Avaaz Health

Everyone’s heard them. Most people believe at least one. In this episode of the Avaaz Health Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jiti, oncologist and cancer specialist, to break down some of the most common (and dangerous) health myths circulating right now. From “Why screen if I feel fine?” to “Only smokers get lung cancer,” we unpack what’s fact, what’s fiction, and what you actually need to know to p...

Everyone’s talking about them—the so-called “magic” weight-loss injections. But what’s actually fact vs. hype? In this episode, we break down GLP-1s (like Ozempic) in a physician-led, evidence-based conversation. How do these medications actually work in the body? Who are they truly for? What are the real benefits beyond weight loss—and what about the side effects and accessibility concerns? From...

Menopause is everywhere in the conversation right now—but not all the information is accurate. In our latest episode,  “Not Your Mother’s Menopause,”  we revisit this topic with  the latest science-based guidance  and break down what women need to know now: ✨  What actually happens during perimenopause?✨ Who should consider Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)? And for how long?✨ What exactly is gen...

In this episode, we discuss how South Asian genes lead to higher risks for heart disease, diabetes, and other metabolic syndromes, at a younger age.  We talk about what tests you should be asking for, what helps (and what doesn't), and the fascinating role of epigenetics in shaping our current health risk factors.   Mubin Syed, MD, also know as @desidoc.md on Instagram, is a nationally recogni...

In many South Asian families, we talk about everything except the tough stuff—illness, prognosis, end-of-life wishes. Out of love, we avoid it. Out of habit, we call it fate. But the next generation is left guessing when it matters most. This episode breaks down why advance care planning isn’t disrespectful—it’s clarity, comfort, and care for your family. Let’s stop assuming. Let’s start talking....

Ever wondered what contraception  really  is — and how it actually works? 💊✨ In this episode, our doctors break down the basics: 🔹 What contraception means (and why it’s more than just “birth control”) 🔹 The different types available — from pills and IUDs to injections and condoms 🔹 How each method works to safely and effectively prevent pregnancy Whether you’re exploring your options or just...

In this episode of the Avaaz Podcast , we break down the myths, stigma, and science behind common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, and more — especially in South Asian communities where these conversations are often silenced. 💡 Knowledge is power — and sexual health is health. 🎧 Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube. #AvaazPodcast #STIawareness #Sex...

🩺 What is dementia really — and how can we better support those living with it? In this week’s episode, our regular podcast doctors, Dr. Madhu and Dr. Nav, break down the facts and myths about dementia. From early symptoms and diagnosis to treatment options and compassionate caregiving — we’re covering it all.  👩‍⚕️ Medical insight you can trust  💡 Simple explanations for complex conditions  ❤️...

🩺 Today we're discussing prenatal care on Season 6 of the Avaaz podcast. If you or someone you love is wanting to get pregnant, it's important to be prepared and make sure they're getting the medical information they need. In this episode we tell you what what to watch for, what tests to get done and how to prevent serious illness for mom and baby-to-be. While we delve into this topic...

So many women suffer from pelvic pain, and they don’t know why.  In this episode, our doctors discuss a common reason for pelvic pain: endometriosis. Endometriosis is often under-diagnosed and under-treated in women, and even more so in South Asian women. We discuss  the barriers to diagnosis, including not wanting to talk about “taboo” topics like pelvic pain, and barriers to healthcare access, d...

In this episode of the Avaaz Podcast, we delve into Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), a common condition. Having heartburn from time to time doesn't mean that you have GERD, but when heartburn bothers you often and lasts longer, this is GERD.  What are the symptoms? What causes it? And how do we manage it? In this episode our team of doctors explore how cultural norms and dietary habits...

Join us on the Avaaz Podcast as we delve into the world of healthcare myths. We are sure you’ve heard some of these before! Do certain types of dishes cause Alzheimer’s Disease? Are scented candles bad for you? Multivitamins: Do they really improve your health? How about vaccines and autism - is there a link? Our expert doctors - Dr Madhu and Dr Nav, answer some of the most common questions and ta...

Join the Avaaz podcast team as we dive deep into the topic of anemia, as always with a focus on its impact on the South Asian community.  In this episode, Dr Madhu, Dr, Nav and our moderator Rup explore the causes, common misconceptions, and effective treatments for this widespread condition. Discover why South Asian women are particularly vulnerable to iron deficiency anemia, with approximately 4...

We are all familiar with childhood vaccinations. But what about vaccinations as adults?   We forget that as we get older there are important immunizations that we should get to prevent us from falling seriously ill, including hospitalizations and in rare cases death.   In this episode one of gets immunized for shingles – live and on the mic and camera for you to hear and see.   Let us explain the...

n this Avaaz podcast we tackle Osteoporosis and the relevance for South Asian Women   Imagine your bones as a bank account. When you're young, your body deposits more bone than it withdraws. But as you age, the balance changes, and you start withdrawing more than you deposit. This loss of bone density is what leads to osteoporosis.   It’s particularly important for women, especially those post-men...

Urinary issues in women   Incontinence is a bladder control issue that affects a lot more women than we think. And it can really affect your quality of life.   It can cause leaking of urine while you do everyday activities like lifting, coughing, exercising, sneezing, laughing.  Or leaking during sex. It can also mean you can’t hold in your urine when you feel like you suddenly have a strong urge...

Sleep – some of us can’t get enough.   Women in their 40s-50s experience significant life changes such as menopause, family responsibilities, career stress and other shifts. In this episode on sleep issues for women, we talk about how a lack of sleep affects physical, emotional, and cognitive health. And of course, what we can do about it.

We've been hearing about it in the news, on socials and even at visits with family physicians...fatty liver is exactly what it sounds like. It's extra fat in the liver that creates inflammation, and can lead to health complications. And it's more prevalent in South Asian women. Find out how to get tested, and how to prevent this disease. All the details in this episode of the Avaaz podcast. Show n...

  SUPERWOMAN! YOU CAN HAVE IT ALL? BUT DO YOU REALLY WANT TO DO IT ALL??   Is the Superwoman phenomenon an unfair label, an unattainable goal? Is this undue pressure on us to do more and be more creating consequences on women’s mental and physical health? We discuss feelings of mother guilt and daughter guilt, and how we can prioritize ourselves.   We talk with Pink Chai founder and former self-de...

MOVING FORWARD SOMETIMES MEANS LOOKING BACK   We share the mic with registered clinical counsellor, Amrita Kaur Sandhu in this episode where we delve into how trauma from previous generations of our ancestors can show up in our own life.   We discuss external validation and self-esteem and how many South Asian women struggle with low self-worth. Amrita explains that this often comes from feeling c...

We continue our conversation with Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Infertility Specialist, talking about fertility, challenges in getting pregnant, and the relevance to South Asian women. In our conversation Dr. Lucky shares her expertise on IVF, egg retrieval, and advocating for patients. We discuss destigmatizing fertility issues, helping empower women by educating them about their reproductive health, and ena...

In this episode we raise awareness about fertility issues that many women face and discuss the latest advancements in fertility treatments and technologies.   We have the influential and popular Dr. Lucky Sekhon, Infertility Specialist, on our Avaaz podcast in this two-part series. Dr. Lucky shares her knowledge and experience to provide expert insights and clarify common misconceptions about fert...

How has code-switching and parentification impacted you? In today’s episode we engage with Harpo Mander, community builder, cultural producer and Executive Director of 5X Fest on her personal experiences with both behaviours.   Code-switching is when people who speak more than one language uses their languages within a single conversation – often to make others or themselves comfortable, to fit in...

If you thought measles was a disease of the past, this is hte episode for you! Measles activity is increasing in Canada with 56 cases as of April 6, 2024 compared to 12 cases for the full year of 2023. And it's a huge health risk for our loved ones. Measles can cause serious complications such as hospitalization, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, respiratory failure, permanent neurological dam...