worms. The name comes from the characteristic red ring that can appear on an infected person’s skin. People can get Ringworm from direct skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or indirect contact with an object or surface that an infected person has touched. Ringworm can be treated with fungus-killing medicine.
We want your experience working out or playing in the Student Recreation Center to be a pleasant one, and also a hygienic one.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Dr. Gambino
Director, Campus Recreation