A Bucket of Life

by James Toombs

Americans are heavy and getting heavier. At one point or another, most adults contemplate weight loss and look for some guidance. Traditional health and fitness books remind the reader of their faults then spill a new diet plan or gym routine on the remaining pages. A Bucket of Life is a short, engaging story of an average American, Jack, who unexpectedly recognizes he is overweight and far out-of-shape. In his quest to become healthy, he is directed to a kindly, older physician. They meet regularly, and, over a series of twelve visits, the doctor presents the essential lessons of human health to Jack and his wife, Jillian. Progressively, the family makes fundamental changes to their usual diet and habits—health naturally follows. The story is simple, readable and applicable. A complete health makeover is marched out through the lives of Jack and Jillian as they demonstrate small changes produce big results over time. A Bucket of Life is not intended to be a comprehensive health guide but an entertaining weekend read that sparks a Monday morning plan.

76 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 10, 2013

About the author

Dr. Toombs graduated from the University of Missouri-School of Medicine. After finishing residency in Family Practice at the Cox Family Practice Residency Program in Springfield, Missouri, he completed a Pain Medicine Fellowship at the University of Iowa. He is board certified in both Family Medicine and Pain Medicine. Dr. Toombs has a full-time medical practice as the Director of the Pain Rehabilitation Center at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in St. Louis, Missouri.

Dr. Toombs had a parallel career in the military spanning more than 35 years. He joined the Marine Corps Reserves while in high school and served in a weapons platoon. He transferred to the Army National Guard in college. Dr. Toombs completed flight training with the Army in 1988. During Desert Storm, he commanded an air assault helicopter company flying UH-60 Blackhawks across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Iraq. Dr. Toombs completed three deployments to Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom and retired as a Colonel in 2016.

Dr. Toombs is married and has a ten-year-old daughter. He is an avid hiker and doting soccer dad.

Reviews

[jen seib · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book with simple tips! I wish I would have bought before I signed up for weight watchers!

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not nearly as good as I was led to believe. Just another management book.