HBOT Conversations HBOT News

Dr. Jay Stevens, Medical Director of Extivita, returns to discuss the critical importance of treating head injuries, including concussions, with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). Dr. Stevens emphasizes that we are currently facing an epidemic of head trauma, encompassing various conditions such as concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), minimal or mild TBI (mTBI), Post-Concussion Syndrome (PCS), and Persistent Post-Concussion Syndrome (PPCS).

He elaborates on the subtle differences in terminology and definitions for these conditions but underscores that they all fall under the category of head trauma. Dr. Stevens highlights that even Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be seen as a form of PPCS because it represents persistent brain injury, though not initially labeled as a concussion.

Dr. Stevens explains the significance of distinguishing between acute, sub-acute, chronic, and persistent head trauma in terms of diagnosis and treatment. Regardless of the type or severity of the head injury, he advocates for immediate HBOT treatment, as it provides benefits for all head trauma cases.

Beyond professional athletes and military personnel, Dr. Stevens emphasizes the importance of recognizing the benefits of HBOT for adolescent athletes. In Wake County, North Carolina, where his practice is located, there are thousands of reported concussions each year. Dr. Stevens shares stories of high school students who have suffered from lingering effects after concussions and believes that access to HBOT facilities like Extivita-RTP would have significantly improved their outcomes.

The discussion also touches on the connection between the gut (often referred to as the second brain) and the brain. Dr. Stevens and the host, Ed di Girolamo, highlight the interplay between gut health and mental well-being, stressing that the health of both is integral to overall quality of life.

Dr. Stevens and di Girolamo firmly assert that HBOT is one of the most effective treatments for head trauma relief. They emphasize that HBOT is a natural and transformative therapy that can help individuals, including adolescents, recover from head injuries, potentially preventing the onset of post-concussion syndrome. Immediate HBOT treatment in the acute concussion stage provides the brain with the necessary oxygen for healing and can significantly improve the individual's quality of life.

In this continuation of Jim Hooker's discussion with HBOT News Network, the conversation delves deeper into the ongoing veteran suicide crisis in the United States and the challenges associated with promoting Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) as an alternative treatment for PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Jim emphasizes that the pharmaceutical industry wields significant influence in the medical community, often leading to veterans being prescribed multiple medications to address various symptoms of TBI and PTSD. These medications often come with side effects, including addiction and suicidal ideation, contributing to the rising suicide rates among veterans.

HBOT is seen as a non-invasive and effective therapy for veterans with brain injuries, posing a potential threat to the pharmaceutical industry. Jim highlights the effectiveness of HBOT in mitigating suicidal ideation and improving the overall well-being of veterans. He considers HBOT a permanent solution for veterans, offering hope and the possibility of reducing reliance on medication.

Despite ample scientific evidence and personal testimonies supporting HBOT, Jim acknowledges the ongoing battle to convince decision-makers to embrace this therapy. He relies on his faith and persistence to continue advocating for veterans and their access to HBOT.

Jim shares that in 2021, funding secured from the state of North Carolina provided 22 injured veterans with free HBOT sessions. Additional funds were secured in 2022, allowing more veterans to access the treatment. Ernie Harrison, a North Carolina veteran, benefited from this program, experiencing significant improvements in his life after completing 40 HBOT sessions.

Throughout the discussion, Dr. Paul Harch, a renowned expert in HBOT, is referenced as a valuable resource for understanding the science behind the therapy.

Jim's dedication to the NC HBOT for Vets program is evident, and he finds fulfillment in knowing that his efforts have helped veterans in North Carolina save lives. He hopes that this success at the state level will eventually lead to greater recognition and accessibility of HBOT for all veterans nationwide, including the support of the President of the United States. Personal stories from veterans who have benefitted from HBOT are considered vital in conveying the therapy's effectiveness and importance.

Jim Hooker, an 83-year-old retired Navy Vietnam veteran, joins HBOT News Network to share his journey from serving in the military to becoming the Chief Operating Officer of the Wounded In Action Family Foundation. The foundation aimed to support injured veterans by helping them transition home after discharge from hospitals.

Jim recounts his early experiences with the foundation, particularly a case involving a triple amputee veteran who suffered severe brain damage from an explosion. Despite extensive efforts and financial investment, the veteran's condition did not improve significantly, leaving Jim frustrated.

His life took a turn when he came across Dr. Paul Harch discussing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) on television. Intrigued, Jim visited the Harch Institute in New Orleans to learn more about HBOT's potential for veterans with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Jim was introduced to Major Ben Richards, a severely injured Army veteran who had experienced significant TBI and was initially told to accept his "new normal." Ben became suicidal but discovered HBOT, leading to a remarkable recovery after a series of treatments. This encounter with Ben inspired Jim to advocate for HBOT as a life-changing therapy for veterans with brain injuries.

Jim collaborated with State Legislators and Congress members in North Carolina, lobbying for funding to provide HBOT treatment for veterans. Senate Bill 442 was passed, allocating $150,000 for veterans to receive 40 or more HBOT sessions. Jim played a pivotal role in educating decision-makers about the effectiveness of HBOT for veterans.

The HBOT for Vets website was launched, and Jim coordinated the distribution of funds to approved veterans for HBOT sessions at Extivita-RTP. He encourages veterans suffering from brain injuries to consider HBOT, emphasizing that progress can be slow but ultimately transformative.

Jim's journey is a testament to his unwavering faith and determination to help veterans through HBOT. He expresses gratitude for meeting Ed di Girolamo, who shares his passion for advocating HBOT's potential to improve the lives of veterans.

This interview is part one of a two-part series, with part two scheduled for release next week.

Dr. Hemal V. Mehta, M.D., the Medical Director of Vibrant Health of North Carolina, returns to HBOT News Network to discuss Vibrant Health University, a new educational program launched by Vibrant Health. The program aims to educate both the public and healthcare providers about regenerative medicine and therapies, offering alternatives to traditional pharmacological and surgical approaches.

Vibrant Health University will provide online programs and podcasts for general education. Additionally, physicians interested in regenerative therapies can opt for in-person educational programs, which include live demonstrations and hands-on training. The courses will follow a structured program with certification processes and different tiers to accommodate providers with varying levels of expertise.

The ultimate goal is to have the program accredited by relevant certifying boards for physicians to earn continuing medical education credits. Dr. Mehta emphasizes the importance of physician education, the benefits of fasting, and the management of excessive inflammation in healthcare.

Vibrant Health's core focus is on integrating traditional and non-traditional medicine to provide patients with the best possible care. Dr. Mehta highlights the incredible capabilities of the human body, emphasizing its adaptability and innate healing potential, which reaffirms the existence of a higher power.

Vibrant Health University seeks to bridge the gap between conventional and holistic medicine, leveraging the body's natural healing abilities. For more information about Vibrant Health University, individuals can contact Vibrant Health via their website.

Dr. James "Jay" Stevens, M.D., a sports medicine specialist and team physician for the NHL's Carolina Hurricanes, returns to HBOT News Network to discuss the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for sports-related injuries and performance enhancement.

Dr. Stevens, with 25 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of sports activity and exercise in promoting well-being. He highlights his own involvement in triathlons and half Ironman events, emphasizing that he not only talks about the value of sports but also actively participates.

Having been immersed in HBOT for 14 years, Dr. Stevens explains that the science behind HBOT aligns perfectly with cellular injury repair. He believes that virtually every injury can benefit from HBOT, citing the example of a sports sprain. While compression plays a role in healing sprains, adding HBOT can accelerate the process by delivering 300 times more oxygen to injured cells, significantly reducing healing time.

HBOT is particularly effective for healing ligaments and tendons, which typically have limited blood supply compared to muscles. The therapy's unique combination of oxygen and pressure diffuses oxygen into plasma, independent of blood supply, enhancing healing in areas that typically receive minimal oxygen.

Dr. Stevens shares a success story of a friend who underwent two HBOT sessions a day for five consecutive days to treat a severe ankle sprain. Remarkably, the inflammation completely dissipated in just five days, and she transitioned from a hard boot to a soft cast, surprising her doctor with the speed of her recovery.

He explains the "hermetic effect" observed in patients undergoing multiple HBOT sessions in a day. Cells exposed to high concentrations of oxygen undergo rapid repair and response, alternating between hyperoxia and relative hypoxia. This process stimulates cellular repair and contributes to the therapy's effectiveness.

Regarding long-term use of HBOT for sports injuries and general health and wellness, Dr. Stevens sees no concerns. He believes that chronic use of HBOT optimizes cellular energy production without detrimental effects.

Dr. Stevens emphasizes the safety of HBOT and encourages athletes to consider incorporating it into their recovery routines. He suggests taking breaks to avoid oxygen toxicity, perhaps doing treatments five times a week and taking weekends off.

In conclusion, Dr. Stevens and host di Girolamo stress the importance of educating athletes about HBOT and providing them with the choice to use this noninvasive therapy for quicker and more effective healing. They highlight the proven benefits of HBOT, emphasizing that FDA approval is not required to experience the healing benefits of oxygen and pressure combined. Athletes are encouraged to explore the potential of HBOT chambers for injury recovery and performance enhancement.

Ernie Harrison, an Army veteran, shares his inspiring journey of hope and healing through Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in an interview with HBOT News Network. Ernie's story begins with his deployment to Afghanistan, where he faced combat experiences and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). He recalls an incident where he fell into an abandoned well, resulting in nerve damage, a frontal lobe injury, and a concussion. Despite limited rehabilitation time, he returned to active duty.

His second concussion occurred during a parachute jump in the 82nd Airborne, causing another TBI. After his deployment, Ernie decided to leave the Army due to family-related hardships, including his sister's health struggles with spina bifida. He pursued a career in the fire service, but the stress and trauma triggered panic attacks, leading to the discovery of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from his military service.

Ernie continued serving his community as a firefighter for nearly a decade in Greenville, North Carolina, but he still grappled with PTSD and TBI-related issues. His journey to HBOT began when he learned about the therapy through a radio talk show featuring Jim Hooker discussing the HBOT for veterans program. Ernie was intrigued by the prospect of a non-pharmaceutical solution to his PTSD and post-concussion syndrome.

Ernie further researched HBOT through a podcast by Damian Porter, featuring a doctor who had served as a Navy diver for 28 years and discussed the therapy's potential to treat TBIs and related conditions. Encouraged by these findings, Ernie applied for HBOT treatment through the HBOT for Vets program and commenced a 40-dive protocol at Extivita-RTP, with ongoing ANAM testing to monitor his progress.

After ten dives, Ernie experienced increased energy, improved sleep, and reduced anger and anxiety episodes. His wife noticed positive changes in him. After 20 dives, Ernie's sense of smell, which had been lost after contracting COVID-19, began to return. He attributed these improvements to the HBOT treatments and dedicated himself to the therapy, temporarily relocating to be closer to the clinic and focusing solely on his treatment.

Ernie also recommended the book "The Oxygen Revolution" by Dr. Harch to anyone interested in understanding the science behind combining oxygen and pressure in HBOT. He emphasized the potential benefits of HBOT for first responders, paramedics, firefighters, doctors, and nurses who have faced burnout during the pandemic, believing it could offer them the same healing and peace he experienced on his journey of recovery.