The New York Times recently reported that this year’s flu season is shaping up to be one of the worst in recent memory. According to The New York Times, “Deaths in the current flu season have officially crossed the line into ‘epidemic’ territory.” Because of this, many health clubs have upped their cleaning regiments and policies to help protect their members.
At Newtown Athletic Club (NAC), in Newtown, Pa., member education has been a key weapon used in protecting members from contracting the flu. “We send out extra reminders to our members via e-mail blasts and our newsletter, to be aware that the club, although not a public facility, has thousands of people coming through each day, so they should treat it as public,” explained Linda Mitchell, the director of marketing and PR for NAC.
NAC suggested that members wash hands before and after workouts, and follow NAC’s equipment cleaning guidelines. Additionally, NAC created a small handout form it passed out to members with tips for avoiding the flu. Tips included on the list advised members to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, to wash hands often, and to refrain from excessively touching their face.
A key for NAC was the kids’ center. NAC has a strict illness policy, which Mitchell said is in place to protect children and other members. “In the kid’s center we post the tips for safety, but also have a ‘sick child’ policy that we adhere to,” said Mitchell. “It is posted on the website and in the kids club.” According to the policy, if children exhibit “questionable” symptoms, such as excessive coughing or skin discoloring, parents will be asked to take their child home immediately.
According to Phillip Bloyd, the owner of Powerhouse Gym in Louisville Ky., staff attentiveness to cleanliness has been a great weapon for fighting the flu in its members. “It really is a team effort,” said Bloyd. For example, during this particular flu season, Bloyd has required his staff to clean the bathrooms every half hour, versus every hour, which is the normal policy. “It’s been made clear to all staff members that the top priority is cleaning,” said Bloyd.
Ready access to cleaning products has been a weapon for Powerhouse’s members as well. “Our hand sanitizers are always full, and we have cleaning stations with sanitizers, Clorox wipes and towels located all around the gym,” said Bloyd.
Educate your members about this year’s flu season, and encourage them to protect themselves, and other members. And if they are sick, encourage them to stay home. This goes for your staff as well. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop and up to five to seven days after becoming sick.” Keep this in mind when taking sick days into consideration.
By Rachel Zabonick
