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That is why seven-time NBA all-star, Grant Hill, teamed up with others whohave experienced MRSA first-hand and MRSA experts, to launch STOP MRSA Now, acoalition dedicated to coaching others on practical steps to help defeat thisunexpected opponent.
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"When I was diagnosed with an MRSA infection, it was hard to getinformation about the illness or even how to help prevent the spread of it,"said Grant Hill, STOP MRSA Now member. "This infection is becoming an issuein community settings across the country and that is why, as an athlete and afather, I am joining STOP MRSA Now to offer a playbook on prevention so thateveryone can get in the game to help reduce the spread of MRSA."
The STOP MRSA Now Playbook
Although there is still much research to be done about MRSA, STOP MRSA Nowmembers are urging others to help reduce the spread of MRSA with the followingfive-point plan, from the STOP MRSA Now playbook:
1. Scrub up - Wash hands for at least 15 seconds (enough time to sing"Happy Birthday" twice), or use an alcohol-based hand rub sanitizer
2. Wipe it down - Use a bleach solution to disinfect surfaces (1tablespoon of disinfecting bleach diluted in 1 quart of water)
3. Cover your cuts - Keep any nicks or wounds covered until healed
4. Keep to yourself - Do not share personal items
5. Use a barrier - Keep a towel or clothing between skin and sharedequipment
The STOP MRSA Now playbook, developed by a panel of MRSA experts, isavailable at the coalition Web site, http://www.stopmrsanow.org, and alsoprovides:
-- Easy-to-understand information about MRSA, what it is and how itspreads
-- Setting specific prevention information for public places includingathletic facilities, childcare centers and schools
-- How-to information for disinfecting surfaces, proper hand washingtechniques and more
Home Court is Where the Heart Is
In addition to the playbook and information about MRSA, the online home ofSTOP MRSA Now provides information about the heart of the coalition - themembers. Coalition members' experiences with MRSA are featured on the Website to help community members understand the increasing threat posed by MRSAand the need for education.
"People can carry MRSA without any symptoms and can transmit MRSA toothers, especially in community settings," said Everly Macario, STOP MRSA Nowmember, whose healthy 1 1/2 year-old son, Simon Sparrow, died suddenly in 2004from MRSA. "That is why we owe it to our children, families, and communitiesto learn more about MRSA and how to reduce the spread of it."
About STOP MRSA NOW
STOP MRSA Now is a coalition of community members who have experiencedfirst-hand the threat of MRSA and MRSA experts who are committed to workingtogether to reduce the spread of MRSA in community settings and to educatecommunity members on MRSA prevention.
STOP MRSA Now coalition members are taking an active role in helpingprevent the spread of MRSA by providing educational materials to theircommunities, distributing a national public service announcement and offeringan opportunity for community members to have questions about MRSA answeredonline at http://www.stopmrsanow.org
For more information about STOP MRSA Now, visithttp://www.stopmrsanow.org.
About MRSA
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a potentially life-threatening antibiotic
