August 31, 2011 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • Page 9 A few helpful tips for maintaining a gym locker sandals handy. Because many microscopic organisms breed with warmth and moisture, something that is often in abundance in locker rooms, investing in some antibacterial spray, a desiccant product that absorbs moisture and an air freshener can keep your locker more sanitary. Depending on how dirty gym clothes become, you will want to bring them home often for laundering. Take dirty socks home daily because they can fester inside the locker. A large zipper-top bag or a recycled grocery bag is a good way to tote home dirty gym clothing inside your backpack. Be aware that the locker room floor may be teeming with bacteria, so avoid changing with bare feet on the ground. The locker room can dredge up feelings of inadequacy and embarrassment when changing in front of fellow students. Once Students often find middle school or high school is their first foray into a structured physical education class that requires changing into a gym uniform or workout clothing. With this comes the responsibility of outfitting and maintaining another locker on campus. A gym locker is different from a regular hallway locker in that it is often smaller and less frequently used. While some students may have gym every day of the week, others might have it two or three times a week. Even if it is visited daily, it’s only during the one gym period. Gym lockers can be breeding grounds for some bacteria, fungi, and odor. That’s because they store clothing that is often damp from perspiration in tight quarters. It also may be easy for lice or bed bugs to spread through the close contact of gym lockers. Students can ensure their belongings are safe and secure by following a few safety and hygiene practices. Find out the wardrobe policy. Some schools require an issued uniform. Many others indicate the use of T-shirts, shorts of a specific length, and sweatpants. There also may be requirements for footwear. Stock up on these items so you will have a few changes of clothes as necessary. If a combination lock has not been issued to you, purchase one to keep items safe. While potential thieves may not be interested in dirty socks or gym shorts, they may be interested in the digital devices, watches, clothing, and other items stored in gym lockers while you are in class. Keep antiperspirant, powder, feminine care products, soap, and shampoo (if there are showers), and a pair of water-resistant you have all of your supplies set, keep in mind some locker room etiquette. Respect personal space and take turns so that you have adequate room for changing comfortably. Keep your eyes to yourself. Be sure your eyes are at eye level with others. Few people feel comfortable in such situations, so respect privacy. Change clothes in stages. Take off a shirt and replace it with another. The same can be said for shorts and pants. Avoid walking around in undergarments. Be quick about changing. Don’t dally in the locker room. This way, if someone wants a little more privacy, most of the students will have cleared out. Keep in mind that these formative years are times when your body and the bodies of other students are changing at a great pace. Locker rooms tend to make even the most self-secure person a little modest.