Here is a post about Charles Dickens, a renowned English writer, of “A Christmas Carol” and “The Pickwick Papers.” His storytelling introduced terms like Pickwickian syndrome, reflecting his influence on culture and health. Dickens also advocated for children’s hospitals through powerful speeches, merging his literary talent with social responsibility .
Charles Dickens, English writer, wrote some of the most beloved and quoted literature in English. Almost everyone is familiar with his Christmas classic,
Another Dickens book created the name for a medical condition –
Pickwickian syndrome: The combination of obesity, somnolence (sleepiness), hypoventilation (underbreathing), and plethoric (red) face.
The syndrome is so named because of the “fat and red-faced boy in a state of somnolency” that Charles Dickens described in his novel,The Pickwick Papers. (The same boy is thought by some experts possibly to have had the Prader-Willi syndrome).
Dickens delivered a rousing speech on the plight of ill children and the need to support the children’s hospital. As an extra bonus, the author threw in a reading of his beloved “A Christmas Carol.” The journalist T.A. Reed, said of Dickens’ performance that night, “I never heard him, or reported him, with so much pleasure … his speech was magnificent.”
The season of Advent, which comes from the Latin word adventus meaning “coming” or “visit,” begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year for Christians. [Liturgical — from liturgy, which means the forms and functions of public worship.]
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The Vaccine-Friendly Plan by Paul Thomas and Jennifer Margulis emphasizes informed decision-making regarding childhood vaccinations. While promoting a pro-vaccine stance, the authors advocate for considering individual health needs and offer guidance on pregnancy and child development. Their approach includes discussing environmental toxins and providing strategies to support immune health in children.
updated December 22, 2025
This information is current as of the date of original publication or update but may have changed by the time you read this. Do not use this information for diagnosis or treatment purposes. Before making health decisions, discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.
In 1961, my mother and I went to my school on a Sunday afternoon to receive the newly released oral polio vaccine. She along with other parents eagerly sought a way to prevent a dreaded disease that had the potential to cripple or even kill their children.
In medical school I learned about diphtheria, a painful throat infection due to a bacteria, Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Once a common cause of severe illness and death, a vaccine had rendered it rare. I saw no cases of diphtheria in medical school, nor have I since.
As a young physician I welcomed the introduction of the H.Flu vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, not the virus) in 1985. At that time, any infant or toddler with a fever was a potential victim of meningitis due to H.Flu, which could be deadly or leave the child with neurological damage.
Similarly, the Hepatitis B vaccine made healthcare a less risky occupation; Hepatitis B is a blood-borne infection contracted from contact with infected blood.
FROM THE CDC, JANUARY 2016-
So, I was first surprised, then puzzled, then alarmed at the number of parents who reject vaccination for their children, and adults who decline immunizations for themselves. Some people now fear the vaccines more than the diseases they prevent. must consider this to help people stay well instead of treating them when sick.
I was intrigued when I heard of a book, by a physician that seems to promote a compromise-
It is based on his pediatric practice, Integrative Pediatrics, as well as their extensively noted references. The book’s subtitle summarizes the contents accurately-
The book discusses pregnancy, infant, and child care in general, not just vaccination, although that is a major emphasis. There is a chapter about pregnancy and for each stage of child development through adolescence.
The first chapter discusses a popular health topic now- toxins. (As an aside, I don’t know when we started calling poisons “toxins”) . This should grab your attention-
“Toxins, Toxins, Toxins: Raising Healthy Children in a Poisoned World”.
Anything can be “toxic” if misused, overused, or abused but they concentrate on these toxins in particular- acetaminophen, aluminum, aspartame, fluoride, methanol, mercury, and what they call endocrine disruptors(this includes pesticides). They state “environmental toxins are likely contributing to the autism epidemic” as well as other neurodevelopmental and mental disorders in children.
They base their conclusion on an extensive list of review articles from the medical and scientific that support their view and from Dr. Paul’s medical practice of 11,000 children who he calls “among the healthiest in the world.” While I suspect families who are already health-conscious tend to select a physician who is health-oriented, this claim sounds impressive.
I agree with some of the advice the authors offer. For example this advice for pregnancy is hard to argue with-
Eat a whole foods, organic, non-GMO diet
Skip the soda
Drink filtered water
Minimize stress
Get treatment for addiction
Join a support group
But in addition, they recommend declining all vaccinations during pregnancy, certainly not mainstream medicine advice.
A later chapter also offers sound advice:
“ The Best Ways to Support your Child’s Immune System”
Breast feed
Enjoy cuddling
Laugh a lot
Relax often
Rock your body
Stay hydrated
Eat a variety of foods
Maintain social connection
Read
Get Dirty
Be cautious but not afraid
Choose vaccines based on real science, your family’s needs and common sense
Sleep enough
Trust your children
Trust yourself
He offers an interesting list Ten Questions to Ask When Looking for a Pediatrician (which I assume would apply if you use a family physician for your child’s care).
As a physician, I have never liked the idea of being “interviewed” by a potential patient; I want a relationship with patients, not a job. But I think pediatricians routinely offer “get-acquainted” visits so you may find it helpful.
Some of the questions seem more appropriate to explore in a long-term relationship with a physician, not quick answers in a short visit, like “What would you like me to know in order to keep my family healthy?”
An appendix compares the CDC immunization schedule of 1983 to the current 2016 version, illustrating many more vaccines and doses are now recommended.
Of course the list is longer since several new vaccines have been developed in the past 30 years and the CDC recommends those considered necessary for the public health. Most areas of medical care have changed dramatically in the past 30 years, we have a lot more of everything-drugs, procedures, etc- so this should not be a surprise.
CDC Immunization Schedule-
Also in the appendix is Dr. Paul’s Vaccine Plan at a Glance, which is a much abbreviated version of the CDC recommendations. The plan is offered free at his web site . (There is also a “store” on the website offering an assortment of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, and melatonin.)
The authors describe themselves as “pro-vaccine”, have received vaccines themselves and vaccinated their children. But they also believe that physicians and parents should have a choice and make informed decisions about immunization and other procedures.
Universal vaccination is recommended , but there are individual circumstances where the routine schedule might need to be altered due to a child’s particular medical circumstance, but not for some vague concern that vaccination might not be “safe”. Neither is infectious disease.
If you are a parent who has deferred vaccination for your children, please read this book soon.
Also, read another review of this book by Vincent Iannelli, MD , a pediatrician and Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Sonia Shah, a science journalist, also wrote about vaccination in her book
If you like history, current events, medical science, or just want to be more knowledgeable about why we should be concerned about infections , antibiotic resistance and vaccine phobia, you should read this book.
This coronavirus pandemic is serious. We don’t yet have a vaccine or effective treatments. To protect ourselves, our familes, and our entire communities we should all be practicing social distancing and other hygiene measures as we wait for a safe, effective vaccine and treatments.
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Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.
I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.
watercress words by Dr Aletha 