6 Tips to Keep Germs off Your Kids This Summer

Summer is the perfect time for children to interact outside the classroom, but an illness can take a child out of the fun and keep a parent from going to work. North County resident Spencer Ford of Infinite Coatings tests and treats surfaces daily for germs. The company offers products that help control bacteria in common areas. Ford offered six tips to keep your child safe from germs.

1. Bathe before and after using a wrestling mat and wrap any wounds. Sports mats used for wrestling, boxing, exercise and martial arts are notoriously a hotbed for very high bacteria counts and can cause the transfer of ringworm and staph to participants. Professional and amateur athletes are challenged with this situation daily.
2. Take pillows and linens to camp. Having so many children in one spot is a recipe for bacteria transfer, so avoid communal linens.
3. Wear foot protection in showers. Communal showers are are known to have high levels of bacteria growth.
4. Wipe down exercise equipment before and after use. Doing so will protect you and the next person. Often, the equipment is only cleaned once a day by the staff.
5. Avoid public bathroom door handles. Always wash your hands and use a tissue to open the door. Remember, we touch our face hundreds of times a day.
6. Don’t allow children to play in restaurant plastic tubes. Bacterial swab testing in these areas in many different facilities have shown very high levels of different bacteria types. This is a common and ongoing problem.