Latest / Morning Medical with Dr. Chow / Holiday Substance Use, Opioid Contamination, and Hangover Management

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Holiday Substance Use, Opioid Contamination, and Hangover Management · Morning Medical with Dr. Chow

• 0:00
  Good morning and welcome to another episode of Morning Medical with Dr.
• 0:04
  Chow.
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  I'm Dr.
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  Chi-Ming Chow, and today we're diving into some pressing issues in public health that have been
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  making headlines.
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  It's December 30th, 2025, and as we approach the New Year, there's a significant concern
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  that's been unfolding right here in Toronto.
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  Toronto Public Health has reported a dramatic increase in overdose calls during the holiday
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  season this year.
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  Paramedics received 35 percent more overdose calls compared to the last two years.
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  This increase is particularly alarming as it occurred over just an eight-day period from
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  December 20th to December 28th, during which paramedics responded to 122 calls related to
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  suspected opioid overdoses.
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  What's even more concerning is that five of these overdoses were fatal, which is consistent
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  with the previous year's statistics.
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  From January through November, paramedics typically received about eight calls a day for
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  overdoses.
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  However, this number rose to 11 daily calls in December.
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  The holiday season can be a difficult time for many, with feelings of stress or social
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  isolation often heightened.
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  This can lead to increased substance use, a point highlighted by Toronto Public Health in
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  their release.
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  Lorraine Lam, a crisis outreach worker in east Toronto, noted that more people tend to use
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  substances over the holidays, while harm reduction programs often take a break during
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  this time.
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  A significant factor contributing to this issue is the province's decision to cut back on
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  supervised consumption sites.
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  These sites provide critical services such as drug checking for harmful additives, naloxone
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  training, and distribution, as well as referrals to other social services.
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  However, many sites have been closed or converted to abstinence-based treatment models
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  due to government policy changes.
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  The city's drug checking service has found that many opioid samples are contaminated with
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  dangerous additives.
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  Specifically, 81 percent of fentanyl samples checked between December 13th and December 26th
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  were laced with medetomidine, a veterinary tranquilizer that can dangerously lower
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  breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate.
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  Public health authorities recommend keeping naloxone on hand if you're using drugs and
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  advise against using alone.
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  Instead, it's safer to "buddy up" with someone you trust.
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  This advice is crucial as we navigate this challenging time.
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  It's a reminder of the importance of community safety measures and the need for ongoing
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  support systems for those struggling with substance use.
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  As we look back on the year, it's important to acknowledge that health challenges can affect
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  anyone, regardless of their status or fame.
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  In 2025, several high-profile celebrities went public with serious health diagnoses, shedding
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  light on conditions that many people face every day.
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  Let's take a closer look at five of these stories.
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  First, we have Kim Kardashian, who was diagnosed with a brain aneurysm.
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  This was discovered after she underwent a brain scan with psychiatrist Doctor Daniel Amen of
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  Amen Clinics.
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  In an episode of "The Kardashians," Kim revealed that the scan showed 'holes' in her
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  brain, indicating low activity and pointing towards a potential aneurysm.
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  Doctor Amen explained that this could be due to chronic stress, which is not uncommon for
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  someone juggling multiple responsibilities like Kim.
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  Despite this setback, Kim was preparing to take the California bar exam, although she later
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  shared that she did not pass.
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  Next is Dave Coulier, known for his role in "Full House." Earlier in the year, Dave
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  announced that his cancer had returned, just months after celebrating a cancer-free status.
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  He was initially diagnosed with stage three non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2024 and, after
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  chemotherapy, was recovering.
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  However, in October, he faced a new, unrelated diagnosis of HPV-related oropharyngeal tongue
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  cancer.
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  This type of cancer is believed to be linked to long-term human papillomavirus infection.
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  Despite the shock, Dave remains optimistic as the cancer was caught early and has a high
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  curability rate.
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  Eric Dane, known for his role in "Grey's Anatomy," has been facing a battle with
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  amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, this year.
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  Eric publicly shared his diagnosis in April, expressing gratitude for his family and the
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  support he's received.
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  Despite the challenges, Eric remains hopeful and determined to fight the disease.
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  He has been open about his condition, sharing that he only has function in one arm and has
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  experienced falls, including one that required stitches during the Emmy Awards.
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  His ex-wife, Rebecca Gayheart, has been a supportive presence, ensuring he receives
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  round-the-clock care.
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  Moving on to Billy Joel, the legendary musician was diagnosed with normal pressure
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  hydrocephalus in May.
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  This rare brain condition involves an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid around the
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  brain, which can cause issues with balance, hearing, and vision.
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  Billy had to cancel several concerts to focus on his recovery, undergoing specific physical
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  therapy as part of his treatment.
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  Despite the challenges, Billy has maintained a positive outlook, noting that while he feels
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  good, his balance has been affected, likening it to feeling like he's on a boat.
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  Lastly, celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay revealed that he had a basal cell carcinoma, a type of
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  skin cancer, removed from his face in August.
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  After the procedure, Gordon shared images on social media showing the stitches beneath his
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  ear, using the opportunity to remind his followers about the importance of sunscreen.
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  He humorously assured fans that the procedure was not a facelift, injecting a bit of his
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  trademark humor into a serious situation.
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  These stories remind us that health issues can touch anyone, regardless of their fame or
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  fortune.
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  They also highlight the importance of early detection and the power of public figures
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  sharing their health journeys to raise awareness and encourage others to seek help
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  when needed.
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  Now, let's delve into a topic that might be on many minds as we approach New Year's
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  celebrations: hangovers.
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  With festivities often comes alcohol consumption, and subsequently, the dreaded
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  hangover.
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  So, what exactly is the ultimate hangover cure?
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  While there's no magical remedy that can instantly erase a hangover, there are several
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  strategies that might help alleviate the symptoms.
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  Hangovers are essentially a result of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and the
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  body's reaction to alcohol's by-products.
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  Therefore, rehydrating and restoring electrolytes are crucial steps in recovery.
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  One common suggestion is to drink plenty of water.
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  Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes the body to lose water, leading to dehydration.
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  Sipping on water throughout the night and before bed can help mitigate this.
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  Some people also swear by sports drinks, which contain electrolytes that may help restore
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  balance in your system.
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  Eating a nutritious meal can also aid in recovery.
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  Foods rich in carbohydrates, such as toast or crackers, can help stabilize blood sugar
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  levels.
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  Eggs, which contain cysteine, can help break down acetaldehyde, a toxic by-product of
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  alcohol metabolism.
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  Bananas, with their high potassium content, can replenish lost electrolytes.
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  Some research suggests supplements like Vitamin B and C can be beneficial.
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  Vitamin B helps with energy production, while Vitamin C may support the liver in detoxifying
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  the body.
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  However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any
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  supplement regimen.
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  Rest is another critical component.
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  Giving your body time to recover and repair is essential.
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  If possible, allow yourself a little extra sleep to help your body heal.
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  Light exercise, like a walk, might also boost endorphins and improve blood circulation,
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  aiding in recovery.
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  It's important to note that while these tips might ease hangover symptoms, the only surefire
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  way to avoid a hangover is to drink in moderation or abstain from alcohol altogether.
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  Understanding your limits and staying hydrated can go a long way in preventing the discomfort
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  of a hangover.
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  As we wrap up today's episode, I want to thank you for joining me on Morning Medical with Dr.
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  Chow.
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  We've covered some critical health topics today, from public health concerns in Toronto
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  to personal stories from celebrities and practical advice for the holiday season.
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  Remember, taking care of your health is a year-round commitment.
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  Here's wishing you a safe and healthy New Year.
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  Until next time, stay well.