It is estimated that 25-30 percent of us are walking around with Staphylococcus aureus or "staph" bacteria. It causes common skin infections when skin is cut or scraped. It's easily communicated by skin-to-skin contact, so hygiene is important in close communities such as this.

In the fall of 2003, football players on the St. Louis Rams developed infections on common abrasions that worsened despite the fact that the players were already on abnormally heavy doses of antibiotics. The culprit--usually limited to hospitals and nursing homes--was identified as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureas or "MRSA." Methicillin is the family of common antibiotics (including pencillin) that we are prescribed frequently. It turns out that over-prescribing these medications makes us increasingly vulnerable to this mutant strain of Staph. Yesterday's assembly:

Biology students are studying bacteria today, which is a good thing.

In anatomy and physiology, we're dissecting chicken bones to examine different qualities of bone marrow.

While athletes, (and football players in particular) may seem most at risk for contracting MRSA due to the incidents of abrasions, skin-to-skin contact and unhealthy environments under pads and protective gear, anyone can pick it up.

The good news is that washing with soap and hot water after athletics goes a very long way toward preventing infection. Athletic uniforms and gear need regular cleaning, too.

With proper precautions taken, let the games continue! Below, varsity girls soccer cheers on varsity field hockey.