Benching Bacteria from Athletics: New Sporting Goods Line Answers Call for Protection Against Antibiotic-Resistant Staph Infections
ST. LOUIS -- Today's athletes are combating a new rival on and off the field -- benching some jocks and hospitalizing others. This microscopic adversary, known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), silently lurks on exercise equipment and sport towels, striking without notice. Once infected with this drug-resistant staph, otherwise
healthy Americans struggle with a relatively unknown, serious infection.
Scott Seabaugh was prompted to take action after his son became infected with a staph infection. He developed CleenFreek, a new patented line of sporting goods designed to bench bacteria from athletics. The products include sport towels; yoga, pilates and exercise mats; and other sports equipment that contain built-in antimicrobial protection to prevent the growth of bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew and inhibit odors.
"After my son became ill, I was worried that bacteria was infiltrating our locker rooms and sports equipment -- turning fitness centers into breeding grounds for serious germs," said Seabaugh. "With growing health concerns regarding MRSA, we've received great response from retailers, doctors, coaches and athletes who want innovative products that provide antimicrobial protection and promote sports hygiene."
CleenFreek's antimicrobial performance fibers, fabrics and PVC matting resulted from more than three years of research and development with various manufacturers, chemical and scientific organizations. CleenFreek products work by safely storing and releasing antimicrobial particles, which prevent bacteria and fungus growth. Because the active germ-fighting ingredient is built-in, the protection lasts for the life of the product.
"Many experts now consider MRSA a public health epidemic," noted Frank Margolis, MD. "Beyond good hygiene, antimicrobial products like CleenFreek can help prevent the spread of these potentially deadly germs."
CleenFreek also incorporates Sorbtek technology, which captures and releases moisture 52 percent faster than other similar sporting goods. For consumers, this means their towels remain drier and odor free.
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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, commonly referred to as MRSA, is a type of staph that causes infections resistant to a class of common antibiotics that includes methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. While MRSA infections were traditionally associated with extended hospital stays, they are now becoming more common in everyday life. In fact, this newer form of MRSA known as community-associated MRSA ...
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