The last thing you need is another reason to avoid the gym, right? But if youâre not careful, bacteria, viruses and other nasties lurking on fitness equipment, in hot tubs, even in your water bottle, can result in anything from tummy trouble to itchy rashes. Here's a guide to where germs commonly lurk, why theyâre harmful to your health and how to avoid them.
Health hazard: If you have an open cut, staph or strep bacteria can enter the wound and cause skin infections, such as boils, impetigo (blisters or sores on your face) or cellulitis (skin inflammation). E-coli can cause bad stomach flu-type symptoms.
Avoid it: Wipe down the equipment with anti-bacterial solution before and after each use. Many fitness facilities, including Kitsilano Workout in Vancouver, make spritz bottles with anti-bacterial solution available to members. The problem is, not everyone uses them all the time. "I'd estimate about 60 per cent of our members use the spritz bottles," says marketing manager Darren Weston. So don't rely on others to keep the equipment clean. Alternatively, use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 per cent alcohol content, when soap and water are not available to wash your hands.
Health hazard: Pseudomonas bacteria causes a skin infection which results in a red rash.
Avoid it: Check that your gym chlorinates the hot tub properly and changes the water regularly. Although there are no health guidelines governing gyms specifically, provinces do have regulations regarding spas (hot tubs) and swimming pools. For example, under the Health Promotion and Protection Act in Ontario and the Health Act in British Columbia, hot tubs and swimming pools must be inspected at least once a year (swimming pools are checked quarterly in Ontario). Also, if there is a complaint about a gym, for any reason, even mouldy ceilings, the local health department can investigate.
Health hazards: "When you swallow the swimming pool water, the parasite can get into your GI tract and cause gastrointestinal problems diarrhea," says Dr. Iris Greenwald, family physician, Centre for Women's Health in Richmond Hill, Ont.
Avoid it: Be cautious about bringing small children who have diarrhea or aren't fully toilet trained into the pool. Check that your gym cleans and chlorinates the pool regularly.
Health hazard: Various types of fungus can cause athlete's foot, nail infection, ringworm in children and jock itch.
Avoid it: Though many gyms clean their facilities twice a day, due to differing health regulations, it's still best to take precautions. Wear flip-flops in the change room and shower, and place a towel on the sauna bench to put a barrier between your skin and these surfaces.
Health hazards: Colds, flu, diarrhea. "Some diarrhea illness is quite contagious, even after the symptoms have resolved," warns Dr. Libman.
Avoid it: Wash water bottles with hot water and soap or in the dishwasher as often as you would a drinking glass.
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