2024-02-25 00:00:00
A coroner is sounding the alarm on the lack of supervision and the lack of research on the consumption of anabolic steroids among amateur athletes, in a recent report on the sudden death of a Montrealer which occurred last summer.
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“It seems undeniable to me that the use of performance-enhancing substances is a dangerous practice,” writes Me Julie-Kim Godin bluntly.
“People take it without understanding the risks to which they expose themselves,” she added in an interview with The newspaper.
The coroner made public a few weeks ago her investigation into the sudden death of Eric Sam Bridge Holtzman, in Montreal, at the end of last July.
The central role of anabolic steroids in the tragedy also forces it to alert the Quebec government and the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) so that they look into the phenomenon.
Counteracted effects
Mr. Holtzman died, even though he had very developed muscles, was an athlete and worked as a personal trainer.
But he also dabbled for a long time with steroids, which are “easily accessible” on the black market, mentions Me Julie-Kim Godin.
“A person can have excellent lifestyle habits, but taking this type of substance can completely counteract all the other efforts that are being made,” she emphasizes.
Me Julie-Kim Godin, coroner “Courtesy, archives”
And the 32-year-old’s life took an abrupt turn. While he was the passenger in a friend’s vehicle, returning from the gym, he lost consciousness.
Once the car stopped on the side of the road, Mr. Holtzman’s friend tried everything to resuscitate him, as did the first responders. However, it was never possible to save him.
Bigger than average
The damage was already done: Eric Sam Bridge Holtzman suffered from cardiomegaly, so his heart was larger than average for a man of his size.
The pathologist also noted thickening of the muscles of both ventricles of the heart.
“In the present case, the autopsy findings […] confirmed that Mr. Holtzman’s lifestyle and consumption habits probably caused permanent and serious damage to his health,” writes Me Godin.
Note also that steroids can harm a person’s psychological health. Mr. Holtzman was taking flualprazolam, which provides calming or antidepressant effects.
“Sad ending”
“It’s a sad end to life for a wonderful child,” laments Stephen C. Holtzman, who cut ties with his son regarding fifteen years ago.
He deplores the inaction of the authorities to prevent this type of tragedy in recent decades.
“Unlike professional or elite athletes, amateur athletes are not subject to regular doping tests and are less supervised,” argues Mr. Godin, recalling that other Quebecers have died from it in the past.
As “too little research” has been done on the subject, the ministries of Health and Social Services as well as Education should collaborate with the INSPQ so that an in-depth study takes place, recommends the coroner.
Awareness campaigns and tools should also be deployed.
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