News

One conversation can change a life

Dr. John E. Bell has just released the book he wrote after looking on shelves and not finding the kind of book he thought was needed to help parents and concerned adults help children with issues such as premarital sex, gangs and drugs. Father, mentor and self-described concerned citizen Dr. John E. Bell – a surgical podiatrist and a professor at Strayer University-Shelby Oaks campus – has just released the book he wrote after looking on shelves and not finding the kind of book he thought was needed to help parents and concerned adults help children with issues such as premarital sex, gangs and drugs.

“It’s illustrated and thoughtful for children, yet it is impactful and encourages youth to do well in school, avoid the pitfalls of bad decisions and most importantly dream big,” said Bell, a graduate of Morris College in Sumter, S. Car., a Gulf War veteran with 10 years in the US Navy, and a member of Phi-Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

‘I Think I Can Be A Doctor’ by Dr. John E. Bell RiverHouse Publishing Release: January, 2011

Here’s the storyline:

Jeremy is a nine-year-old boy from a single-parent home who wants nothing more in the world than to become a doctor. Surrounded by the grim reality of the inner-city, he is constantly encouraged by his working mom to do well in school, go to college and become what his heart desires. She only hopes that her constant talks with her son will prevent him from being a statistic like his previously deceased cousin.  

While on a skating trip with friends from school, Jeremy suffers and injury that sends him to the emergency room, where he meets Dr. Moses. Dr. Moses is immediately taken by Jeremy and his mother and spends the remainder of the evening discussing with the young boy how to avoid bad choices like underage drinking and smoking, gangs and premarital sex.  He also recruits Jeremy for his mentorship program.

This after-school program helps shape Jeremy’s life and eventually helps him become the doctor.   

Bottom line: Guidance from the community, support from home and believing in a child can help change his/her life.

(For more information, contact RiverHouse Publishing at 910-539-9393 or visit www.drjohnebell.com.)