In light of recent outbreaks of Staph, short for Staphylococcus aureus, parents and teachers have

expressed concern about how to prevent this health threat. Staph is a bacteria that is present on the
skin and in the nostrils of all people, and is not usually problematic. The recent health scare involves a
type of Staph that has become resistant to many antibiotics. It is called MRSA (short for methicillin
resistant Staphylococcus aureus) MRSA has been a major cause of infections among hospitalized
patients for years, but has only recently become a problem in non-hospitalized patients. It is estimated
that 25-30% of people have Staph on their body whereas 1% of people harbor MRSA.

Because it is spread by direct skin-to-skin contact, Staph is a concern among schools, daycares, and
other places where people gather. Here are 3 ways to protect yourself and others from Staph:

1. In order for Staph to cause infection, it has to pass through the protective layer of skin into the body.
This may occur with cuts, scrapes, or through hair follicles. For this reason, the best form of protection
from Staph is to keep infections covered with a bandage or other means. Towels, washcloths, razors,
and other items that have had direct skin contact should also be kept from contacting others.

2. Proper hygiene including frequent hand washing and wiping down any surfaces that are frequently
touched (as in preschool tabletops) is essential to preventing the spread of all infections, including
Staph. However, antibacterial products are not required. A recent scientific study found that antibiotic
soaps were no more effective than plain soap at reducing bacterial levels on hands nor were they more
effective at reducing sickness1. Moreover, several types of bacteria, including Staph showed
unexpectedly high resistance to triclosan, the antibiotic typically used in antibacterial products1. If these
particular bacteria are wise enough to have developed resistance to antibiotics taken by mouth, it
makes perfect sense that they would have developed resistance against antibiotics in soap, cleaners,
detergents and other products. In addition to the possibility of creating "superbugs", there is another
high price to pay for the unnecessary use of antibacterial soap: When it reaches our waterways in
wastewater, it is decimating fish and causing an environmental catastrophe. It has now found its way
into human breast milk with unknown consequences to the developing baby. According to the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention, Hydrogen peroxide (0.5%) and Isopropyl alcohol (Alcohol wipes) are
effective against MRSA. Alcohol works by dehydrating the bacteria cells, so there is no way to develop
resistance. While other cleaners may be effective, they are also frequently toxic to humans and are
preferably avoided.

3. Have you ever noticed how some people fall prey to illness, while others who were exposed to the
same germ do not? The reason for this is that there are two parties involved in every fight. We tend to
focus on the aggressor, the germ, while overlooking the target, the immune system. It is essential to
maintain a strong immune system in order to combat any type of infection, including Staph. This can be
accomplished by eating a whole foods diet and considering high-grade nutrient supplements when
necessary. A functional medicine doctor can help you determine your child's individual nutritional
deficits by a simple blood test and prescribe targeted nutritional therapy.

TIP: Proper hand washing means taking the time to lather up the soap. This gives the soap time to lift
the bacteria off the skin and entrap it within tiny soap compartments called "micelles". Once the
lathering is done, the bacteria are rinsed away by the water stream. Be sure to clean the fingernails,
between the fingers, and all other surfaces of the hands.

If a person becomes infected with Staph, they will usually develop a boil or pus pocket on the skin.
These are treated by simply allowing the pus or fluid to drain out of the body. Antibiotics rarely are
helpful because the Staph is walled off from the blood stream by the boil and antibiotics cannot reach
the area to treat it. If a skin infection is not healing, getting worse, is accompanied by a fever, or causes
concern, it is advisable to see a healthcare professional. The good news is that Staph infections that
enter the bloodstream causing severe illness or death are exceedingly rare in healthy people and
following the 3 steps listed above will help protect you and those in your care from the threat of Staph.

If you are interested in protecting your family from sickness, it is best to start long before symptoms
develop. Check out the eBook "Holler for Your Health: Be the Key to a Healthy Family" to eliminate
health threats lurking in common products. (www.holler4health.com) STOP TREATING! START
PREVENTING! It is never too early, but don't wait until it's too late!

Reference: Aiello AE, et al "Consumer Antibacterial Soaps: Effective or Just Risky" Clinical Infectious
Diseases 2007; 45, Supp.2: S137-147.

Stop treating! Start preventing!

It's Never Too Early, But Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Teresa Holler is a physician assistant, former assistant professor of medicine, author of "Cardiology
Essentials" (Jones and Bartlett, 2007) and "Holler for Your Health! Be the Key to a Healthy Family".

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