In an era when superbugs and ordinary microbes seem to be gaining the upper hand, medical science is forced to seek newer, more effective treatments. “By treating their sports equipment, they are ensuring they do everything possible to keep their athletes and staff healthy, which sets a fitting example for the players.” “Lessons in sportsmanship, teamwork, goal-setting and commitment are an integral part of any athletic experience, much less in helping bring together a winning team” says Gay.
#Iguard in georgia skin#
The danger of skin infections is a growing concern among athletes, coaches and officials because of the high contact of most sports. It typically spreads though skin to skin contact but can also be transmitted through sports equipment, work out areas and unwashed towels and uniforms. Staph infection is the most common outbreak. Because of close contact, sweat and a host of other conditions that can turn wrestling mats, gyms and locker rooms into a petri dish, a problem that once was isolated primarily to hospitals now prowls in most athletic facilities in the country. “This allows the droplets to coat all the nooks and crannies where germs can lurk.”Īccording to some medical professionals, the problem with antibiotic resistant microbes has been evolving in locker rooms for years, but hasn’t gotten much attention until well-known professional athletes started missing games due to skin infections.
“Our state-of-the-art electrostatic sprayer provides a negative charge to the droplets, giving them an attractive force 40 times stronger than gravity,” she said. Everyday cleaning will not disrupt or remove the antimicrobial coating The facility’s surfaces are clean and protected for a year. According to Kim Gay, owner, IGuard PPC, Inc., the system includes disinfection with a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant and a long-lasting protectant coating that is applied with an electrostatic sprayer for total coverage. Our coaches are thrilled that we put safety first in our programs allowing them to concentrate on what they do best, coach,” says Lenny Willis, Assistant Athletic Director of Sports Facilities.Ĭompared to other solutions, iGuard’s antimicrobial coating system is relatively inexpensive. The treatment will last for a year and gives us the peace of mind of keeping our athletes and staff safe. “Here at U of IL, we are committed to protecting our athletes by having our equipment, weight rooms and locker rooms treated. The University of Illinois is a NCAA school and boasts a dynamic athletic program. The system kills staph and other dangerous microbes on contact and continues the antimicrobial protection for up to a year. iGuard’s antimicrobial coating system is a combination of a hydrogen peroxide disinfectant and a TiO2 and ZN coating protectant.
iGuard’s product is an antimicrobial coating system that offers an intriguing solution to U of IL’s challenge in keeping their locker and training rooms clean and safe. They reached out to iGuard PPC a Georgia company whose primary focus was working with healthcare facilities to control microbial infections. The University of Illinois Fighting Illini didn’t want to take the risk of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), benching their athletes.
#Iguard in georgia professional#
University and Professional sports teams are having to treat their facilities in ways hospitals have been for years. Training facilities and locker rooms can be a breeding ground for sickness and infection. Athletes, especially those who come into close contact, are vulnerable to viruses and bacteria carried by teammates. Recent publicity about athletes becoming victims of infectious disease has heightened concerns about the rise of Superbugs-microbes that are resistant to even our most powerful antibiotics.