What’s happening at Augusta University? Week of Jan. 17-23

This week: Basketball fans can support the Ronald McDonald House, experts warn that your current face mask may not be good enough and physicians encourage regular testing to prevent cervical cancer.

Stuff the Stadium to benefit the Ronald McDonald House

Fans are encouraged to bring new stuffed animals to Augusta University’s men’s basketball game against Georgia Southwestern at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19 at Christenberry Fieldhouse. After the first AU basket is made, fans are asked to throw teddy bears and stuffed animals on the court. All stuffed animals collected will then be donated to the Ronald McDonald House of Augusta. 

“We are always looking for a way to engage our fans and this one is a win-win for everyone. We hope to have a strong showing and want to see the court covered with stuffed animals. Ronald McDonald House has been a big part of the Augusta community for a long time and this is a way to show our appreciation for all they do,” said men’s basketball coach Dip Metress.  

 Better quality masks can help prevent the spread of omicron

For more than a year, most have been taking the simple approach of wearing a mask to help contain the spread of COVID-19. Cloth masks have become the norm for many, but are not the most effective, especially when it comes to helping prevent the spread of the omicron variant.

“Cloth masks and things like that are very comfortable and they have good coverage on the face,” said Dr. Rodger MacArthur, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases at the Medical College of Georgia. “But they don’t fit so tight and so air and any virus that’s in the air can come through the sides.” Three-ply surgical masks, KN95 masks or N95 masks offer more protection against the highly contagious variant.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month

A simple test could prevent women from developing cervical cancer. Pap smears have played a major role in reducing cervical cancer rates and are an essential part of a woman’s cancer screening and prevention plan.

“Cervical cancer is rare in women receiving regular screenings through Pap smears,” said Dr. Robert Higgins, a gynecologic oncologist at the Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University. “In general it takes many years for cervical cancer to develop. If precancerous changes are detected through regular Pap smears, they can be easily treated.”

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