Charlie Kirk Assassination: Hope and Prevention

Charlie Kirk Assassination: Hope and Prevention

“You can’t silence an opinion by ending its life…you only prove its weight” (Charlie Kirk).

As a Christian parish nurse, I felt the need to address the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Most reasonable caring people agree that this horrific crime was not only an evil act of violence but completely unamerican. While our brilliant founding fathers were most certainly flawed people, they were inspired to set up a unique system that has worked for the United States for 250 years. It’s built on the freedom to worship as desired and speak boldly but peacefully while holding different opinions.  Basically, we agree to disagree and work to change hearts and minds. Political violence of any kind is forbidden!

Charlie Kirk died because he was exchanging challenging points of view with college students. Though his body is buried in the ground…Christians believe that he is alive with Jesus in Heaven. But just as seeds are buried in the ground and rise into beautiful plants and flowers, Charlie’s ideas have taken root and will spread across the world. To that end I wanted to share areas of hope and offer things to watch for in a troubled young person who may choose violence over discourse. First…hope.

Zachary’s Letter
My nephew is a 34-year-old welder who manages a small team of plant workers.  He was inspired to write the following.

“To those that have been privy to recent events… Anyone that knows me, understands that I do not make daily posts of the ongoings of my personal life, but in light of recent events and hatred, I did want to share my opinion.

We currently live in a world where we have lost our ability to agree to disagree. Left or right, I don’t care where you align, if you condone the actions of what happened to Charlie Kirk and his family on 9/10, you are unfortunately the source of what is wrong with our country. To praise the assassination of someone just because you disagree with their beliefs, shines a very bright light on what has been wrong with our country.

At the end of the day, a mother has been widowed, two children will grow up without their father in their life, and an advocate who stood up for what he believed in was eliminated from existence due to a difference of opinion and momentum in their movement.

I don’t care if you lean left or right, if you support what happened yesterday, unfortunately you are the problem.  I hope that we can come together as a nation, regardless of our political beliefs and that no more family’s will be shattered due to misalignments in beliefs, or in hopes to push a political agenda.

America truly has lost its ability to agree to disagree or have a conversation with those that don’t align with the beliefs they hold true to their hearts. I truly hope and pray that we as a nation can come together and not continue to tear this rift open even further between each other. If this resonates with anyone then I believe we truly can carry on the legacy of what Charlie stood for and his memory will amount to his movement and not be defined by what happened yesterday.

Zachary C”

I’m hopeful that more people will step up like Zachary and push back the insanity.

Prevention: A Call to Action
What are we to do to end this violence? First pray for our nation and our trouble young people who have become poisoned by evil thoughts and actions. Vulnerable, depressed teens are at the greatest risk. They need our love and compassion to help them sort things out and good mental counseling. 

What are the Warning Signs of Mental Illness?
Knowing when to be concerned regarding a loved one is the first step. Schizophrenia, autism, depression and even some anti-depressants have shown to increase violence in disturbed adolescents and young adults. Some on the following list may raise insight into a developing problem and can be present in a variety of mental disorders.

–Excessive worrying or fear

–Continued feelings of sadness

–Confused thinking

–Extreme mood changes

–Frequent angry outbursts

–Avoiding friends or social activities

–Problems relating to people

–Sleeping too much or too little

–Eating too much or too little

–Changes in sex drive

–Experiencing delusions or hallucinations

–Lack of insight

–Overuse of alcohol or drugs

–Complaints of multiple physical ailments

–Intense fear of weight gain

–Inability to carry out daily activities

In addition, authorities reported that Charlie Kirk’s shooter spent hours on computer games and social media. Science is only beginning to understand the trauma on children allowed to spend hours on computer games and how this may impact normal brain and social development with regards to mental health over time.

Where to Go for Help
The pastors of local churches are generally aware of good professional counseling in their area. You can call any church, and they would most likely be happy to help and offer resources. As a Christian parish nurse, I would certainly start there. Focus on the Family has a website with referral information at focusonthefamily.com. They will search a zip code for a Christian counselor.

Access to Guns
If you have a teen or young adult struggling with a mental illness, please limit their access to guns! It was reported that Kirks’ shooter was given his grandfather’s powerful hunting rifle used in the assassination. While the 2nd Amendment protects Americans with the right to own a gun, certainly responsible parents must protect disturbed individuals from firing them on innocent people as best they can.

On A Personal Note
I will confess I haven’t been very good about reaching out to those around me who have become possessed by some of this harmful ideology. However, Charlie Kirk’s assassination was a wakeup call for me to get more involved because he was killed simply because he held a different view from the perpetrator. He was on that campus inviting angry students to exchange ideas, challenge thinking and hopefully, change their hearts and minds.

He was also a devout Christian, who encouraged young men and women to return to church. Charlie taught that the Bible was inspired and written to guide our lives in the path that produces the most peace of mind and joyfulness… not to punish us. He died living out that faith in Jesus.

His death was a watershed moment for me. I’m personally getting more actively involved with a local political group who is partnering with a new high school Turning Point chapter to help get them started.

May God bless each one of you with wisdom and courage as Charlie Kirk displayed and please pray for our nation and leaders on BOTH sides of the aisle.

And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us”

Then I said, “Here I am Lord! Send me” (Isaiah 6:8)

References:

  1. Owens, “An Uncomfortable Truth: Does the Rise of Antidepressants & SSRI’s Fuel Mass Shootings?” Psychreg(January 30, 2023). https://www.psychreg.org/antidepressants-ssri-mass-shootings/

“Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mental Illness,” National Alliance on Mental Illness (2025). https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/warning-signs-and-symptoms/

Ankita Guchait, “Effects of Gaming on Kids: Aggression & Language,” Psychology Today (February 22, 2025). https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-realities-of-refugee-screening/202502/the-effects-of-gaming-on-kids-aggression-and

 

Wu, Dong, Liu & Li, “How Early Digital Experiences Shapes Young Brains 0 – 12 Years: A Scoping Review”, Early Education & Development (November 11, 2023). https://d197for5662m48.cloudfront.net/documents/publicationstatus/146084/preprint_pdf/67296863c4427ec7ce0e39a194ce67a3.pdf.

Focus on the Family. https://www.focusonthefamily.com/about/contact-us/

I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare

Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Helping those with PTSD

Helping those with PTSD

Recently, I met a pastor who was a combat marine in 1965 during the Vietnam War who today occasionally suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Counseling helped a great deal, but the 4th of July fireworks sometimes take him back to the jungle and gun fire of Vietnam. His wife has learned to grab his hand and remind him that he’s safe and with the family in America which helps decrease his stress. How many combat soldiers among us need that comfort and support as well? Further, are there any non-combat people who also suffer from PTSD?

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused from experiencing an extremely terrifying event, being part of trauma or witnessing it. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, intrusive, repetitive and uncomfortable thoughts regarding the event. While we often think of it only in combat soldiers it may occur within adults and children of any age.

Adult Symptoms of PTSD
There are a variety of symptoms an individual may experience after a traumatic event.

 Intrusive Memories: Repeated thoughts of the traumatic event may occur as if it was happening now. Sleep may be disturbed with horrific nightmares. Certain events such as fireworks may remind them of the event and trigger a strong uncomfortable physical reaction such as increased heart rate, pulse, respirations and blood pressure. It’s as if the person is reliving it repeatedly.  

Avoidance: Some people desperately try to avoid thinking about the event. The individual may avoid people, places and activities that are a reminder which leads to social isolation.

Negative Changes in Thinking and Mood: Some suppress the memory of the event, but it comes out in negative thoughts about the world and others. Harmful emotions such as fear, blame, guilt, anger or shame may persist. Poor self-esteem may follow. Emotions are numbed with a detachment from family and friends. Individuals may avoid activities once enjoyed.

Physical and Emotional Changes: While some emotions are numbed, others may be hyper aroused. The individual may be easily frightened, irritable, aggressive or always looking out for danger. Self-destructive behaviors such as alcohol, drug abuse or aggressive driving may occur.

Children’s Symptoms
For children >6 years old he or she may reenact the traumatic event through play or experience unusual frightening dreams.

Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you now express suicidal thoughts get help immediately! Reach out to someone you trust, a spiritual leader or healthcare provider.

In the US call or text 988 (24 hour a day Suicide & Crisis Lifeline)

US Veterans can call 988 and then press 1 or text 838255 (Veterans Crisis Line)

If the individual thinks they may hurt themself or someone else call 911!

When to Seek Treatment
If the PTSD symptoms persist after a month from the traumatic event or interfere with a normal life, it’s a good idea to seek a healthcare provider or mental health professional.

Psychological Treatments
The American Psychological Association (APA)’s Clinical Guideline recommends various areas of focus.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The guideline recommends this approach as the first line of treatment. The individual learns to focus their thoughts, feelings and triggers of the PTSD reactions. New ways of coping are developed and harmful memories regarding the traumatic event are lessened. Avoidance behaviors are explored and reduced with slow prolonged exposures. Baby steps reduce fear.

Eye Movement and Reprocessing (EMDR) This therapy is a second line approach. Disturbing memories can become stored inappropriately or greatly repressed. EMDR directs the individual to briefly focus on their painful memory while moving both eyes in certain directions. In essence it restores the painful memory with a more positive one.

The Cleveland Clinic describes it best:
EMDR therapy is a relatively new — but very effective — method of helping people with traumatic memories. When you undergo EMDR, you access memories of a trauma event in very specific ways. Combined with eye movements and guided instructions, accessing those memories helps you reprocess what you remember from the negative event. That reprocessing helps “repair” the mental injury from that memory. Remembering what happened to you will no longer feel like reliving it, and the related feelings will be much more manageable.

Pharmaceutical Treatments
Anti-depressants The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil) have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of PTSD. These drugs increase serotonin and dopamine (feel good) chemicals in the brain. Other medications may help. It’s important to speak with the healthcare provider regarding benefits verses potential side effects.

Ketamine Infusion Along with therapy, Ketamine Intravenous IV infusions were approved by the FDA to treat PTSD in the 1970’s. It’s an anesthetic that reduces pain and improves mood thus reducing the negative symptoms from PTSD. Therapy is more successful. An IV infusion is administered every 2 to 4 weeks.

Experimental Psychedelic Hallucinogenic Treatments
These emerging treatments also known as psychedelic augmentation are being used to enhance therapy by altering the perception and mood of how the brain perceives negative memories. Preliminary evidence has been promising but these substances are dangerous and must be used under the care of a physician. Currently they are illegal in the US except in a few research studies.

While these are both still Schedule I substances—drugs with high abuse potential and no currently accepted medical use—ongoing research efforts have found support for using these compounds in conjunction with therapy to treat various mental health conditions, including PTSD. The Veterans Health Administration’s (VHA) Office of Research Development (ORD) is funding research on psychedelic compounds in Veterans.

Methylenedioxymethamphetamine MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly) This drug works by targeting memory storing and reducing areas of the brain. Fear is reduced while social engagement, openness, positivity, empathy, and compassion are enhanced. It also increases serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin (feel-good) chemicals in the brain. While much is still unknown a positive interaction occurs between the medicine, the psychotherapy, the participant and the therapist.

Psilocybin (Magic Mushrooms) While much remains unknown as well, these mushrooms seem to work on various neurotransmitter chemicals in the brain similar to serotonin. Participants under the care of a physician report a wide range of unusual experiences for 4 to 6 hours depending on the dose. They describe multiple senses occurring at once such as tasting color, loss of self, mystical experiences, bliss, connectedness to others and a diminished fear response.

Along with therapy it induces emotional breakthroughs with greater positive changes in personality, behavior and well-being. Research is ongoing into the efficacy of Psilocybin-Assisted Therapy (P-AT), but more evidence-based research is definitely needed.

How Can Families Help?
Learn more through the National Center for PTSD (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/). Offer to go with your loved one to appointments with healthcare providers. Listen as much as you can to their stories and frustrations. Go for a walk or bike ride with them to reduce stress. Encourage socialization with other family members and friends.

Tips to Deal with Anger
Set a Time Out: Determine a signal when anger and frustrations get heated to take a time out until cooler heads prevail. Agree to share where you’ll go and what you’ll do during the time out. Also determine how long the time out should last.

After the Time-Out: Take turns talking about the problem. Listen without interrupting. Use I think or I feel instead of youstatements. Be open to the other person’s point of view. Focus on things you both think will work and agree on solutions. These are great strategies for all of us but especially for someone with PTSD who struggles with an appropriate anger response.

On A Personal Note:
It’s hard to imagine what our hero soldiers went through during combat in war. One of my Great, Great, Grandfathers lost an arm during the Civil War while the other Civil War grandfather never spoke of it. We didn’t even know he served until recently. He lived in Pennsylvania at the time and probably enlisted or was drafted from there. General – President Grant was a distant relative.

We pondered what happened that kept him so quiet. He was also the relative who traveled by covered wagon from Chicago to western Kansas during the great western migration. Why did he never speak of his war experience? I think PTSD may have played a role.

Personally, I’m praying for peace in the Middle East and with Ukraine and Russia. The last thing we need is another war where our soldiers are called upon to experience horrific combat with injuries and or death.

PTSD occurs in other people who didn’t serve in a war. One can only wonder what horror those victims endured. If you or someone you love suffer from any kind of trauma…please reach out for more information and get help. Ask you pastor or spiritual leader for a Christian counselor who specializes in PTSD or trauma recovery. There is much that can be done.

Thank you to our soldiers who bought our freedom. May you get the love, healing and patience that you need.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

Reference:

“Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),” Mayo Clinic. August 16, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967

“PTSD Treatments APA’s Clinical Practice Guideline Recommends Three Interventions for Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Suggests Another Four,” April 2025. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments.

“EMDR,” The Cleveland Clinic, (March 29, 2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22641-emdr-therapy

“Medications for PTSD, American Psychological Association APA (April 2025). https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments/medications

Wadmin, “How Ketamine Infusion Therapy Is helping patients Struggling with PTSD symptoms” Mindful Health Solutions, (February 6, 2023). https://mindfulhealthsolutions.com/how-ketamine-infusion-therapy-is-helping-patients-with-ptsd-symptoms/

  1. Morland & J. Wooley, “Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy for PTSD,” PTSD National Center for PTSD, Veterans Administration, (June 25, 2025). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/txessentials/psychedelics_assisted_therapy.asp

“Helping a Family Member Who Has PTSD” VA PTSD: National Center for PTSD (March 26, 2025). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/how_family_member.asp

PTSD: National Center for PTSD, VA, (May 9, 2025). https://www.ptsd.va.gov

I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare

Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Humble – An Inspirational Story

Humble – An Inspirational Story

This story was sent to me via a friend. I thought it was so good that I wanted to share it with all of you. I hope your summer was blessed with wonderful memories.

Enjoy!

 When Henry Ford asked for the cheapest hotel in town… people were stunned.
He had just landed in England — already a billionaire, already one of the most recognized names in the world. But instead of luxury, he walked up to the airport information desk and asked, simply:

“Where’s the cheapest place to stay?” The clerk hesitated. Worn coat. Modest bag. Calm voice. Then he realized who was standing in front of him.

Henry Ford. The man whose name was in every newspaper. The face behind an empire.“Sir… aren’t you Mr. Ford?” he asked, still processing.

Ford nodded. “Yes, I am.”

 Still puzzled, the clerk continued: “I know your son always stays in the best hotels, wears the finest suits. But you—you’re asking for the cheapest room, in an old coat that looks older than you…Why?”

 Ford smiled. Just enough to say everything without saying too much. “Because I don’t need more than a place to sleep. Wherever I stay — I’m still Henry Ford And this coat? It belonged to my father. It keeps me warm. That’s enough.”

 He paused. Then added, quietly: “My son is still learning. He still worries what others think. But I’ve learned to stop paying for approval. I didn’t become wealthy by spending — I became wealthy by understanding what matters, and what doesn’t.”

 A quiet lesson wrapped in humility: True wealth isn’t in what you show — it’s in what you know. You are not your coat, your hotel, or your bank account. You are who you are, wherever you go.

On A Personal Note:
I read this story to my family and most especially my grandchildren after a day of wrangling young children. A silence fell across the room as they loved the story but more importantly learned the lesson.

 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth (Matthew 5:5).

Refences:
David Attenborough, “Henry Ford’s Humble Approach to Wealth and Success as Summarized by AI,” Facebook (May 8, 2015). https://www.facebook.com/groups/davidattenboroughfanss/permalink/4128920884045721/

 Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare
References:

Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Fasting Diets

Fasting Diets

In the past 60 years obesity rates in the US have tripled from 13% in the 1960’s to 43% today. Nearly 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. Struggling with excess weight is a daunting reality for far too many Americans. Fasting diets have arisen as a possible solution. The question remains: are they helpful in the long run or harmful?

Intermittent Fasting
Alternating episodes of eating and fasting describe the pattern of intermittent fasting (IF). The Leangains Protocol also known as the 16/8 Method is the one most used. Participants fast for 16 hours and eat for 8. Two meals a day are recommended while bingeing is discouraged. Breakfast is the meal most often skipped.

The Eat-Stop-Eat Method involves a 24 hour fast twice a week. While the 5:2 Diet reduces calories to <500 to 600 on 2 days a week.

3 Day Water Fast
Perhaps the most challenging is the 3 Day Water Fast where primarily only water is consumed. In the first 24 hours the glycogen or sugar stored in the liver and muscles is burned for energy. After 24 hours fat is broken down for energy producing ketones as a byproduct. The ketones in the blood create an acidotic state that over time may change gut bacteria, reduce bone health, damage kidneys and lead to increased risk for cancer and other diseases. Keto Flu symptoms include headaches, brain fog and fatigue.

Benefits of Fasting
A review study was done between 2000 and 2019 examining 27 small studies. Most of the study groups had <50 participants and lasted only between 2 and 26 weeks. Validity is required for much larger numbers and a longer length of time. However, it did indicate that there may be a benefit for some intermittent fasting but much more research is needed to better understand the benefits and harms. Some promising benefits include:

Autophagy may occur after prolonged fasting that begins to repair and renew cells. It may play a role in cancer prevention.

Reduced risk factors for heart disease by lowering blood pressure and improving abnormal cholesterol numbers.

Improved insulin effectiveness and glycemic or glucose metabolism.

Enhanced leptin an appetite suppressant which helps one feel full.

Weight loss

Dangers of Fasting
Obviously the longer the fast, the greater the risk of adverse consequences. The 3 Day Water Fast is the most dangerous for a variety of reasons but everyone should use caution and speak with a healthcare provider before engaging in any fasting eating pattern. The harms may include:

–Dangerous Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Severe calorie restrictions play havoc with diabetic medications and MUST NOT be attempted without a healthcare provider’s supervision!

Electrolyte Imbalances: Too much water flushes sodium out with the excess water recommended during the fast. Hyponatremia (low sodium) is a dangerous deadly condition that may result.

Gout Eruption: Anyone with a history of gout should also speak with a healthcare provider as severe dehydration and calorie restriction enhances uric acid formation.

Orthostatic Hypotension: Low blood pressure may occur when standing suddenly.

Nutritional Deficits: Lack of a variety of food depletes key vitamins and minerals needed to enhance immunity and body functions.

Muscle Loss: In general, the greater the muscle size, the higher the metabolism. Longer term fasting results in muscle loss.

Dehydration:  Food provides 20% to 30% of daily water hydration and is depleted when fasting.

Psychological Complications: Exacerbation of eating disorders, discouragement and despair when the weight returns.

Refeeding Syndrome
This problem occurs if too much food is consumed following fasting, especially after a 3 Day water fast. During the fast key nutrients have been depleted and the body adjusted to the starvation state. Adding too much food too fast may induce severe electrolyte abnormalities that alter the function of the heart, lungs, brain and kidneys. It induces a myriad of serious potentially lethal complications. Again, working with a healthcare provider is the safest approach to prevent this potentially lethal complication.

 

What Does Work?
I’ve counseled many people on proper weight management that is maintained over time. The following recommendations have been the most helpful for continued success.

The Mediterranean Diet: This eating plan remains the most effective and best tasting strategy for people across the world.

Set Up your Environment for Success: Remove those foods that lead to binge eating. If it’s not good for you it’s not good for your children either. Brian Wansink’s book Mindless Eating describes those unconscious mistakes that sabotage the best of intentions.

Don’t Drink your Calories: Sweetened coffee, alcoholic beverages and sodas are killers.

Increase Protein in your Diet: Protein throughout the day helps stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings.

Reduce your Portion Sizes.

Eat a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables.

Increase your Muscle Mass: Bigger muscles increase metabolism while at rest as you burn extra calories.

Go for a walk, get a good night’s sleep and destress your life.

On A Personal Note:
I’ve maintained a healthy weight all my life. I enjoy the food I love in smaller portions, have added more protein to my diet, and working on increasing my physical activity. This past fall I had a knee replacement. Due to an allergy to the adhesive in the dressing I had to be on Benadryl for a week. It completely reduced my appetite and broke a lifelong sugar craving.

It was all I could do to get the Ensure down that I needed to heal.

However, 9 months later I’ve maintained the 20-pound weight loss. I don’t crave sugar as I did before. I may have a sweet, but it just doesn’t taste the same. Consider a sugar break for 2 weeks. You’ll be shocked how it will also help end your sugar addiction.

Personally, I use a modified 16/8 fast. I eat a very small portion of either a small amount of yogurt, a handful of nuts or a piece of peanut butter toast for breakfast. The protein lingers filling me up until lunch. If’ I’m hungry I eat a palm size of peanuts. Honestly, I’m shocked how it works.

Maintaining a healthy weight is a challenge in a world filled with wonderful food and enormous portion sizes. But you can do it! Try a few of these tips and if you do decide to try a fast, please check with your doctor.

May God bless you as you try some new strategies to maintain a healthier weight over time.

 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31).

I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare
References:

USA Facts Team, “USA Obesity Rates Tripled Over the last 60 Years,” USA Facts (March 21, 2023). https://usafacts.org/articles/obesity-rate-nearly-triples-united-states-over-last-50-years/

  1. Gunners, “Intermittent Fasting 101-The Ultimate Beginner’s Guide, Healthline, Nutrition (May 3, 2024). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/intermittent-fasting-guide

  1. Mitri, “Fasting for 3 Days: Is It a Game -Changer for your Metabolism or a Risk not Worth Taking?” Welltech/Well Hub (January 1, 2025). https://welltech.com/content/fasting-for-3-days/

  1. Streit, “7 Keto Risks to Keep in Mind,” Healthline (March 25, 2025). https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/dangers-of-keto-diet#5-May-cause-dangerously-low-blood-sugar

Welton et al., “Intermittent Fasting and Weight Loss, Systematic Review” Canada Family Physician (February 2020). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7021351/

  1. Raman, “Water Fasting: Benefits and Dangers,” Healthline (October 10, 2022).

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/water-fasting

“Refeeding Syndrome,” The Cleveland Clinic (June 6, 2022). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23228-refeeding-syndrome

  1. Wansink, Mindless Eating: Why We Eat More than We Think (December 28, 2010). https://www.amazon.com/Mindless-Eating-More-Than-Think/dp/034552688

I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.

Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

Levels of Healthcare: Homecare to ICU

Levels of Healthcare: Homecare to ICU

Many people appear truly confused about the various levels of healthcare available to people when they get sick. This blog will help end some of that confusion.

Diagnosis

Providers
There are several options for diagnosing medical problems. The best approach is to have a long-term relationship with a healthcare provider, whether it be a physician, a nurse practitioner or a physician’s assistant. Doctors are the most experienced having gone to medical school for 3 years then several more years of residency within their area of expertise.

Nurses spend 4 years in nursing school and then another 3 years learning how to diagnose and treat common problems. Physician assistants graduate from college from a variety of backgrounds and then spend 2 to 3 years of medical training.

Facilities
Clinics are also another option for care. You may or may not see a different healthcare provider for each visit and are generally more economical.

 Urgent Care centers are satellite emergency rooms that can handle most common, easy to treat problems and are generally cheaper. Hospital Emergency (ER) rooms provide more comprehensive and challenging care. Some ER’s are trauma centers with staff available for very serious acute conditions.

 For rare and unusual medical problems, it’s wise to seek care in a specialty center generally found within larger urban areas. They have physicians who’ve spent a vast number of years dealing with unique, uncommon health concerns.

Treatment
Day Surgery
Many day surgery centers are popping up throughout the US. They typically handle relatively healthy people who need a surgical procedure and is not expected to have serious complications. The operation and discharge usually occur on the same day. It’s much more economical in many cases than a major hospital operating center. However, a hospital is the best place for a major operation needing additional backup or someone who may have serious complications or possible delayed recovery.

Recovery Room 
Whether in a Day Center or Hospital patients will need to recover from the anesthesia while being monitored following surgery. Once awake and stable they’re moved to a holding area in the Day Surgery facility or a surgical floor in the hospital.

 Acute Care
Regular Floor\
When you think of being hospitalized most have visited someone on what’s known as the regular floor. Stable patients who still need registered nurse monitoring and care are admitted until ready for discharge home. The patient may stay overnight or for a few days depending on their procedure and health status.

 Telemetry Unit
This unit is needed when someone has a heart issue or irregular rhythm problem, and needs monitored while recovering. They are generally otherwise stable patients.

Step-Down Unit
Patients discharged from a critical care unit are often sent to the Step-Down unit where there are fewer patients for each registered nurse. These patients are generally monitored for heart irregularities and respiratory complications. They require greater care than the telemetry floor nurses could provide.

 Critical Care (ICU/CCU)
Registered nurses in critical care units generally have 1 or 2 patients who may be very unstable. Some surgical patients following complicated operations may be sent to ICU for monitoring for dangerous complications in the immediate post-op period.

Chronic Care
Long In-house Hospital Care
Some hospitals have a unit for patients with longer term care needs but are not stable enough to be discharged to another center. They work much like a rehabilitation center but with more closely monitoring and nursing care.

 Rehabilitation Care Centers
These centers provide a few weeks or months of nursing care while someone recovers from a medical problem.

Assisted Living Care
Another name for a nursing home is often assisted living. A registered nurse or a technician is available for medication dispensary and nursing support. The patient isn’t able to care for themself at home. All meals are provided, and staff can help with bathing, etc. Some individuals don’t require heavier medical care but need the assistance with meals and medication support.

Independent Living Care
These facilities offer meals while the individual lives in more of an apartment environment. Medication support can be arranged. Rides for activities and social events are available since most people are unable to drive.

In-Home Healthcare Options
Most people would rather remain in their home for as long as possible. Visiting or home healthcare nurses make home visits to assess patients, change dressings, draw blood or even give IV medications. Most insurance covers their time for a while. Physical therapists also make home visits to provide physical therapy. Private companies may supply nursing aide staff for basic care, housekeeping and simple errands.

Palliative Care
Most people are unaware of the palliative care program provided through hospice. When one is suffering from chronic pain nearing the end-of-life palliative nurses can be extremely helpful. They evaluate all medications and work with a doctor to prescribe overall care that improves the quality of life.

My frail mother suffered from anxiety attacks and explosive diarrhea related to her dementia a year before she died. Sometimes she refused to take any medications to help unless a family member was present. The palliative nurse ordered a cream to reduce her anxiety and a Kefir drink for the diarrhea which greatly improved her life.

Hospice
For someone in the last chapter of their life, the hospice team provides excellent care to ease the suffering. The nurses are also highly trained to assist families in the grieving process as well.

On A Personal Note:
The healthcare system in the United States is certainly complicated but there are a few things you can do to simplify your situation. First, the biggest mistake people make is not getting a second opinion when solutions to a problem aren’t getting resolved. Healthcare providers are human. The really good ones that I know are not threatened by another opinion. They welcome it! They want answers to your problem as well.

Secondly, keep escalating the healthcare providers until you get resolution. Reach out to the larger medical centers where they are experienced at dealing with what I call the weird and the rare.

My mother-in-law had miserable abdominal hives for 6 months. None of the specialists within her city could find a cause despite innumerable tests. It was definitely a weird and rare phenomenon. We took her to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. In one day, she saw a dermatologist for the rash, a hematologist for the dangerously high platelets and a neurologist for her dementia. The high platelets were causing the rash. A new medication reduced them, and the rash disappeared. Her brain scan showed extensive damage and the cause of her frequent accidents. He gave her the news about no further driving.

Finally, while we all want to have our surgery the closest to home as possible, sometimes that makes life more complicated. Smaller hospitals and day surgery centers are staffed for common procedures and problems. But if you are one of those weird and rare situations you may be better off doing more homework and getting your procedure done at a major medical center where they have more experienced staff to care for your strange problem.

May God bless you with wisdom on finding excellent providers to care for you and yours…

If anyone of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him (James 1:5)

    I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.

    Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

    You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

    All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

    Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.

    Ivermectin: Potential Role in the Fight against Cancer

    Ivermectin: Potential Role in the Fight against Cancer

    The purpose of this blog is to present information on topics that are under-reported in the news using an evidenced-based, scientific, approach to the content. Potential beneficial cutting edge but controversial information is a challenge to share. However, the reader can decide whether it is helpful or not.

    The Controversy Over Ivermectin
    When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out the rush was on to ascertain if there were any medications that had FDA approval and could help reduce the severity of the illness. A great deal of research had emerged that Ivermectin had anti-viral properties and could be helpful. Many doctors on the front lines treating patients were anxious to prescribe it but encountered multiple roadblocks. Some pharmacists refused to fill their prescriptions. Americans were told it was a horse dewormer not fit for human consumption. The truth was ambiguous and Ivermectin became a political football.

    Repurposed Drugs
    Repurposed drugs are developed and approved by the FDA for one use but later found to be helpful in other conditions. Aspirin is a great example which was first prescribed to reduce fever. Years later it was found to be an effective blood thinner by reducing platelets from forming blood clots during a heart attack or clotting stroke. In some people it can lead to bleeding which is why if it came on the market today it would probably be a prescription.

    Sublingual nitroglycerin was first prescribed to treat angina or chest pain from narrowed arteries around the heart. Later it was learned it could also treat male impotence. Scientists are beginning to explore the repurposed benefits of Ivermectin to enhance immunity.

    The Benefits of Ivermectin
    Ivermectin was developed by Japanese researchers Satoshi Omura and Irish Researcher William C. Campbell, released by Merck and approved by the FDA in 1978 as an antiparasitic drug. Millions of people around the world have been safely treated for parasitic diseases such as river blindness, elephantiasis and scabies. The researchers were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine for their discovery in 2015.

    In addition to the antiviral and antiparasitic benefits of Ivermectin recently some oncologists are beginning to use it as an anti-cancer therapy in conjunction with traditional chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Ivermectin inhibits cancerous cell growth and enhances immunity to destroy cancerous cells. It’s been shown to be beneficial in breast, GI, urinary, blood, brain, respiratory and melanoma cancers. Currently, it is considered promising emerging research, but large randomized controlled trials are needed to verify effectiveness over time.

    Side Effects
    Ivermectin has been tolerated very well with minimal side effects by people of all ages around the world. Although rare dizziness, visual disturbances, joint pain, fever, swollen lymph glands and allergic reactions may occur.

    Questions Remain
    If it has such wonderful benefits, one wonders why there has been such resistance to prescribing it for other nonparasitic purposes? Interestingly, Ivermectin lost its patent in the 1990’s. It could now be made in a generic form significantly less expensive than its brand name patented drug.

    Secondly, in order to get FDA approval for a new drug it’s tested in lab petri dishes, then in animals usually mice and then in people. Large randomized controlled clinical drug trials in people are needed to monitor for safety, effectiveness and potential side effects before FDA approval is granted. These are very expensive! There may be less motivation to run large clinical trials in cheaper generic repurposed drugs.

    Most healthcare providers follow their national guidelines when making decisions to prescribe a medication. Without FDA approval it’s unlikely the repurposed drug will be included in those guidelines. Ivermectin needs large clinical trials using it as an antiviral or anticancer treatment in order to gain FDA approval.

    Finally, compounding the problem is that some of the FDA members may have relationships with the very pharmaceutical companies whose drugs they are tasked to approve.

    On A Personal Note:
    In the summer of 2020, the Israelis released an important study that was overlooked by most media outlets. They examined 1,400 patients who had a COVID-19 blood test from February to April in 2020 and also had a Vitamin D level result in their chart. If the Vitamin D level was above 30 ng/ml only 10 % tested positive for COVID-19. However, if it was lower than 30 ng/ml 90% tested positive. Those who tested positive with low levels of Vitamin D and were over 50 years old were more likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19.

    This study should have immediately led to other research to confirm the validity of their findings. Governments around the world could have checked everyone’s Vitamin D blood level and encouraged healthcare providers to treat low levels to boost natural immunity. Vitamin D supplements are cheap!

    Science is ever changing. It’s still unclear exactly the mechanism of how Ivermectin and Vitamin D enhance immunity. Certainly, more research is needed but what is available is encouraging. The National Institute of Health (NIH) needs to fund more research of repurposed drugs.

    For now…do your own research. Boost your Vitamin D and get it tested to ensure the level is appropriate for you. The boost to your immunity will help whether you’re fighting a cold or cancer. Speak with your healthcare provider as some people must be careful when increasing Vitamin D. Keep your eyes and ears open for new information on Ivermectin. I’ve been following Dr. John Campbell Today and found his podcast information is evidenced-based, cutting edge and extremely helpful!

    God bless you all as you deal with your own health issues. May they be small ones.

    Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10).

    Reference:

    1. Tang et al. “Ivermectin, A Potential Anticancer Drug Derived from an Antiparasitic Drug,” Pharmacological Research (September 21, 2020). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7505114/pdf/main.pdf

    “Ivermectin Systemic Adult Medication,” Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (January 1, 2022). https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/medications/adult/ivermectin-systemic

    1. Lupkin, “A Look at How the Revolving Door Spins from the FDA to Industry,” Shots Health News from NPR (September 28, 206). https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2016/09/28/495694559/a-look-at-how-the-revolving-door-spins-from-fda-to-industry

    Merzon, et al., “Low Plasma 25(OH) Vitamin D Level Is Associated with Increased Risk of COVID-19 Infection: An Israeli Population Based Study,” The FEBS Journal, July 23, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1111/febs.15495

    Dr. John Campbell Today Podcast, https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF9IOB2TExg3QIBupFtBDxg

     

    I’m a Christian nurse who helps people navigate the murky waters of healthcare.

    Beloved, I pray that all will go well with you and that you may be in good health,

    Author of Wake UP Call 911: It’s Time to Reduce your Risk for A Heart Attack and Stroke (2015) and Helping the Hurting: Nursing Ministry in the Body of Christ (2022).

    You may visit my website for additional information: jenniejohnsonrn.com

    All rights reserved 2025, Jennie E. Johnson, RN-BC, PhD

    Paperback copies of both books for sale. Email me for details at:  ask@jenniejohnsonrn.com.