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HBOT News continues our discussion with Jim Hooker, a 83 year old retired Navy Vietnam veteran, who served our country for 20 years.

Part 1 of our HBOT News Conversation with Jim Hooker was released last week.

Jim Hooker and host, Ed di Girolamo continue to speak about the veteran suicide crisis that is clearly going on in our country, and the awareness that continues to broaden to use alternative medicine to ease or alleviate symptoms of PTSD and TBI. However, there’s still an ongoing struggle to get doctors, the VA and others onboard to understand and use HBOT for healing.

It’s no surprise that the drug industry has almost total control over the medical community when it comes to brain injuries and brain-related conditions. Our veterans end up being prescribed a handful of pills they need to take everyday. Jim explains that there are 40-some odd symptoms of a TBI and PTSD, and for every one of those symptoms, there’s a drug or multiple drugs to treat that symptom.  Pain and sleep disorders being an example of two symptoms that are typically treated with a variety of different medications. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is safe and effective, and because it’s non invasive and works, it’s often seen as a threat by Big Pharma.

Plus, the prescribed medications for veterans to treat PCS, TBI or PTSD seems to be adding to the suicide crisis.  One example is the prescription of opioids and how easy it is to be addicted or overdose.  The side effects of these medications is also very concerning, as some even promote suicidal ideation. We are, and have been for a long time, witnessing a suicide epidemic with our soldiers.

Thankfully we now have science and personal testimony in our corner when it comes to promoting HBOT as a treatment, or cure, to PTSD, TBI, PCS and suicidal thoughts.  HBOT mitigates suicidal ideations to the point where the patient is no longer thinking about killing him or herself.  Jim classifies HBOT as a permanent fix for the veterans, especially for the suicide.  They notice they get better, even if it’s slow.  They start to have hope that maybe they can get off all the pills and they don’t have to live in agony forever.

But, HBOT healing doesn’t happen overnight, and even with all this data and personal stories it’s still a daily battle to get the decision makers to listen.  Jim explained it hasn’t always been easy, but he’s been persistent and he’s relied on his faith that the right people will eventually listen.  In 2021, the funding he helped secure from the state of NC provided 22 injured veterans with free Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy sessions. Additional funds were secured in 2022, and so far eight veterans have been approved to be treated with those funds. Additional funds are still available, so if you’re a veteran living in North Carolina you could qualify.

Ernie Harrison, a former podcast guest of HBOT News Network, is a North Carolina veteran who completed the program at Extivita- RTP under those funds and Jim’s approval.  For Ernie, HBOT gave him back the ability to be around crowds of people again, sleep better, and have more patience. The only thing that Ernie did differently recently was Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, so he lays claim that the change he’s witnessed has been solely from the combination of oxygen and pressure. Ernie ended up completing 40 dives, and has had a few follow-up sessions since.

Dr. Harch, another former podcast guest of HBOT News Network, is a legend in the world of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy. He is mentioned a few times throughout this episode, and his podcast on HBOT for head injuries is referenced as a way to better understand the science.

However, beyond the science we need to remember to keep listening to those who have tried HBOT and who are now living the beautiful life they never thought they could have. The stories of the veterans need to be told, and the world needs to hear them.  It’s like a witness in a courtroom — the most compelling evidence comes from personal testimony.

Jim has completely dedicated himself to the HBOTforVets program and finds great satisfaction knowing that through his persistence to secure this funding he is helping the heroes of NC save lives.  But, lobbying for funding at the state level is really just the start.  Jim has a wish that the President of the United States would act on this…. see the data…. listen to the stories… and understand that Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy WORKS.  At a national level, Jim prays that all veterans will eventually have access to HBOT.

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