Human Organ Discovered
In a finding published in the medical journal The Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology, J. Calvin Coffey, a professor at the University of Limerick in Ireland, reclassified the mesentery as one connected organ, not a disjointed group of separate parts. The Irish surgeon’s breakthrough overturned more than a century of medical belief and may lead to improvements in digestive surgery and recovery.
As reported by USA Today, although the mesentery has no identifiable function, clarifying the structure of the mesentery paves the way for a better understanding of the organ. New mesentery research may lead to less invasive surgeries, fewer complications, shorter patient recovery, and lower costs.
The authors state in their findings that “distinctive anatomical and functional features have been revealed that justify designation of the mesentery as an organ. Accordingly, the mesentery should be subjected to the same investigatory focus that is applied to other organs and systems.”
Read more about the findings at www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/01/04/surgeon-uncovers-new-organ/96158008.

Mindfulness Programs on the Rise in US Medical Schools
In a new study published in Mindfulness, researchers at Cambridge Health Alliance and the University of Southern California examined the prevalence of mindfulness-related activities in 140 accredited US medical schools during 2014. The authors found that approximately 80 percent of those schools have incorporated some form of mindfulness activity (i.e., research, wellness, clinical programs for patients, or curriculum).
The study also found that in 2014, 33 medical schools (about 25 percent of all US medical schools) were affiliated with some kind of mindfulness center where evidence- and mindfulness-based interventions are offered, and scientific medical research is being conducted.
Mindfulness practice has been shown to increase empathy, improve health-care provider attention, enhance the capacity for listening to patients, and decrease medical errors.
This study decisively indicates that mindfulness is being incorporated into US medical education and its associated health-care delivery systems. Read more at http://bit.ly/2jYYM9H.

Massage Envy Raises $5 Million for Arthritis Foundation
Massage Envy’s more than 1,150 locations joined forces for the annual Healing Hands for Arthritis event to raise $908,846 for the Arthritis Foundation. The partnership is now in its sixth year and has collectively raised more than $5 million to help the more than 50 million Americans, including 300,000 children, living with the disease.
Massage Envy franchised locations around the nation donated $10 to the Arthritis Foundation for every 60-minute massage or facial session performed during this one-day event. The funds raised will help support life-changing resources and advancements for people with arthritis. For those interested in contributing to the Arthritis Foundation, donations are accepted all year at www.arthritis.org/donate.php.