Plus, SCDOT announced an accelerated completion for the Carolina Crossroads project.
 
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Wellness

Prisma Health On Call: Answers to your HPV and cervical cancer questions
Presented by a GVLtoday Partner
A person sits on an examination table in a doctor's office and talks to a physician.
Speak with your doctor about HPV infection, the HPV vaccine, or any other questions you have about your sexual health. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
HPV, cervical cancer... the terms might sound scary, but don’t let them stop you from taking charge of your health. Whether you’re concerned about getting vaccinated, understanding test results, or simply want to be informed, you’re not alone.

To help us gather your need-to-know questions, we recently asked our readers (aka you) to send us their HPV and cervical cancer questions for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call. And here with the answers is Prisma Health OB/GYN Academic Specialist Erica Lowing, MD.

What is HPV, and how does someone become infected?

“HPV is the human papillomavirus, which is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the United States. It can be transmitted through any form of sexual activity including oral, vaginal, or anal sex, or other genital contact. According to the CDC, HPV is so common that nearly all sexually active people will become infected at some point in their lifetime.”

Why do you refer to “HPV” like it’s one virus? There are dozens of different HPVs with different health implications, correct?

“That is correct! There are many different strains of HPV and some are much higher risk than others. If you have an HPV infection, your provider can test for the type of HPV you have and discuss with you the risks associated with that type.”

Is HPV curable? Can HPV resolve on its own?

“Absolutely! The majority of HPV infections resolve within one year. Your body’s immune system, especially with the help of vaccination, can help clear the infection. Avoiding tobacco products is key to helping your body fight the infection. It is not curable in all cases, however. This is why regular screening is so important!”

Should adults over 55, who never received the vaccine, get vaccinated?

“The HPV vaccine is only approved until the age of 45. Here’s why.”
4 more answers this way
 
Events
Wednesday, Feb. 28
  • Mount Eden Wine Dinner | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 6-8 p.m. | Hampton Street Vineyard, 1207 Hampton St., Columbia | $135 | Anticipate a four-course tasting menu paired with six Mount Eden wines.
  • Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, 711 E. Main St Ste. A3, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.
  • Nom Nom Namaste | Wednesday, Feb. 28 | 12:30-1 p.m. | Icon on Taylor, 1218 Taylor St., Columbia | $10 | Guests will receive a complimentary small smoothie and a bite to enjoy.
Thursday, Feb. 29
  • Black History Month Jubilee Celebration | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6-7:45 p.m. | Richland Library Northeast, Columbia | Free | Join Richland Library Northeast as it celebrates Black History through open mic poetry, African dance, and a cooking demonstration by Chef Floyd.
  • Congaree Riverkeeper 15 Year Celebration | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 6-9 p.m. | 300 Senate, 300 Senate St., Columbia | $65-$75 | Celebrate 15 years of Congaree Riverkeeper’s work protecting Cola’s rivers with an oyster roast + live music.
  • Stress Fractures, Newgrounds Death Rugby, Moving Boxes, Gamine | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 7-11 p.m. | New Brookland Tavern, 632 Harden St., Columbia | $5-$10 | Local indie punk band Stress Fractures headlines the night of rock music.
  • Business Networking Happy Hour | Thursday, Feb. 29 | 5-7 p.m. | Hunter Gatherer Brewery & Taproom, 1402 Jim Hamilton Blvd., Columbia | Build beneficial relationships with other business-minded Soda Citizens at Happy Hour.
Friday, March 1
Saturday, March 2
  • Irish Fest Camden | Saturday, March 2 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Historic Camden Foundation, 222 Broad St., Camden | $15 | Enjoy all things Irish at the 8th annual at the family-friendly Irish Fest Camden.
  • Gamecock Men’s Basketball vs. Florida Gators | Saturday, March 2, Saturday, March 2 | Times vary | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $20-$55 | Head to Colonial Life Arena to watch the Gamecocks take on the Gators.
Plan the rest of your week
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Town Theatre
 
News Notes
Open
  • The newest Midlands Sully’s Steamers, located at 5580 Sunset Blvd., Suite C3 in Lexington officially opened yesterday. We announced that it would be opening last July after the opening of Cola’s first location on Devine Street (2835 Devine St.).
Coming Soon
  • Biscuitville Fresh Southern, known for its biscuit sandwiches, will open its second Columbia location on Tuesday, March 12 at 7924 Garners Ferry Rd. The chain, founded in 1975, plans to prioritize locally sourced ingredients. (The State)
Development
  • SCDOT announced an accelerated completion for the Carolina Crossroads project at the congested I-20 and I-26 interchange — aka “Malfunction Junction.” The project will now prioritize widening the I-20 and advancing utility work to improve traffic flow. (The Post and Courier)
Edu
  • USC is introducing two new degrees: one in sports psychology and counseling and another in environmental law and sustainability, responding to high-demand fields. The programs aim to address mental health in athletes + environmental compliance needs, with plans for online accessibility. (WLTX)
Cause
  • La-Z-Boy donated a truckload of furniture to Oliver Gospel Thrift Store on Two Notch (10012 Two Notch Rd.), continuing their yearly tradition since the mid-2000s. The donation, including sofas and tables, supports the Mission’s programs aiding unhoused individuals.
Health
Sports
  • The Panthers and the rest of the NFL were told that the 2024 salary cap would rise $30.6 million to a record $255.4 million per team. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
     
    Asked

    How will you spend your Leap Day this year?

    Asked: How will you spend your Leap Day this year?
    241080650_279034576988864_3584400468140966347_n
    It’s almost summer, plan ahead for these ~40 events. | Photo Provided by @sylviefsmith
    Happy almost Leap Day, Soda Citizens. Every four years, we experience a leap year. A leap year contains an additional day, February 29, making it ~366 days long instead of the usual 365 — well, 365.25 days, to be more accurate.

    Astronomically long story short — this extra day is added to the calendar every four years to keep it synchronized with the Earth’s revolutions around the sun. Without leap years, our calendar would gradually fall out of sync about one-quarter of a day behind the solar year.

    Basically, our current calendars would be off by ~501 days — so Feb 28, 2024, would actually be July 13, 2025, or the middle of summer, according to the handy time calculator. Pretty weird, huh?
    Asked
     

    How do you plan on spending your additional 24ish hours on Leap Day?
    __________________________________________________________________

    Do you plan to live the 29th as a normal day or do something out of the ordinary like travel, unplug, grab yourself a treat, spend time with loved ones...etc.? Let us know below.
     
    The Buy

    The Buy 2.28.24 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
    Your must-have Stanley Quencher accessory (yes, water bottle accessories are a thing). There are straw cover caps, personalized name plates, water bottle carrier bags, and even a snack bowl that fits around your Stanley.
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    The Wrap
     
    Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

    Today’s edition by:
    Sam
    From the editor
    I think for Leap Day, I’ll try to be intentional about limiting my screen time. I know Leap Day can just seem like an extra day, but I want to think of it as an opportunity to do some good. Maybe I’ll call a relative, simply spend additional time outside, or go grab a favorite local treat — I’m looking at you, Sweet Cream Co. Who knows what will happen when we think more critically about our time usage during the day — maybe something great.
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