Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Carl Nicks was diagnosed with MRSA in August and the infection has returned in his left foot.  MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is by definition a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that is resistant to a large group of antibiotics that include penicillins and cephalosporins.  Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that often lives harmlessly on the skin or in the nose. When introduced into the body through a cut or medical incision, it can cause anything from minor skin lesions to life-threatening bloodstream infections, pneumonia or organ damage.

An NFL physicians survey stated that there were 33 MRSA staph infections league-wide from 2006-2008 - 11 a season among 32 teams.  Carl Nicks had an infected blister on the side of the foot and at one point, the infection spread to one of his arms, however, currently he is responding well to treatment.

• Treatment for MRSA skin infection may include a special group of antibiotics and if necessary, surgical drainage.
• The best way to avoid MRSA infections is through hand washing, good hygiene, and avoid skin contact with possible infected individuals.
• At a minimum, hands should be cleaned before and after playing sports and activities such as using shared weight-training equipment, and when caring for wounds including changing bandages.  Note:  One study showed that players who shave their ankles prior to taping up, for instance, also have a greater incidence of staph, because the shaving creates little nicks for infection to enter."
• Cover up wounds that continue to produce pus or drain material.
• Avoid sharing personal items (towels, washcloth and clothing).  Wash linens in hot water and dry on a hot setting in the dryer.

This Halloween season treat your "spider veins" or (telangiectasias) and keep them from forming.  Spider veins are most common on your legs and thighs and appear in women after their childbearing years.  Dark-looking veins can develop in clusters like a spider's web on the surface of your skin in the foot and ankle area as well.

Spider veins are not dangerous, but they can be an eyesore and the risk factors include weight gain, pregnancy and prolonged standing.  Spider veins can be treated on your feet and ankles with the right combination of a daily routine which includes the following:

• Wear compression stockings to get rid of spider veins on your feet and ankles.  These stockings are strong support hoses that compress your dilated spider veins.  The hoses squeeze your ankles and get the blood moving back up through your legs and into your heart.  Compression stockings can be purchased at most drug stores and there are even Victoria Secret styled support stockings, so there is no excuse not to wear them.
• Elevate your legs.  When you are sitting or relaxing, elevate your feet above your heart level.  Your heart will pump faster and increase the circulation in your spider veins, which will reduce them in size.  A foot stand under your desk can help keep your legs elevated.
• Try to stand as little as possible.  Standing increases pressure on your valves and causes them to swell and create spider veins.  If you have to stand - then get on the tips of your toes by lifting your heels off the floor.  This action will help increase circulation in your spider veins.
• Massage your feet or get weekly foot massages to promote healthy circulation and drain lymphatics.  Massage oil in a circular motion into your legs and ankles and once in a while squeeze your feet and ankles hard to force the blood out of your spider veins.  This motion will help reduce the spider veins.
• Undergo Laser therapy.  Laser therapy is the most effective way to shrink and even get rid of spider veins. It is sometimes used as a complement to scierotherapy in order to maximize results.

Scierotherapy is an injection of sodium chloride that is applied with a needle directly in the spider vein.  The sodium chloride causes the blood vessel to swell up and stick together and eventually turns into scar tissue.  The tissue then fades from the surface of the skin.

Overall, it is important to reduce spider veins before they develop into varicose veins and a regular exercise program and weight loss can help relieve the symptoms of spider veins and varicose veins.