Avaaz Health

For those 50,000 or so of us who were fortunate enough to watch Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh perform at BC Place Stadium, this is our post show analysis. Avaaz was lucky to be there and we talk about what the show meant to each of us. Let us know what you think!

Allergies? It’s spring and you have a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, or red, itchy, watery eyes.   Will your asthma be worse because of smoke from summer wildfires?    Do you even need sunscreen if you’re darker skinned?   Swimming season is almost here – do you know the facts about water safety?   In this episode, we discuss some common medical situations we see as head into warmer we...

Celiac disease is a digestive problem that affects our small intestine – it’s when an individual is sensitive to gluten. We discuss this in today’s podcast because it affects more South Asians than other groups. A study done in the UK that showed that the incidence of Celiac disease amongst Punjabi migrants is three times that of other Europeans. Listen to the episode – link is in the bio!     Sho...

This is the second part in the two-part series on substance use disorder. Drs Nav and Madhu and host Rup interview interview Ms Manraaj Grewal and Mr Gurkirat Nijjar of SOUDA ​​(Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder & Addictions).  Eye-opening information on what's next, how we can help reduce the stigma of drug use disorder and how we can help.

Focusing on substance use diorder as it pertains to drug use, we interview Ms Manraaj Grewal and Mr Gurkirat Nijjar of SOUDA ​​(Students Overcoming Substance Use Disorder & Addictions). This mind-blowing conversation will leave you with both questions and answers and it'll empower you to take action. Show Notes : https://www.fraserhealth.ca/health-topics-a-to-z/south-asian-health/south-asi...

Have a listen to Dr Madhu and Dr Nav as they flex their bilingual skills on Sher-E-Punjab radio talking about all things Avaaz podcast. In this interview they talk about depression, alcohol use disorder and intimate partner violence.

South Asians are at higher risk than other populations for developing heart disease, we should know this and take care of ourselves BEFORE we develop symptoms. Heart disease can be prevented by addressing behavioural risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, obesity, physical inactivity and harmful use of alcohol. Show Notes: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-...

High blood pressure, medically known as hypertension, is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it may show no symptoms. But it can have serious complications – affecting your heart, brain, kidneys and even eyes. And South Asians are at a higher risk of hypertension – women especially – who have unique risk factors.   Show Notes: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hypertens...

Ever find yourself thinking:   “I don’t deserve this promotion.”  “I just got really lucky.”  “Someone will realize soon that I don’t know what I’m doing.”   You may be experiencing Imposter Syndrome. A feeling more prevalent among women, and specifically women of color, where they feel undeserving of their achievements. Join our discussion on today’s Avaaz Podcast.

Is this PCOS, or am I just Indian?   PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) is caused by hormone imbalance, causing everything from irregular periods, excessive facial body hair, difficulty getting pregnant, and more longer term complications. Get our doctors’ observations on PCOS, who it impacts, how to control it, and hear about unique cultural considerations. Link in bio for today’s podcast👆🏽   S...

Cervix screening is recommended for anyone with a cervix, between the ages of 25 and 69.  Screening  helps find  cervical cancer  before symptoms develop. And now there’s a new self-screening program to help detect cervical cancer that is an alternative to the Pap exam at the Doctor’s office. This one you do in the comfort of your home. Will you try it? Show Notes: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-info...

In today’s episode we talk about screening for colon cancer, which in our opinion really isn’t discussed often enough in any community, even though it’s becoming increasingly diagnosed. Find out how colon cancer screening saves lives and how to know if you’re at risk. There’s lots to digest in this episode! Show Notes: https://cancer.ca/en/cancer-information/cancer-types/colorectal/statistics   ww...

Dense breasts? Celebrating your 40th birthday soon? Abnormal mammogram results? Know what this means and what breast cancer screening does. 🏵🏵 What is radon? Why do you need to test if it's seeping into your home. Does lung cancer affect people who don't smoke? 🚬 Get the answers at the link in the bio. Cancer of the chest includes breast cancer and lung cancer. That's why we're ta...

We're talking about the purpose and benefits of cancer screening. Learn why South Asian women, whether new immigrants or established in western countries for a long time, tend to get diagnosed with various cancers later and with advanced disease at their initial diagnosis. SHOW NOTES www.bccancer.bc.ca/screening www.bccancer.bc.ca/prevent “Cancer screening behaviours among south asian immigran...

We want to end our first season with a look back at our own Christmas traditions growing up. What were your annual Christmas highlights as a child? Shownotes Despite what you might hear in this episode, Santa is as real as your belief in him.

Alcohol use disorder affects not only those suffering from it, but affects their families and loved ones as well. We hope the information in this week’s podcast sheds light on common misconceptions about drinking alcohol.  Please drink responsibly and take care of your health while enjoying time with your loved ones. Show Notes https://www.ccsa.ca/sites/default/files/2023-01/CCSA_Canadas_Guidance_...

In today's podcast we tackle the difficult conversation about the types of domestic violence, how they translate in real life, signs to watch for and resources to get help. Please note that this episode contains depictions of violence that some people may find disturbing. Show Notes: Find family violence resources and services in your area - Canada.ca ShelterSafe.ca Provides information to hel...

Listen as Dr Nav, Dr Madhu and moderator, Rup, talk about the risks, signs and complications surrounding diabetes. Learn how to calculate your risk. Shownotes: Canrisk calculator ⁠https://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/en/canrisk⁠ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/index.html https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29663510/ https://www.diabetes.ca/DiabetesCanadaWebsite/media/Advocacy-and- Policy/Backgrounder/2022_...

Trigger Warning: This podcast contains reference to suicide. Many people suffer from various mental health conditions and women are disproportionally affected. Dr Nav, Dr Jiti and Dr Madhu and Rup discuss mental health and mental wellness and how to navigate it. Show Notes Where to turn to for help? Talk Suicide Canada (Suicide crisis line) 1-833-456-4566 psychologytoday.com https://cmha.ca/brochu...

How to navigate taking care of both aging parents and the needs of your children with the right resources, self-care, and shared responsibilities. Join Rup, Dr Nav and Dr Madhu in this informative conversation about the sandwich generation. Show Notes Statistics on caregiving in Canada https://angusreid.org/caregiving/

Why is The Barbie Movie so relevant to women and our experiences? Rup, Drs. Nav and Madhu discuss emerging themes, a profound monologue and feminism in this podcast. Show Notes America Ferrara (Gloria) monologue from the Barbie movie https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsY9c9WodcE

October 18th is World Menopause Day! Have a listen to our first episode where we have a conversation about menopause, symptoms, treatments and our shared experiences as south asian women and physicians. Show Notes: Website resource: menopause.org Book: Menipause Manifesto by Dr Jen Gunter The Daily NYT Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/episode/0Gr9UDLN9kX7eBWzgNWV7J?si=pJ1F7X8RSEK4xPLy9huRdQ&n...

Avaaz, the Introduction Welcome to Avaaz, the health podcast for South Asian women. Meet your medical panelists  Dr. Nav, Dr. Madhu and Dr. Jiti, and host, Rup as we begin spreading some light on current women's health topics.