Protect yourself from staph infections at the gym

A strain of the bacterium methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has spread from hospitals into communities, mostly in gyms and health clubs, where people unknowingly share contaminated towels or athletic equipment. While the strain is less deadly than the version found in hospitals, it’s now a leading cause of skinrelated visits to the emergency room.

To protect yourself, don’t share towels, put a clean towel over workout mats, and wipe down equipment with the alcohol spray that most gyms provide. And see your doctor if you have signs of skin infection: boils or a localized, painful rash that doesn’t heal.