Interview: Dr. Mimi Secor.
Dr. Mimi Secor is Nurse Practitioner from the Boston area. She has been specializing in Women’s Health for over 40 years now, is a national speaker and consultant, and is an international bestselling author of Debut a New You: Transforming Your Life At Any Age.
It’s the busiest, hustle-bustle time of the year and millions of people are traveling here and there and everywhere! Interview Dr. Mimi Secor, DNP, FNP-BC, FAANP, to discuss the kinds of bacteria and virus that are commonly found at fitness facilities and how people can stay healthy.
- The Gym is One of the Dirtiest Places You Will Visit.
- According to FitRated (a site that reviews fitness equipment), 27 different pieces of equipment in the gym were swabbed and the results were shocking:
- Free weights have 362 times more bacteria than a toilet seat (when was the last time you’ve seen anyone wash down the barbells?).
- The treadmill has 74 times more bacteria than an average washroom faucet.
- 50% of the bacteria can cause pneumonia, septicemia, and skin infections.
- 30% of the bacteria was found to be largely resistant to antibiotics!
The Most Common Gym Germs:
- Plantar warts (Non-cancerous HPV).
- Klebsiella: (UTIs, pneumonia) spread via shared surfaces, workout mats, weights, water fountains, locker rooms.
- E.coli: (found in intestines and stool/poop) can cause abdominal cramping, diarrhea, vomiting, pneumonia. Can get from contaminated gym surfaces from improper/inadequate/lack of handwashing.
- Staphlococcus Aureus: Commonly causes skin infections. Transmitted by shared towel, razor, exercise equipment, weight grips, skin to skin contact.
- Candida: is a fungus or yeast infection associated with jock itch in men, vaginal infections in women and skin infections in men/women. It thrives in warm, moist areas, including locker rooms, saunas, swimming pools and showers.
- Streptococcal Bacteria: Causes throat and respiratory infections. It is very contagious, spread person to person, airborne droplets, surfaces like doorknobs, exercise equipment, drinking bottles, locker rooms.
- Influenza: A virus that causes respiratory infections. Is spread through the air from others sneezing or coughing, or via your hands then touching mouth, nose, or eyes.
General Guidelines to Practice: 7 Tips
- Wash your hands before and after your workout (and before you touch your face or nose).
- Spray and wipe down machines before and after using them.
- Place a towel on the bench before you sit down.
- Wear flip-flops in the shower/bathroom.
- Wear lifting gloves and wash them regularly (at least weekly).
- Change out of sweaty gym clothes immediately after your workout.
- Avoid touching your face while working out.
Available for Interviews: Dr. Mimi Secor
Dr. Mimi Secor is a popular National Speaker and Consultant, educating advanced practice clinicians and consumers around the country and the world. She is the author of the book, Debut a New You: Transforming Your Life at Any Age.
Contact:
Jo Allison
PR Managing Editor
MEDIA AMBASSADORS
Success In Media, Inc.
Jo@SuccessInMedia.com