CleenFreek Puts The Hurt on MRSA Germs in Sports

ST. LOUIS, Mo., Oct. 19, 2006 — CleenFreek SportsHygiene today announced broad acceptance for its innovative line of sporting goods designed to reduce the spread of dangerous germs in gyms and locker rooms. Teams at all levels — from professional to youth — have started using CleenFreek’s sport towels, head and wrist bands, and shower sandals that all pack a permanent germ-killing punch.

One of the most pervasive problems in sports today is the spread of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) in team sports, especially contact sports such as football, hockey and wrestling. CleenFreek’s products are designed to kill MRSA bacteria, mold and fungus before they have a chance to migrate from player to player. The Centers for Disease Control cites shared towels as a major source of MRSA infections.

“In recent years, MRSA has become a dangerous infectious pathogen, threatening the health of athletes in all types of settings,” said Steve Kennelly, M.Ed., A.T.C, assistant athletic trainer for the New York Giants football team. “The use of CleenFreek sports towels to help prevent MRSA, staph and other types of antibiotic-resistant infections has become a standard practice in our athletic training room.” The CleenFreek anti-microbial technology is built into the fibers of the towel preventing the growth of bacteria, and ultimately minimizing the risk of infection to our players.

CleenFreek’s technology is the result of collaboration with research organizations, microbiologists and manufacturers, including North American Science Associates, and more than three years of research and development. Its patent-pending anti-microbial technology allows CleenFreek SportsHygiene products to safely store and release anti-microbial particles to prevent bacteria and fungus growth. Because the active germ-fighting ingredient is built-in, the protection lasts for the life of the product.

In addition to the New York Giants, nearly two dozen professional sports teams have begun using CleenFreek equipment as part of their hygiene regimen. Over the past year, the company has seen sales more than quadruple as athletic trainers and directors, equipment managers, coaches and parents have adopted CleenFreek products to stem not only the spread of MRSA, but to also reduce the spread of common cold and flu germs.

“What we’re seeing among sports teams is a shift in emphasis toward preventing the spread of infectious diseases, rather than treating the symptoms after the fact,” said Scott Seabaugh, president of CleenFreek SportsHygiene. “Already this season, MRSA has had significant impact on sports programs across the country, leading to hospitalizations, canceled games, school closures and death. This is tragic and unfortunate and we are committed to our leadership roll in winning the war against staph, MRSA and germs. ”

Unlike many diseases that target certain at-risk segments of the population, MRSA can target anyone, and it can have a severe debilitating effect even on athletes in prime condition. One example is New England Patriots linebacker and 12-time Pro Bowler Junior Seau, who was hospitalized with MRSA during a recent season.

“As a 17-year veteran in the NFL, I know first-hand not to take my health for granted,” Seau said. “That is why I use CleenFreek SportsHygiene Performance Equipment. CleenFreek kills and prevents staph, MRSA and germs for the life of the product. It even inhibits bad odor, which is always a problem in sports. Be smart, MRSA can take you out.”

Invisible Protective Shields

Over the next few months, CleenFreek will be expanding its offerings to include a line of spray-on and wash-in protective shield products. These products will enable people to treat clothing articles, textiles and surfaces such as wrestling mats with an invisible anti-microbial barrier that inhibits the growth of bacteria as well as fungus, mold and mildew. Extensive testing has shown one treatment is sufficient to provide an added layer of protection that has long-lasting residual effects.

CleenFreek SportsHygiene “All Purpose” Liquid Shield is a spray that protects surfaces, while CleenFreek SportsHygiene “Wash In” Protective Shield is a liquid that goes into the wash during the rinse cycle, and creates a protective shield on the washed items. Both products will be offered in 16 oz bottles for households and 64 oz containers for schools, teams and institutions.

Beyond Sports

While MRSA is most visible in sports, it has become a problem in many other settings including health clubs, hospitals, day care centers, prisons and the military. CleenFreek has introduced a line of products for day care centers and is in discussions with the U.S. government about specialized products for the armed forces.

“Compared to the cost of new drug research and the impact on lives, CleenFreek products make tremendous sense because they stop staph, MRSA and germs before they ever have a chance to get started,” said Seabaugh. “There will always be harmful germs. We offer a simple and convenient way for people in all walks of life to shield themselves from these potentially deadly pests. Prevention is what we are all about.”

About CleenFreek

CleenFreek® SportsHygiene® Performance Equipment addresses needs of athletic trainers and athletes by providing protection and prevention against drug-resistant staph infections (MRSA). Patented built-in technology kills, prevents, bacteria, fungus, mold and mildew for the life of equipment. CleenFreek SportsHygiene products are currently sold at national retailers including Dick’s Sporting Goods, Eastbay, and other sporting goods retailers. They can also be purchased through CleenFreek’s website. CleenFreek is a corporate partner and financial contributor to the MRSA Awareness Foundation, www.mrsaawareness.com, helping increase awareness and education of MRSA in sports and athletics. To learn more about CleenFreek, visit www.cleenfreek.com or www.sportshygiene.com or call 1(800) 591-3585.