Make sure when you leave one of our local Hudson Valley gyms in Poughkeepsie, Wappinger Falls, Beacon, Fishkill or Lagrangeville, you’re only bringing home the good! The good endorphins released, the good level of fitness you’ve achieved, and the good calories you’ve burned! Leave the ‘extra’ stuff at the gym!
The gym can be a dangerous environment in terms of communicable infections and diseases. The most common infections lurking at the gym are skin infections, which include (but are not limited to):
- Athlete’s Foot
- Staph infections (including MRSA)
- Herpes Simplex
- Ringworm
- Fungal infections
The most easily preventable, yet difficult to treat may be a case of onychomycosis, or “foot fungus.” A fungal infection of the toenails is a common issue facing many Americans, and it is often contracted at the gym. If you have a toenail fungus your nails will become:
- Thickened
- Discolored
- Brittle
So next time you go to the gym (or are just out and about) take precaution and use common sense before and after your workout. Here are some tips to prevent catching those nasty germs at the gym:
- Wipe off equipment after and prior to workout
- Wash hands before and after your workout – DON’T touch your eyes, mouth, nose or ears before you wash your hands
- Shower directly after workout – WEARING shower shoes to protect your feet
- After showering DRY YOUR FEET (in between toes too) to help prevent a fungal infection from developing
- Wear dry shoes to allow air to circulate around your feet
- Wear dry cotton socks
- DON’T share shoes and socks with others
- Do not share water bottles, towels, razors, or even soap. Keep personal items personal!
- Do NOT re-wear gym clothes without first washing them
So if your coming home from the gym and think you might have taken home a little something extra from it on your feet, call Podiatrist Dr. David Schlam at Hollowbrook Foot Specialists located in Dutchess County, NY for an appointment.
By David Schlam
