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Experts: 2024 Holiday Season

The McGill Media Relations Office offers the following resources for your holiday stories:
Published: 11 December 2024

Winter brings its own set of health risks, from slips and falls to snow-shovelling heart strain, as well as seasonal weight gain and illnesses from gatherings or travel.

Mitch Shulman, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Emergency Medicine, and attending physician, Montreal General and Royal Victoria hospitals, can share his expertise on preventing winter injuries, recognizing and managing heart-attack symptoms and staying healthy through the holiday season.

mitchell.shulman [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)

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On top of the usual cold and flu season, this year has seen a resurgence of measles and whooping cough, along with a rise in walking pneumonia cases.

Jesse Papenburg, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, and infectious disease specialist, Montreal Children’s Hospital, can provide guidance to parents for keeping children safe over the holidays.

jesse.papenburg [at] mcgill.ca (English, French) 

Brian Ward, MD, Full Professor, Department of Medicine, and Co-Director, MUHC Vaccine Study Centre, can share his expertise on infectious diseases and respiratory viruses, and offer the latest vaccine guidance.

brian.ward [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)

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Does turkey make you sleepy? Can coffee sober you up? Does your body really need a post-holiday detox?

Christopher Labos, MD Associate, Office for Science and Society, is available to debunk holiday health myths.

christopher.labos [at] mail.mcgill.ca (English, French)

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The festive season often brings alcohol consumption into focus, as celebrations can lead to overindulgence and shed light on addiction challenges.

, Assistant Professor Department of Psychiatry and researcher, Douglas Research Centre, can share her expertise on the neuroscience behind addiction, common triggers for substance use and how and why to moderate consumption.

rachel.rabin [at] mcgill.ca (English)

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From the stress of family conflicts and financial pressures to feelings of loneliness or seasonal depression, the season can pose challenges to mental health. The following experts are available to share insights:

Marie-Hélène Pennestri, Psychologist, Associate Professor, Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Sleep and Director, can talk about anything related to sleep, routines, family and mental health.

marie-helene.pennestri [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)

Nate Fuks, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, researches intersecting identities and the mental health of LGBTQ2S+ individuals, immigrants and refugees.

nate.fuks [at] mcgill.ca (English)

Tina Montreuil, Associate Professor, Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, Director of Childhood Anxiety and Regulation of Emotions C.A.R.E. Research Group can talk about what happens when familiar school routines are removed and children face difficulties in managing holiday social expectations, and dealing with stress, anxiety and isolation.

tina.montreuil [at] mcgill.ca (English, French)

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