U.S. high school students who still have a choice in the matter choose a certain level of stinkiness over the possible embarrassment of group showers.

Most states no longer require showers after gym class, and students say they are not going to volunteer, The (Portland) Oregonian reported Sunday.

Young people say they do not have time to participate in the time-tested coming-of-age ritual, but teachers and counselors say the reason may be more related to body image standards perpetuated by the media, the newspaper said.

To make up for the lower standard in hygiene, students are splashing themselves off in the sink or making do with a dab of deodorant or a splash of perfume, the Oregonian reported -- but that may cause bigger problems than simple pungency.

Some coaches say showering together can help sports teams bond, and the skin-to-skin contact of some sports activities, like wrestling, can lead to the spread of staph infections and other diseases if hygiene is poor.  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International



Publication date: 03 December 2007   

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