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Ask the DocDr. Davis Smith answers questions submitted by our readers. |
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Q: How important is wearing flipflops in communal showers?
-Kelsey G., Hofstra University
A: Kelsey,
I recommend that my patients avoid going barefoot in public parts of campus, health clubs, pools, shared bathrooms, etc. While it is unlikely that you would contract anything fatal, there are several unpleasant conditions and infections that can be acquired by going barefoot in any environment frequented by a large number of people.
The two most common are athlete’s foot and plantar warts.
Athlete's Foot
Athlete’s foot, or tinea pedis, is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments—like bathrooms, locker rooms, and pool areas. It is shed in the dead, dry skin of people who have it, and transmissible by direct contact. The most common symptom is itching, usually between the toes, partly because moisture is easily trapped in this area. Athlete’s foot often also causes a red and/or scaly rash and sometimes, painful cracking or itchy, blister-like lesions. Due to the skin barrier being compromised, the area can also develop a secondary bacterial infection.
Treatments include over-the-counter antifungal creams for most cases and prescription medicines for more serious infections. Unfortunately, it can come back. More Information.
Plantar Warts
Plantar warts are transmitted in the same way as athlete’s foot. Plantar refers to the bottom surface of the foot, and these warts are caused by one of the many types of human papillomavirus (HPV), though not the variants that cause sexually transmitted infection.
Plantar warts are especially likely to be acquired if you have cracks or fissures of the skin, abrasions, cuts, or even just pruney skin from long water exposure. Because they often occur on calloused parts of the foot and can grow rather large, the warts can be quite painful. (Imagine walking with a lentil glued to your foot.)
Sometimes warts go away on their own, and plantar warts don’t need to be treated unless they are causing you pain. Treatments include over-the-counter preparations of caustic chemicals or freezing agents, as well as some that need to be applied by a healthcare provider.
Warts can be quite stubborn to treat, requiring multiple follow-up visits and a healthy measure of patience. More Information.
There are other infectious conditions that can be acquired through contact with a bathroom floor, though indirectly—that is, by walking barefoot, touching your feet, and then eating. For example, if someone who has used the bathroom has gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea), virus particles might stay on the floor until it is cleaned. The virus wouldn’t be absorbed through your feet, but could be transmitted to more vulnerable membranes (e.g., mouth or eyes).
In addition to protecting your feet from direct contact with the floor, always wash your hands carefully and thoroughly after being in the bathroom and again before eating.
Trying to fit more exercise into your schedule? Use what’s in front of you: the stairs. Stair climbing is a free, convenient way to burn calories, and puts one-half the burden of running on your knees and feet (when ascending). Start by using stairs instead of elevators on campus. Add challenge by running up flights for 10-15 minutes a day or taking two stairs at a time. Your calves, thighs, butt, and heart will benefit.
Washing your hands is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness, and alcohol-based hand sanitizers are a good option when soap & water aren’t available. Apply to hands and rub them together until the product has dried completely. Always choose washing, however, if facilities are available.
See how others are making the most of their space.
Have a Place for Everything
Bomina Kim, at student at Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut says, “Have a place for everything and always put it back after using it.” Note the pitcher she keeps to filter water and how a bright bedspread lends color to her room.
Raise Your Bed for More Storage
By raising her bed, Briana Urban, a student at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, is able to store many items underneath.
Use Portable Clothing Racks
Brianne Zeisneiss, at student at Winona State University in Minnesota, created extra space for her clothes by setting up portable racks.
Use Multiple Calendars for Schedules
Brianne Zeisneiss, at student at Winona State University in Minnesota, created extra space for her clothes by setting up portable racks.
Decorate with Posters and Organize with Boxes
Missy Zellner, a junior at Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pennsylvania, decorates her cinderblock walls with posters to make it more livable. In her drawers, she uses small boxes—one for hair items, another for makeup, a third for nail polish and scissors—to stay organized.
Use Labeled Binders
Sapphire Wood, a sophomore and resident advisor at the University of Windsor in Canada, keeps three binders on physical health, mental health, and emergency procedures clearly labeled and in a place where she can always find them.
What are students doing outside the classroom to enrich their lives?
Making Friends Through Music
Jomarys Bengochea at Millersville University in Pennsylvania found that playing in the school marching band was a great way to make friends with a common interest. The band gives her a chance to perform and even get some exercise. “Everyone stays in shape,” says Bengochea. “We put in long hours to entertain people and to keep the music alive. I love every minute of it!”
Helping Students with Healthy Behaviors...and More
Maria Almeida at University of South Florida in St. Petersburg encourages fellow students live healthier lives through the school’s PEERS program. (Pictured is the PEERS group at an alcohol-free tailgate party.). She also helps plan entertainment on campus as a member of the activities board, and she serves as a secretary of the Latin American Student Association. “All of these campus involvement activities have helped me grow not only as a student, but as an individual preparing to start a professional life,” says Almeida. “They have helped me understand that the largest difference can be made in the community by growing to be an effective member of society and offering understanding to those with different opinions and values.”
Following Your Passion
Danielle Alio at Cabrini College in Radnor, Pennsylvania has loved theater since high school. “It wasn’t until the spring semester of my freshman year I auditioned for one of Cabrini�s musicals,” Alio says. “Being a part of the theater at Cabrini was one of the best decisions I could have made because I made great life-long friends, and the performances are a lot of fun. I wish I would have participated sooner. At the end of my freshman year, I had wonderful new friends who I am still great friends with today. After joining the theater and learning how to balance practices with my studies as well as commuting from home, I was able to start getting involved with more organizations other than the theater, and I met a lot of new people.”
Connecting Through Sports
Gwen Turner at Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania is an accomplished member of the school’s women’s softball team. She says that playing a sport is a great way to make friends. “When you start making friends in college, be sure to include those outside of your own sport, and those who don’t play a sport at all, as well as students outside of your own major,” she says. “I have met so many terrific people by joining different groups, learning new things, and having fun. I joined the intramural basketball team and made lots of new friends outside of my initial circle. It offers some new perspectives, expands your world, and adds new possibilities and ideas to your knowledge base.”
Building Your Résumé
As a student at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York, Katie Meena got involved as a student orientation leader. During an orientation session, she met a student’s father who was a stage manager at ABC’s Good Morning America. After telling him about her major in radio, TV, and film, he gave her his card and said to contact him if she wanted an internship. Extracurricular activities can be a way to network to future jobs and build skills that are valued in the workplace, including leadership, organization, communication skills, and basic computer competency.
Click on each event to learn more.
July
National Therapeutic Recreation Week - 7 - 13
Every Body Deserves a Massage Week - 14 - 20
August
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Health Center Week - 11 - 17
International Day of the World's Indigenous People - 9
