This week: Augusta University will host ceremonies and a fundraiser to remember 9/11 and AU Health raises awareness of a life-threatening ailment.

Remembering the anniversary of 9/11

Augusta University and the city are collaborating to remember the anniversary of 9/11. The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation 5K will be held at 8 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 10 on the Summerville Campus. Following a ceremony, the 5K will start at 8:46 a.m.

“The significance of 9/11 continues to mean a lot as it grows in importance every year because of the further away from the events we get. If we don’t remember, collectively as a mature generation but also the people that were already grown up in 2001, then we miss an opportunity to educate the following generation,” said John Ryan, emergency manager at Augusta University and AU Medical Center as well as coordinator for AU’s Office of Critical Event Preparedness and Response.

September marks awareness month for common heart arrhythmia

Augusta University Health is taking opportunities to raise awareness about the growing number of patients with atrial fibrillation, the most common type of heart arrhythmia, and the risks involved with it.

While atrial fibrillation is not typically life-threatening, complications from the arrhythmia may be deadly. Those who experience symptoms of the condition —including pounding, racing, fluttering or palpitations in the chest; shortness of breath; lightheadedness, dizziness or simple fatigue — should see a doctor right away.

“Seeing a health care provider is extremely important because having atrial fibrillation places a person at a five times greater risk of having a stroke than those who don’t have it,” said Allison Tihey, atrial fibrillation nurse coordinator at AU Health.