MRSA is everywhere and we didn’t realize just how easy it is to catch until last year when my husband came down with MRSA. Then shortly after he had it our daughter came down with MRSA. There are ways to prevent it though. Clorox Company and SwapMeSports.com, has teamed up with professional basketball star Grant Hill to help us all learn how. Together they have launched Equip them Well. Equip them Well is a program to help teach families and sports teams about practical MRSA prevention steps. These steps are as simple as washing hands and  as easy as disinfecting equipment or toys with a bleach solution. My grandmother always tells me not to worry about the house too much, just use bleach on the toys once a week and everything will be ok.  Like so many others who have been affected by the threat of MRSA, Hill and I understand the importance of prevention, both in the locker room, at home and on the court. I certainly know how important it is to take the necessary steps to keep the house cleaner, and all our hands and toys washed. When my husband was in the hospital we were given a pamphlet telling us how to deal with MRSA.

“We need to get more kids in the game with youth sports – but I also know firsthand that MRSA is a tough opponent that many young athletes may face,” said Hill, MRSA survivor and Stop MRSA Now Coalition member.  “That is why I am excited about the Equip Them Well program to inform parents and coaches that we all play a part in MRSA prevention.”

Equip Them Well Sweepstakes:

Donate Used Sports Equipment and Score a Chance to Meet Grant Hill

In addition to educating parents about MRSA prevention, the Equip Them Well program is committed to providing the resources necessary for kids from all communities to take part in youth sports. Parents can collect, disinfect and donate used youth sports equipment to communities in need through the Equip Them Well page on StopMRSANow.org. 

Each family that visits StopMRSANow.org and enters the sweepstakes will score a chance to win a trip to Phoenix for a Suns game and exclusive “meet-and-greet” with Hill.

Equip Them Well – With Simple Equipment Wellness Steps

MRSA is generally spread by skin to skin contact and by touching surfaces that have come in contact with a person’s infection. The following steps can help prevent the spread in community settings:

• 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 gallon of water or as directed on label)
• 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.
• Don’t play dirty – Wash children’s athletic clothing after each use, using the warmest wash recommended and adding bleach when appropriate.

You can download the MRSA Playbook for free that has great information to share about what MRSA is, how it is spread, and special precautions to take at schools, childcare centers, locker rooms & gyms, and hospitals.

Enter to Win:

25.00 Visa Gift Card

To Enter:

Answer this question: What do you do to help prevent MRSA?

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The Clorox Company sent me information about the Equip them Well program not intended to solicit product claims. They are providing the prize for the giveaway. All rules can be found under giveaway rules.