STOP MRSA Now

I have always been a worry-wart, so you can imagine how much more worrying I’ve been doing ever since I became a parent. I always worry about the safety of my son, and when news started spreading frequently about the dangers of MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) within the past couple of years, I became even more paranoid--especially when numerous reports stated that Hawaii was one of the worst states for frequent hospitalizations of MRSA.

Fortunately, thanks to Mom Central, I found out about a wonderful online community called STOPMRSANow.org, which offers important information about MRSA, and where you can download a copy of the STOP MRSA Now Playbook, which includes the following five-point plan, among other critical tips and information:

• Scrub up - Wash hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer.
• Wipe it down - Use a disinfecting bleach solution to wipe down and disinfect hard surfaces. (1 tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)
• Cover your cuts - Keep any nicks or wounds covered with a clean, dry bandage until healed.
• Keep to yourself - Do not share personal items, like towels or razors, that come into contact with bare skin.
• Use a barrier - Keep a towel or clothing between skin and shared equipment.

More than 90,000 Americans are affected by MRSA every year. It’s inevitable that we will get sick, or get cuts and scrapes, but it’s very important to stay informed about MRSA, and by visiting STOPMRSANOW.org, you can get important facts on how to prevent and help reduce the spread of MRSA, and you can help inform others on how to protect themselves and their families.

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