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No. 2: Make time to share a laugh. Laughter isn’t just the best medicine — it’s a personal antidote you can share with your friends and family! Would it surprise you to know that laughter has huge benefits for stress relief and overall health? It releases endorphins, stimulates your organs, and releases tension in your body. Ask friends and family to watch funny movies, tell jokes, or share hilarious stories. Likewise, don’t be afraid to try and make someone else laugh. Even a good-hearted attempt might be enough to get the laughter flowing. No. 3: Take a break from the routine. Of course, we don’t want to surrender our healthy habits, but stepping away from our typical routine when we’re stressed can sometimes work wonders. In times of stress, we’re more
likely to lose our cool, say harsh things, break down into tears, or shut down all communication. We may also be tempted to keep to ourselves, but remember that winding down doesn’t automatically mean you have to be alone. You can always “break away” by getting coffee with an old friend or reconnecting with family members you haven’t spent time with in a while. No. 4: Share a meal with good company. Whether it’s with family, friends, or fellow members of a church community, find ways to sit down and share a meal with people you care for. Not only does it feel good to be nourished together, but it’s one of the oldest ways human beings congregate, begin long discussions, allow chances to vent, and connect with one another. No. 5: Take an art class. We’re all a little vulnerable when we release our inner artist and take the chance to paint, color, or sculpt away our stress. That’s why art classes are an awesome way to meet new people and connect. Vulnerability allows us to see new perspectives of people and ourselves. You can even take art classes with current friends and family! It’s a great chance to pause a busy lifestyle, relax your mind, and do something creative. Every human being experiences stress, even those who appear the most carefree. If you’re stressed this month, just remember you’re never alone. I hope these ideas will inspire you to take action.
Could It Solve the Organ Donor Crisis? Meet the Regenerative Operating Room
You might think: What?! According to Dr. Michael McPhail, a biomedical engineer and research associate at Mayo Clinic in Arizona, bringing together tissue engineering, biomaterials, regenerative medicine, robotics, 3D printing, and imaging could have a transformative effect on the entire practice of medicine. For example, a 3D image of the healed jaw could be created for someone with a jaw defect, and manufactured bone, guided by medical imaging and real-time optical sensors, could be created to help the jaw regenerate to its pre-injury appearance. Dr. McPhail and his team expect that these tools could enable less invasive surgeries while improving outcomes. Researchers are still working to realize this unique cohesion of emerging technologies into real daily care, but plenty of modern medical facilities use a version of this. For example, the Cosmetic Center at Mayo Clinic in Arizona uses 3D-printed models to rebuild facial features after debilitating effects of disease, cancer, or traumatic injuries. Patients can even try on a new nose or chin before undergoing surgery. It’s only a matter of time before a regenerative operating room can build bones and even organs.
In the recent past, while looking for dates on Tinder, you might’ve noticed an image of a celebrity with an “organ donor” icon next to their photo. By swiping right, instead of contacting the celebrity, users were given the option to register as an organ donor. While this might seem like an unlikely partnership, the truth is that many health organizations worldwide are desperate to find organ donors. According to OrganDonor.gov, 17 people die every day because they’re simply waiting for an organ transplant. Being on an organ waitlist is a terrifying experience for individuals and families. However, a new vision for operating rooms might have the answer, because — thanks to 3D printing — it’s growing closer to reality.
3D Printing of Organs and Bones
We don’t have the capability to do this yet, but we promise there is a reason to be excited. Recently, a concept for a regenerative operating room won the Blue Sky competition at the Society of Manufacturing Engineers conference. This operating suite would double as a manufacturing room for the 3D printing of organs, bones, muscles, and cartilage.
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