Matthew Davis quoted in Detroit News article, "Doctor's advice: shower before dip into pool"
July 4, 2011
The article detailed the findings of a C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, administered by Davis, which showed that few parents understand the importance of showering before swimming to avoid disease. Many illnesses stemming from water recreation are caused by cryptosporidium, a type of bacteria that can live for days and is resistant to chlorine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of cases of cryptosporidium has risen over 200 percent in the last 6 years. Cryptosporidium risk can be reduced or eliminated by bathers showering beforehand, but according to the poll, not enough parents currently appreciate this.
"Parents understand the dangers that may be in the water from germs spread from person to person, but many don't make the connection of how helpful it can be for everyone to shower before getting in the water," Davis told the Detroit News. "We, as neighbors, need to look out for each other and shower before getting in the water."