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 recognised physician with almost 30 years of experience, specialising in endovascular therapy. He is also a health historian, a medtech entrepreneur, and a medical products inventor. His personal experience as a survivor of a heart attack, fuelled his desire to educate South Asians about their higher risks of disease, diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.  He is the author of a medical guide on pain treatment and two works focusing on the modern South Asian health crisis. He has been a TEDx speaker and was featured in the “Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies” PBS documentary, and in CNN International/ The Guardian and HuffPostUK. And he is the author of a new book, Healing From Our History: How Colonial-Era Famines Led to a Modern South Asian Health Crisis.

You won’t want to miss this week’s episode.

Resources 

ASCVD risk score (not a good indicator for S Asians) (https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/3398/ascvd-atherosclerotic-cardiovascular-disease-2013-risk-calculator-aha-acc 

MASALA study https://www.masalastudy.org/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4987009/

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97605-z

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.
New episode out now. 🎙️✨

Show Notes:

Research/References:

1.  CFPC Guide to Advance Care Planning

2. https://bc-cpc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/ACP-Checklist_SPREAD.pdf

3.https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/myvoice_feb2013_pun.pdf (punjabi), https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/people/seniors/health-safety/pdf/hindi_myvoice_feb2020.pdf (hindi)

4. Advance Care Planning in BC (youtube video in English with Punjabi subtitles)

5.Serious Illness Conversation Guide

6. Taking serious illness conversations seriously: Unveiling South Asian perspectives on advance care planning using the Serious Illness Conversation GuideIssue: BCMJ vol. 67 , No. 5 , June 2025 , Pages 166-173 Original Research

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 want to understand your body better, this conversation is for you.
Let’s talk openly about choices, comfort, and control — because informed women make empowered decisions. 💪🏽💗

🎧 Tune in now to Avaaz – your trusted doctor-led guide to reproductive health – wherever you listen to your podcasts. Also find us on YouTube

#SouthAsianWomen #ContraceptionExplained #BirthControlEducation #DoctorPodcast #WomensHealthMatters #ReproductiveHealth #HealthAwareness 

Show Notes:

 https://www.jogc.com/article/S1701-2163(16)30033-0/fulltext  

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 #SexualHealth #SouthAsianHealth #LetsTalkAboutIt #Podcast #fyp

🩺 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 

❤️ Tips for families, caregivers & health professionals 🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more!

#DementiaAwareness #BrainHealth #southasianwomen #MedicalPodcast #CaregivingTips #GeriatricMedicine #AvaazPodcast #HealthEducation

Show Notes:

https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/help-support/programs-services/support-south-asian-communities

https://globalnews.ca/news/11309084/walking-alzheimers-reduce-risk/

Experiences of dementia in South Asian communities in Canada

https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/alzheimer-women-risks-1.7604574

Dementia Village Pilot BC

🩺 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, we also examine it from a South Asian lens. Are there any higher risks? We're joined by expert, Dr Dimithra Hippola, a family practice/obstetrics physician at BC Women's Hospital who has been practicing medicine 27 years. Show Notes:⁠https://pregnancyvancouver.ca/⁠⁠https://smartparentcanada.ca⁠⁠https://study.smartmomcanada.ca⁠

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, diagnosis and care in racialized communities.

Join us for a frank discussion about the symptoms, causes, possible treatment options, and the burden of pelvic pain. We hope this episode leaves you feeling empowered to ask for help if you suffer from endometriosis or other causes of pelvic pain.

Find us wherever you listen to podcasts, and watch us on YouTube. Links in bio!

#healthpodcast #southasianwomen #pelvicpain #endometriosis 

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 are causing GERD in many South Asian patients, and practical actions on what to do to prevent it or reduce its effects. (Spoiler: you may want to put down that second cup of cha!)

Through expert insights and relatable stories, this episode aims to empower listeners with knowledge to recognize and manage GERD effectively. 

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 tackle misconceptions with our moderator and host, Rup. 

Tune in to uncover the truth and empower yourself with knowledge. 

Listen wherever you get your podcasts - links are in the bio.

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 40% of the population struggling with this condition. We'll unpack the cultural, dietary, and social factors that contribute to this high incidence, including:

• The role of vegetarian diets in iron deficiency

• Cultural attitudes towards menstruation and their impact on anemia

• Cultural barriers preventing women from seeking care from male healthcare providers
  

Our expert hosts will debunk common myths surrounding anemia and provide practical advice for prevention and treatment. From dietary changes to supplement recommendations, we'll cover everything you need to know to take charge of your health.

Don't miss this informative and potentially life-changing episode of the Avaaz podcast. Whether you're concerned about your own health or that of a loved one, this episode offers valuable insights into managing anemia in the South Asian community and beyond.