An Ounce of Prevention...

As the H1N1 flu virus has made headlines across the nation, it is important to remind everyone in educational athletics the importance of prevention techniques. Here are just a few as our student athletes begin to move indoors for the winter:

Focus on hygiene: More athletes are not showering at school after practice/games; we need to let them know how good personal hygiene prevents viruses such as the flu.

Remind athletes to clean practice equipment: I have often said to parents that it is important for their laundry rooms to smell every night...seriously! That way they know that their kids are bringing things home on a daily basis to get cleaned. Several parents have shared with me that they do not even allow their kids into their car unless they have their practice/game gear with them to take home in order to be cleaned. Coaches are demanding that these things be done, but parents need to help them.

Wash your hands: We need to be washing our hands frequently the good old fashioned way by using soap and warm water (hand sanitizers if necessary). In the fitness facility we have disinfecting wipes for students to wipe down equipment and keep that area as clean as possible.

The bottom line is that these things are common sense, however, it's good to be reminded of their importance.