Dr. Peter Marks, the former top vaccine official at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has criticized Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for giving what he called “false hope” to families by claiming that the Trump administration will identify the cause of autism by September.
Marks, who resigned earlier this month amid mounting frustration with Kennedy’s promotion of vaccine misinformation, appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation to challenge Kennedy’s recent assertion that a massive federal research initiative would soon pinpoint and eliminate the root causes of autism.
Asked about HHS Secretary RFK Jr.’s suggestion that the cause of autism would be identified by September, the former top vaccine scientist at the FDA tells @margbrennan: “If you just ask me, as a scientist, is it possible to get the answer that quickly? I don’t see any possible… pic.twitter.com/jhk9WAHXpM
Kennedy announced the effort through the National Institutes of Health. “By September we will know what has caused the autism epidemic and we will be able to eliminate those exposures,” he promised.
“Giving people false hope is something you should never do,” Marks said in response to Kennedy’s announcement.
“I don’t see any possible way [to get the answer that quickly],” Marks continued. “Autism is an incredibly complicated issue.”
Kennedy, a longtime vaccine skeptic, has implied that vaccines may be among the environmental toxins driving autism rates. However, Marks dismissed that notion, citing the overwhelming body of research showing no link between vaccines and autism. “We’ve studied them in so many millions of children,” he said.
The controversy comes amid a deadly resurgence of measles in the US, with three unvaccinated individuals—including two young girls from Seminole, Texas—dying in recent weeks. Measles had been declared eliminated from the U.S. in 2000, but new outbreaks have developed in certain under-vaccinated communities.
Kennedy has offered only tepid support for the measles vaccine, telling CBS that “people should get the measles vaccine” but reiterating his opposition to mandates. He has also promoted unproven alternatives like vitamins and cod-liver oil.
Marks blamed the recent pediatric measles deaths on Kennedy and his staff, describing it as “the epitome of an absolute needless death.”
“These kids should get vaccinated—that’s how you prevent people from dying of measles,” Marks emphasized.
In his resignation letter, Marks criticized Kennedy for spreading misinformation and undermining public trust in safe and effective vaccines.
“Truth and transparency are not desired by the secretary,” Marks wrote. “He wishes subservient confirmation of his misinformation and lies.”
As Dr. Mehmet Oz was sworn in as head of the Medicare and Medicaid Services, he encouraged Americans to reduce drug spending by simply staying healthy.
“It is your patriotic duty — I’ll say it again — the patriotic duty of all Americans to take care of themselves,” Oz said during the ceremony on Friday. “It’s important for serving in the military but also important because healthy people don’t consume healthcare resources.”
“The best way to reduce drug spending is to use less drugs, because you don’t need them because you’re healthy,” he continued. “And it feels a lot better as well.”
Critics disparaged the former TV doctor and Senate candidate for what many characterized as a tone-deaf suggestion detached from the reality of chronic illness, disability and structural inequalities that limit access to the resources self-care requires.
“Tell that to a diabetic!” one user wrote on X, echoing hundreds of frustrated replies. Others accused Oz of promoting a fantasy in which good health is simply a matter of willpower or patriotism.
Ah yes, Dr. Oz’s revolutionary plan: Just don’t get sick, peasants!
“So don’t get sick is what you are saying?” asked one commenter, with another quipping, “Why didn’t we think of that?” Another rephrased his words, “Simply put, the best way to reduce drug spending is to just DIE.”
Many pointed to Oz’s controversial history of promoting claims and healthcare products that are not supported by scientific research, calling him a “snake oil salesman,” or asking “what vitamin is he selling now?”
“So, is he suggesting replacing fish oil and kale for my heart meds?” another user inquired sarcastically.
Is Dr. Oz now managing the healthcare of every singe person in America? He’s NOT one of my doctors & he has no idea what medications I need to take. Big Pharma, Corporations, Ins. Companies & price gouging are the problem, not patients who need medications.
Oz’s comment has sparked outrage particularly among patients with lifelong or genetically inherited illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and autoimmune conditions, for whom daily medication is a necessity, not a choice.
Antibiotics have long been hailed as life-saving medications, helping the body fight everything from mild colds to life-threatening infections like pneumonia. However, researchers now caution that repeated use of antibiotics, especially during early childhood, may come at a cost.
In a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, researchers tried to investigate how antibiotic use might be connected to the development of chronic health conditions in children. To do this, they analyzed health records from more than one million babies in the United Kingdom, tracking diagnoses of various long-term pediatric conditions up to the age of 12.
The researchers found that frequent antibiotic exposure in children could disrupt the delicate balance of gut microbes, setting the stage for a range of allergic conditions later in life, including asthma, food allergies, and hay fever. The study also noted a connection between antibiotic use and the risk for intellectual disabilities, but researchers cautioned that further studies are needed to confirm these associations.
“Antibiotics play a critical role in combatting bacterial infections, but physicians should be judicious when prescribing antibiotics to children under 2, as frequent use may affect long-term health outcomes,” said Daniel Horton, the lead author of the study in a news release.
However, the study also found that not all pediatric health conditions were linked to antibiotic use. For example, there was no significant association between antibiotics and the risk of developing autoimmune diseases like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Similarly, the researchers found no strong links to neurodevelopmental conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
The link between antibiotics use and health risk was also found to be course depended, meaning, more courses of antibiotics children took, the stronger the risk. Even when comparing siblings where one took antibiotics early and the other did not the results were similar, which makes the findings more reliable.
“Antibiotics are important and sometimes life-saving medicines, but not all infections in young kids need to be treated with antibiotics. Parents should continue to consult with their children’s doctors on the best course of care,” said Horton, who is also an associate professor of pediatrics and epidemiology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and Rutgers School of Public Health.
Walking is considered one of the best forms of exercise for heart health. Researchers now say, it’s not just how much you walk but the pace at which you stride also counts when it comes to heart rhythms.
A recent study published in the journal Heart suggests that not just walking but walking briskly and for sustained periods, may significantly lower the risk of developing heart rhythm disorders. These include atrial fibrillation, a common condition that causes an irregular and often rapid heartbeat; tachycardia, where the heart beats too fast; and bradycardia, where it slows down more than it should.
In a large-scale study that looked at the walking pace and heart rhythm disorders of 420,925 participants of the UK Biobank, researchers found that people who walked at an average pace (3–4 miles per hour) or brisk pace (over 4 miles per hour) had up to a 43% lower risk of developing heart rhythm issues compared to slow walkers (under 3 miles per hour). Specifically, brisk walkers saw a 46% drop in risk for atrial fibrillation and a 39% lower risk for other arrhythmias.
Participants who walked briskly were generally younger, more likely to be White and male, and had healthier lifestyles. They also displayed lower risk factors such as smaller waists, reduced body weight, better grip strength, and lower levels of metabolic risk factors, including blood fats, fasting glucose, and inflammation.
The researchers also noted that 36% of the association between walking pace and heart rhythm abnormalities was influenced by metabolic and inflammatory factors. The association between walking pace and heart health was strongest among women, those under 60, non-obese individuals, those with high blood pressure, and those with two or more long-term conditions.
Another notable finding was that spending more time walking at a brisk or average pace was associated with a 27% lower risk of heart rhythm abnormalities, while slow walking showed no such benefit in reducing the risk.
“This study is the first to explore the pathways underpinning the association between walking pace and arrhythmias, and to provide evidence that metabolic and inflammatory factors may have a role: walking faster decreased the risk of obesity and inflammation, which, in turn, reduced the risk of arrhythmia,” the researchers wrote.
The researchers caution that, as an observational study, it cannot prove cause and effect. They also note some limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and a study population that did not represent a wide range of ages and ethnic backgrounds.
Amid the soaring demand for GLP-1 drugs used to treat diabetes and support weight loss, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued an urgent warning for consumers using Ozempic. The agency is urging users to carefully inspect their medication labels after discovering that hundreds of counterfeit Ozempic injections have entered circulation outside of the authorized U.S. supply chain.
The FDA alert follows confirmation from Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic and the weight loss drug Wegovy, that counterfeit 1-milligram Ozempic pens had infiltrated the U.S. market. In response, the FDA seized the identified fake products on April 9, 2025.
“The agency advises wholesalers, retail pharmacies, health care practitioners and patients to check the product they have received and not distribute, use, or sell products labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 as pictured below. Some counterfeit products may still be available for purchase,” the FDA said in a news release, which included images of the counterfeit labels for reference.
In an update issued Monday, the agency further warned to be on alert for additional suspicious packaging, specifically “lots labeled PAR0362 and serial numbers starting with the first eight digits 51746517.”
Six adverse events linked to the affected lot have been already reported, though none appear to be directly caused by the counterfeit product itself. All six incidents were reported by Novo Nordisk, the drug’s manufacturer, as part of their ongoing monitoring efforts.
The FDA highlighted its dedication to combating counterfeit medications, stating that it “takes reports of possible counterfeit products seriously.” The agency is working closely with Novo Nordisk to “identify, investigate, and remove further suspected counterfeit semaglutide injectable products found in the U.S.” as part of an ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, healthcare professionals and consumers are asked to report any side effects or adverse reactions linked to Ozempic through its MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Reports can be submitted online or by faxing a completed form to 1-800-FDA-0178. Additionally, anyone who suspects counterfeit or tampered medicines, especially online sellers, should contact their local FDA consumer complaint coordinator or report the activity directly through the FDA’s criminal activity portal.
Thinking of switching to brown rice for its added nutrients? You may want to think again.
While the bran layer does pack in more vitamins and minerals, researchers now warn that brown rice contains up to 40% more carcinogenic arsenic than white rice.
In a recent study published in the journal Risk Analysis, researchers from Michigan State University conducted a comparative analysis of brown and white rice, factoring in cost, popularity, health benefits, and potential risks.
Their findings revealed a surprising hidden danger: brown rice contained 24% more total arsenic and about 40% more inorganic arsenic (known carcinogen), raising fresh concerns about its reputation as the healthier choice.
In their comparative analysis, researchers highlighted that brown rice offers notable nutritional benefits, including higher levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. It has been associated with reduced risks of cancer, lower cholesterol levels, improved blood pressure, and support for heart health, metabolic disorders, osteoporosis, and diabetes.
However, these health benefits come with significant trade-offs. Brown rice tends to be more expensive, and less appealing in taste and texture for some consumers, and most importantly, it carries a higher risk of arsenic exposure, linked to genetic damage and an increased risk of cancer.
Meanwhile, white rice presents a more affordable and widely accepted option, appealing to a broader range of consumers across different cultures. Its processing removes much of the arsenic-laden outer layers, resulting in significantly lower levels of both total and inorganic arsenic. However, this also strips away key nutrients, leading to reduced levels of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds compared to brown rice.
The researchers also noted that since young children consume considerably more food relative to their body weight than adults, brown rice consumption in young children can increase their foodborne arsenic exposures. Given this concern, they recommend that parents consider balancing brown and white rice in young children’s diets to minimize potential health risks while still providing nutritional benefits.
“However, there are no acute public health risks indicated for the general American population from rice-related arsenic exposures. Risk–benefit analyses are needed to assess relative risks of arsenic exposure in brown rice compared with the nutritional benefits, in comparison to white rice,” the researchers concluded.
President Donald Trump underwent a nearly 5-hour physical exam this morning, raising questions about his health following last month’s bruise saga.
According to the president’s official schedule, Trump arrived at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington at 11 a.m. and did not leave until 3:45 p.m. For comparison, former President Joe Biden’s physical exam last about 2.5 hours last year, AP News reported at the time. Although Biden forwent a cognitive exam, those typically take just 15 minutes, according to NPR.
Trump wrote in a Truth Social post shared Monday that he has “never felt better, but nevertheless, these things must be done!” Trump is the oldest president to start a second term in the White House at 78.
Trump’s doctors have issued glowing statements about his health throughout his political career. In 2012, his then-doctor stated, at Trump’s request, that he was the “healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency,” NPR reported. Then, in 2018, another doctor told the press he had “great genes.”
The latest physical comes less than two months after Trump was photographed with a massive bruise on his right hand. It was captured during a White House meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. One doctor chalked up the cause of the bruise to an “aggressive handshake” while another guessed the president’s tanning habits and potential use of blood-thinning medications could make his skin more prone to bruising.
Many took to social media to share concern around the president’s abnormally long exam. Despite the results, a lot of Americans believe the Trump administration won’t release the real results.
“What kind of physical takes 4 hours and 45 minutes? Seems sus,” X user @ArtCandee wrote.
Uh.
Donald Trump is at Walter Reed Hospital for his “annual physical” today.
What kind of physical takes 4 hours and 45 minutes?
“Let me guess… At #Trump’s physical today, the doctor will proclaim very powerfully that he is the most physically fit of all our our presidents and that he’s a remarkable specimin [sic] who’s likely to live to the age of 150 or perhaps longer,” a third added.
Let me guess…
At #Trump ‘s physical today, the doctor will proclaim very powerfully that he is the most physically fit of all our our presidents and that he’s a remarkable specimin who’s likely to live to the age of 150 or perhaps longer.
Some users lambasted Trump for scheduling his physical exam ahead of a weekend spent golfing at Mar-a-Lago.
“Trump’s schedule today is to do his physical and then fly to Mar-a-Lago for the weekend to golf…” an X user wrote, along with a screenshot of Trump’s schedule.
“We need him to just golf every day tbh,” another joked.
As parents, we all want our kids to have boundless energy for play, learning, and adventure during the day—but getting them to wind down at night? That’s a whole different challenge. Whether it’s school stress, screen time, or just an overactive imagination keeping them up, a good night’s sleep can sometimes feel impossible. That’s where kid-friendly gummies come in! With the right balance of nutrients and natural ingredients, these little chewables can help support energy during the day and relaxation at bedtime, making life easier for kids and parents.
In this article, we’re diving into some of the best gummy supplements designed to keep your little ones thriving. We’ll cover everything from vitamins that fuel their daytime escapades to melatonin blends that encourage peaceful sleep. No confusing ingredient lists or overwhelming choices—just a simple guide to help you find what works best for your child’s needs. Let’s explore how the right gummies can make a difference in your kiddo’s daily routine!
Naked Nutrition Kids Vitamin Gummies
Finding the perfect vitamin for your little one can feel like a never-ending search, but Naked Nutrition’s Kids Vitamin Gummies make it easy. These daily gummies are packed with essential vitamins and minerals—like A, C, D, E, B6, B12, folate, biotin, and zinc—so you can feel good knowing your child is getting solid nutrition in a simple, tasty chew. Plus, they’re made right here in the USA, ensuring quality from start to finish.
One of the best things about these gummies? They’re gelatin-free and entirely plant-based, thanks to fruit pectin instead of animal-derived ingredients. They’re also GMO-free, vegan, soy-free, and gluten-free, making them an excellent choice for kids with dietary restrictions or sensitivities. And let’s talk flavour—because we all know taste matters to kids! These come in three delicious options—strawberry, berry, and mango—with no artificial flavours or colours. They’re so good that your child might remind you to give them their daily dose!
One small heads-up: since Naked Nutrition skips unnecessary additives, the gummies may stick together a bit in the bottle. But don’t worry—shake it, and they’ll loosen. A simple serving of 1–2 gummies daily (for ages four and up) makes meeting daily nutrition needs easy and stress-free. So, if you’re looking for a clean, nutritious, and kid-approved gummy, Naked Nutrition has you covered!
Llama Naturals Kids Multivitamin Gummies
If you’re looking for a kids’ multivitamin packed with real nutrition (not just sugar and fillers), Llama Naturals Kids Multivitamin Gummies are a game-changer. These tasty strawberry-flavoured gummies are made from real organic fruit and vegetables, delivering 13 essential vitamins and phytonutrients in a form kids can easily absorb—up to 4x better than synthetic vitamins! They support everything from immune health to energy levels and focus, making them a solid choice for growing kids. No wonder Healthline’s RDs named Llama Naturals the “Best Vitamin Brand for Kids”!
Parents will love what’s not in these gummies, too. They contain no added sugar, syrups, artificial ingredients, gelatin, or allergens—just pure, plant-based goodness. They’re also dentist-approved since they don’t have sticky, tooth-harming acids or refined sugar, making them a better choice for little teeth.
And if you’ve got a picky eater on your hands? No worries—these soft, chewable gummies are kid-approved for flavour, with zero fuss over taking their vitamins. Plus, Llama Naturals promises to make it right if your child doesn’t love them. Simple, clean, and delicious—these multivitamins make getting daily greens easier than ever!
SmartyPants Kids Multivitamin Gummies
Finding a multivitamin that fills nutrient gaps and tastes great? SmartyPants Kids Multivitamin Gummies do just that. Packed with 16 essential nutrients, including vitamins A, B12, E, K1, iodine, and Omega-3s (EPA & DHA), these gummies help support growing bodies, energy levels, and brain development—all in one daily dose. They contain more nutrients than the leading kid’s multivitamin brand, making them a standout choice for parents who want the best for their kids.
What sets SmartyPants apart is their high-quality, bioavailable ingredients—meaning kids’ bodies can actually absorb and use the nutrients more efficiently. These gummies provide premium nutrition without unnecessary fillers with methylated folate, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, vitamin D3, and zinc citrate. Plus, they’ve been third-party tested and awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award, so you can feel confident about what’s inside.
And, of course, taste matters! These gummies come in kid-approved lemon, orange, and strawberry banana flavours, making them a fun and delicious addition to any routine. Just four gummies daily (for four-and-up kids)—no food required. Simple, nutritious, and tasty, SmartyPants makes getting daily vitamins easy!
OLLY Kids Multivitamin Gummy Worms
Getting kids to take their vitamins can sometimes feel like a battle—but OLLY Kids Multivitamin Gummy Worms make it fun! These wiggly, playful gummies are packed with essential vitamins and minerals to help kids grow, stay healthy, and fill in any nutritional gaps when mealtime doesn’t go as planned. With a complete blend of vitamins A, C, D, E, B, and zinc, these gummies support overall wellness and help little ones thrive.
And let’s talk about the best part—the taste! These come in a delicious sour fruity punch flavour that kids love. They have no synthetic colours or flavours and a gluten-free formula. The serving size is simple: one gummy a day for kids aged 2-3 and two gummies for kids four and up.
Each bottle has 70 gummies, making it easy to keep up with daily nutrition. OLLY is all about making wellness easy and enjoyable, and these gummy worms are just one of the many fun ways they deliver on that promise. If you’re looking for a vitamin that kids want to take, these OLLY gummies are a great pick!
MaryRuth Organics Kids Vitamins
Getting kids to take their vitamins became much easier with MaryRuth Organics Kids Multivitamin Gummies! These vegan, pectin-based gummies are packed with essential nutrients to support your child’s growth, energy, and overall health—all in a fun, delicious gummy they’ll want to eat. With a mix of strawberry, papaya, and super punch flavours, these gummies are an excellent option for even the pickiest eaters.
Each gummy is loaded with vitamins A, C, and D3, a blend of B vitamins, iodine, and zinc, helping to support everything from strong bones and brain health to metabolism and immune function. Plus, they’re allergy-friendly—completely dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free, and even sugar-free—so you can feel good about what’s going into your child’s body. Just one gummy a day (for kids two and up) provides a simple and tasty way to cover those daily nutrient needs.
And with Clean Label Project Verification and B Corp Certification, you know these gummies are made with quality and transparency in mind. Whether you have an active little one or a selective eater, MaryRuth Organics makes it easy to keep kids feeling their best!
Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin
If your kiddo refuses gummies, turns their nose up at liquids, or hates taking vitamins, Renzo’s Picky Eater Kids Multivitamin is a game-changer. These sugar-free, dissolvable melty tabs are an easy, mess-free way to get kids the nutrients they need—without traditional gummies’ sticky, sugary downsides. Just pop one in their mouth, and it melts away like magic! No chewing, fuss, or vitamins are left behind on their teeth.
Each tab is packed with iron, zinc, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, D3, and K, helping support bone strength, immune function, and overall wellness—perfect for filling those picky eating gaps. And with a kid-approved orange flavour, your little one won’t mind taking their daily dose. Parents will love that these tabs are vegan, non-GMO, sugar-free, gluten-free, and free from artificial colours, flavours, and the eight common allergens.
Plus, they’re made with love in a family-owned, NSF-certified facility in Florida, crafted by Dr. Rocca for his son, Renzo. Give half a tab for kids 2-3 years old and two tabs for kids 4+, or dissolve them in water, juice, or even a smoothie. Easy, clean, and parent-approved!
The world has changed dramatically in recent years, and with it, our understanding of what it means to connect with one another. In Empathy in Crisis: How Compassion Transformed Care During COVID-19, Dr. Erin Coakley explores the crucial role of compassion in navigating challenging times.
One of the most important lessons we can take away is the need to nurture empathy in our children. How do we, as parents and educators, equip the next generation with the tools they need to build a more compassionate world? This is a question that Dr. Coakley addresses in Empathy in Crisis, offering valuable insights into fostering empathy in young minds.
Children aren’t born with fully developed empathy. It’s a skill that, like any other, needs to be nurtured and practiced. It begins with creating a safe and loving environment where children feel understood and valued. When children experience empathy from the adults in their lives, they learn what it feels like and are more likely to extend it to others. It’s about showing them, through our actions and words, what it means to truly care.
One of the most powerful ways to teach empathy is through modeling. Children are keen observers. They watch how we interact with others, how we respond to difficult situations, and how we express our own emotions. When they see us demonstrating empathy in our daily lives, they learn by example. It’s about showing them what it looks like to listen actively, to offer support, and to show compassion, even when it’s not easy.
Dr. Coakley highlights the importance of emotional intelligence. Helping children understand and manage their own emotions is crucial for developing empathy. When children are aware of their feelings, they are better equipped to recognize and understand the emotions of others. It’s about teaching them the language of emotions, helping them identify and name what they’re feeling, and giving them tools to cope with difficult emotions in healthy ways.
Reading stories together is another fantastic way to foster empathy. Books can transport children to different worlds and introduce them to characters from all walks of life. Discussing the characters’ feelings and motivations can help children develop perspective-taking skills, which is a key component of empathy. It encourages them to step into someone else’s shoes and understand their experiences, even if they’re different from their own.
Empathy in Crisis emphasizes the importance of active listening. Truly listening to children without interruption or judgment shows them that their thoughts and feelings matter. It creates a safe space for them to express themselves and learn that their voice is valued. Active listening also teaches children the importance of paying attention to others and considering their perspectives.
It’s also important to give children opportunities to practice empathy. This can be as simple as encouraging them to help a friend who is feeling down or volunteering in their community. These experiences provide children with real-world opportunities to put their empathy skills into action and see the positive impact they can have on others. It’s about giving them the chance to make a difference, however small, and experience the joy of helping others.
Empathy in Crisis reminds us that empathy is not just a feeling; it’s a skill that can be learned and developed. It’s a skill that is essential for building strong relationships, creating a more compassionate society, and navigating the challenges of life. By nurturing empathy in our children, we are giving them a gift that will benefit them and the world around them for years to come.
In a world that often feels divided, raising empathetic children is more important than ever. It’s about fostering a sense of connection, understanding, and compassion. It’s about creating a future where kindness and empathy are valued and celebrated.
Dr. Coakley‘s latest work builds on the foundation she laid in her first book, Heartbeats And Homecomings: A Doctor’s Pandemic Experience. In it, she recounts her deeply personal and professional journey through the height of the COVID-19 crisis. As a hospital leader, she guided her team through unprecedented challenges, offering readers an intimate look at the toll the pandemic took on healthcare professionals and their families. From moments on the frontlines to quiet evenings at home, Dr. Coakley sheds light on the strength, humanity, and emotional resilience required in times of crisis. It’s a powerful narrative that underscores the values of compassion and perseverance—qualities that continue to shape her work and message today. Heartbeats And Homecomings is available online for purchase.
Learn more about the power of empathy and how to cultivate it in your own life and in the lives of your children. Empathy in Crisis: How Compassion Transformed Care During COVID-19 offers valuable insights and practical advice for building a more compassionate world, one child at a time. Pick up your copy today and join the movement toward a more empathetic future.
Jeffrey Nickle is a disabled combat veteran whose personal recovery journey led him to embark on a mission of faith. Inspired by the message of faith-based literature, he founded Shield of Light Publishing to provide uplifting Biblical stories for kids that promote courage, resilience, and hope. Nickle found strength through faith and purpose through storytelling, something he aims to impart to others.
A Veteran-Turned-Author
Nickle’s personal story began as a member of the United States Army in special operations, who served multiple deployments to hostile environments. At one point in his service, he suffered injuries that would change the course of his life. During his recovery, he discovered the power of faith and felt called to a new mission—telling stories.
‘During recovery, I felt called to create stories that would inspire the next generation through faith, resilience, and love,’ Nickle recalled. ‘I wanted to provide families with books rooted in Biblical truth that also speak to courage, compassion, and the power of hope—values I leaned on during my healing journey.’
Before Nickle could begin his new path in life, he had to work to overcome the trauma of combat and the injuries he sustained. In the hospital, he wasn’t sure if he would even be able to walk again. At one point, he began to pray, to write, and to reflect.
‘Years later,’ Nickle explained, ‘that quiet moment of faith and reflection turned into the first lines of a children’s book. I never expected that moment of personal recovery would become the foundation for an entire publishing company. What started in pain has now become purpose.’
Discovering the Power of Storytelling
Even before leaving the hospital, Nickle spread uplifting, value-driven stories to those around him. Upon the conclusion of his stay, he knew that Shield of Light Publishing was his new purpose.
The inspirational children’s books this disabled combat veteran-turned-author shares with the world are personal reflections on survival, healing, and spiritual growth. He hopes to show others how to build something meaningful from adversity by sharing these.
A Mission of Hope and Inspiration
It isn’t easy for a veteran author to build a Christian publishing company promoting faith-based children’s books, but nothing was going to stop Nickle’s mission. Regardless of the difficulty, Nickle and Shield of Light Publishing are bringing Biblical stories to life with an engaging and educational approach, stories filled with hope and inspiration.
‘As a veteran, author, and founder,’ Nickle stated, ‘I understand how to build something meaningful from adversity and aim to use that testimony to inspire hope, action, and faith in every child who picks up one of my books.’
Looking Ahead
Moving forward, Nickle has big plans for his publishing company. He envisions Shield of Light Publishing as a nationally recognised name in faith-based children’s literature, hosting a vast catalogue of books, merchandise, and educational content.
By building partnerships with churches, schools, and community organisations nationwide, he hopes to promote love, truth, and Biblical values on a grand scale. Ultimately, he aspires to be an advocate for veterans, a voice for faith, and a light for children—all through the power of storytelling.
