A local RN no longer lives with pain, fatigue, and a host of other autoimmune symptoms after making significant changes in her life. Sharrie Thompson, is a Paducah resident, happily married, and living her best life, but that's not always been the case. Thompson and her husband Lennis both had careers in the medical field. Thompson was a registered nurse and Lennis a hospital administrator.  While living in Corbin, she was diagnosed with CFS (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) and fibromyalgia. The family moved back to Paducah in order for Lennis to have help with their two children, a household, and a sick wife. Thompson confessed, "I hadn't always been living my best life." 
 
Thompson graduated nursing school from Murray State University in 1981 and worked 16 years for the Baptist Healthcare System in Paducah, La Grange, and Corbin. It was here she found solace in snack cakes, cigarettes, and coffee while leaving her untamed stress level to fate. There have been numerous studies on this very scenario. Nurses advise their patients to stay physically active, eat healthy, manage stress, get plenty of sleep, and keep up strong, satisfying relationships. The thing is, it doesn’t always translate into nurses' self-care. Thompson said, "At that time, nurses were the worst patients.  Many of us smoked, drank too much coffee, lived for the adrenaline rushes, ate out of the vending machines, and slept little. There was an 'invincibility thinking' that ran in the culture.”

After many years of taking care of others, Thompson fell ill and took a forced break from nursing in 1997 which lasted until 2013. Before falling ill, her health consisted of frequent colds, viruses, flu, headaches, heartburn {GERD], chronic bronchitis, and other minor infections. She was placed on antibiotics and steroids several times each cold and flu season. By 1997, Thompson had no energy, muscle aches, short-term memory loss, poor vision, swollen lymph glands, and trouble walking without assistance. It was during this time, she received the diagnosis of CFS and fibromyalgia. 

Thompson didn’t like the diagnosis. Though her doctor in Corbin knew her well, she sought second, third, and fourth opinions in Paducah and surrounding metropolitan areas, enduring many tests only to have the same answers. Acceptance was the next step. 

Then came the move to Paducah. Thompson was spending 16 to 20 hours a day in bed or on the couch. The family was in crisis.

The journey to healing began with cleaning up nutrition. At a loss and with limited information, Lennis started cooking salmon and making fresh salads every night. He would print articles for Thompson to read and set them by her bedside. Lennis did his research too. He found an article on yoga instruction and concluded that this mind and body practice could be a piece of the puzzle for those suffering from CHF and fibromyalgia. 

At that time, there weren’t any yoga instructors in Paducah. Thompson said that by divine intervention a hand-delivered flyer appeared in their mailbox about a new instructor in town, Suzi Renaud, and she was going to offer a weekend of free classes right across the street from Thompson's home. 

“The first class was brutal,” said Thompson. The months of inactivity had caused muscle wasting. Thompson started private classes and after a year, physical therapy. Shortly afterwards, Thompson started seeing Dr. Michael Winters a local chiropractor. 
 
Dr. Winters' individualized approach focuses on the prevention, management, and cause of a complex chronic disease. Dr. Winters posed the question, “How much change are you willing to do to get better?” 

That’s when ‘the clean’ lifestyle started. A clean lifestyle includes clean foods, hydration, sleep,  checking and removing toxins, and the use of supplements to support the body as it begins to heal. “Our body is designed to be self-healing if supported correctly,” said Thompson. 
 
A nutritional therapy practitioner, Victoria Lafont, also became a huge part of the healing journey. She worked with Thompson prescribing foods as medicine, focusing on the body's best functioning ability, managing the root problem, and providing support. 

Thompson’s daughter, Raachel Carroll, became a NTP and moved her practice from Elizabethtown to Paducah. Since moving back home,  she's now a big part of her mom’s wellness program. The practice, Well-Rounded Wellness. is on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/Well-Rounded-Wellness-110042257559616
 
The combination of treatments lasted for several years. After such time, Thompson began to thrive and once again became a productive, get-out-of-bed kind of person. 
 
In 2013, Thompson started her practice, I. O. N. Wellness LLC (It’s Only Natural). Thompson is a RN living with autoimmune disease. In her practice she doesn’t diagnose, treat or prescribe; rather she teaches clients supporting techniques and how to merge them easily into their life.  
 
“While working through my health issues, it was basically a lot of trial and error, research, and sadness.” reflected Thompson. “I’ve been through it and wanted to share what I found, how it’s done, and an easier way.” Her complementary care approach uses conventional healthcare in conjunction with mind, body, and spirit wellness.  

Thompson's other specialties include a clinical certification in aromatherapy or essential oils.  She facilitates focusing energy where it’s needed through specialized training as a Reiki Master and Advanced Pranic Practitioner. She also educates as a  Heart Rhythms Protocol Facilitator and Indigenous Style Spiritual Healer.  

Clients of I.O.N. Wellness begin with an intake assessment covering physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional issues. “Prayer is a huge part of recovery,” said Thompson. She goes back to the question posed by Dr. Winters, “How much are you willing to change?” Thompson said, “If someone is so bogged down with stress that they're frozen, that’s not the time to discuss eating organic vegetables.” It’s left up to the client how much work they want to do and their time frame. 

There are a few local people who are influencers in Thompson’s practice. Jennifer Hunt with Living Arts Center is one of those influences. “She was my massage therapist as I began my travels to better health,” explained Thompson. Another influence is Janice Mickle out of Nashville, TN. She is Thompson’s mentor in indigenous training. “Both are very wise, spiritual women,” shared Thompson. 

When discussing Thompson’s lifestyle, there are things to consider. She said, “Any of the old symptoms creep back in if you take some time off your healthy lifestyle. If I walk the walk that I talk, I do great. When I decide to step off the path, I’ll have pain the next day with brain fog and processing issues as well as exaggerated fatigue.” She encourages clients to discuss with medical doctors the methods used at I.O.N. The connection between mind, body, and spirit taught in nursing programs is the central focus of her practice. 

Combining traditional medicine with complementary healthcare could be the best reward a client could give themselves. Thompson said, “It makes no sense to treat the wound but leave the knife that caused the wound in place.” I.O.N. has a Facebook page and would welcome the opportunity to discuss treatment options. Check out their page and send a private message. https://www.facebook.com/itsonlynaturalpaducah

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Last night's meeting via Zoom concerning the public spaces portion of the planned City Block Project in downtown Paducah registered 55 community participants in this particular 90 minute listening session. Paducah officials invited the public to participate with a discussion after the city portion of the presentation. 

The project involves a private investment of approximately $21 million dollars in the downtown parking space across from the floodwall. Weyland Ventures is the private investor. 

The project has been on the agenda for the city for almost two years and participation from the public has always been welcomed.  The public has been encouraged to express their thoughts and opinions on the project as well as interject their ideas. The city has held numerous stockholder meetings and public briefings at city commission meetings. 

Several topics were discussed during the meeting  including a play area for children and incorporating space for the arts. Other topics included the parking spaces, the location of the gazebo and the number of trees.

The public space included in the City Block Project would be owned by the city.  The city will own it, pay for it, and operate it. The hotel, residential living, and mixed-use space will be owned and operated by Weyland Ventures. The space in question encompasses Broadway, 2nd Street, Jefferson Street, and Water Street. The current use of the parking space includes retail shopping, dinnertime for restaurants and bars, and an occasional parking lot for various festivals throughout the year. 

As COVID-19 continues to restrict businesses, this could be the light at the end of the tunnel for financially crippled downtown businesses. The pandemic will more likely than not continue into 2021. As we prepare for another possible six months to a year COVID-19 crisis, local businesses and the community could get a 'boost' from a more consistent downtown attraction once the project is completed. 

The investment of the $21 million dollars from Weyland Ventures is a 'big chunk of change." Most of the participation in Monday's meeting was favorable for the project. Paducah City Planning Director Katie Axt said that every time a meeting is called, new information is gathered along with new ideas. 

If you're interested in listening to the meeting, it's recorded and available on the city's website. 

This year, there will be a few changes at Patti's 1880's Settlement in Grand Rivers, Kentucky but the good news is, the lights will be on, fabulous meals will be served, and Santa Claus will come to town.

The first change is the cancellation of the entertainment, 'The Cruisers" and Santa Claus on November 6 (No worries, Santa will come to town later). The music was scheduled to take place outdoors around the gazebo. In an announcement made on Patti's Facebook page, the business explained that they believe it wouldn't be in the public's best interest or the restaurant staff to have an event in tight quarters due to the number of COVID-19 cases circulating in the community. Here's the announcement:

As you can see, the Festival of Lights will still be turned on at dusk, Friday, November 6. The lights are truly spectacular. Guests that dine at Patti's over the holidays will be able to absorb and admire the beautiful display presented by the restaurant each year for the community's enjoyment. The outdoor space will be available for people to walk around and appreciate the beauty of it all

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will be at the restaurant on Friday, November 27 for the season. Carriage rides will still take place as well as two breakfasts with the Grinch. 

All of Patti's restaurants are closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the day after Christmas. The hotel's bed and breakfast will be open. 

So, let the festivities begin. Remember, when the lights are flipped November 6, get on Patti's Facebook page and watch it happen virtually. 

The Paducah Farmer's Market is offering shoppers an opportunity to shop online per their Facebook page. The purpose of the online event is to avoid the potential risk of coming in contact with COVID-19. As western Kentucky is in the red zone for coronavirus cases, the Paducah Parks and Recreation is providing holiday shoppers an alternative to physically browsing stores for the perfect gift for Christmas, birthdays, or any gift giving event. 

For the past six years, the PP&R has hosted this indoor event but special events superintendent Molly Johnson said, "Due to the increasing number of COVID-19 cases, holding an indoor holiday market would increase the risk of spreading the virus. We are trying to protect our friends and family while creatively offering the community access to our incredible market vendors." 

The event is going on now through December 12. Facebook users may go search the Homegrown Holiday Online Market page. Once there, click on Discussion, and the link will take you to today's gift ideas. 

Farmer's Market vendors who participated in previous seasons are invited to add their goods and services to this page. 

Today's page is featuring Bizzell Buff Farm's raspberry jam made from their homegrown raspberries. The raspberries are naturally sweet with the farm using very little sugar. Jars are $4.00 each and you'll receive a free gift. This vendor is asking that you give them a call.

During the event, vendors will post products, links to their website, provide phone numbers, provide pictures, and information. 

Johnson added, “Please check the event page often since vendors will be posting daily.  Plus, if there is something you see or want, comment on the item or message the seller to continue with the purchase process.  This online market, which will last for several weeks, will help you find those unique gifts that are perfect for the holidays.”