Join Ritika and Esha in this powerful episode in honor of Epilepsy Awareness Month (sorry we are a little late, but desi standard time?) as they sit down with Dr. Amee Shah, a successful dentist, mother, and wife living with epilepsy. Dr. Shah shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with a seizure disorder and navigating life with invisible challenges. Together, they explore how she works to combat the stigma surrounding epilepsy in the South Asian community.

Key Topics Discussed:

Tune in to hear Dr. Shah's inspiring story of resilience and advocacy. Learn how she uses her platform to educate and support the community while breaking down barriers and misconceptions about neurological disorders.

Join the Conversation: Follow us on Instagram @brownwomenhealth and on Twitter @brownwomenhlth to stay updated on our latest content, learn more about health topics, and engage with our community. Don't forget to subscribe and share this episode with your friends and family to help spread awareness!

In this eye-opening episode of Brown Women Health, anchor Ameek explores a groundbreaking study that links birth weight to the risk of developing diabetes later in life. The research, Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian American Women, authored by Anisa Amiji, Dr. Nitasha Nagaraj, and Dr. Amita Vyas, uncovers startling statistics about how early-life factors shape long-term health outcomes.

We dive deep into the science, discuss its implications for South Asian American women—who face disproportionately high diabetes rates—and share actionable insights to improve maternal and community health. Plus, a shoutout to Dr. Nagaraj for sharing this important work with us!

Study Citation:
Amiji, Anisa; Nagaraj, Nitasha; Vyas, Amita. Exploring the Relationship Between Birth Weight and Diabetes Among South Asian-American Women. Medical Research Archives, [S.l.], v. 12, n. 11, Nov. 2024. ISSN 2375-1924. Available at: https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/5907. Accessed: 23 Dec. 2024. doi: https://doi.org/10.18103/mra.v12i11.5907.

In this episode of Brown Women Health, Anchor Ritika Jhawar sits down with Neha Shah, a Registered Dietitian with nearly 20 years of experience specializing in gastroenterology, IBD, and nutrition for South Asian communities. Neha shares her insights on the unique challenges faced by South Asian patients with GI disorders like IBD, celiac disease, and IBS. She emphasizes the importance of keeping cultural foods in the diet—yes, dosa, khichdi, and dahi can fit into a gut-friendly plan!

Neha also discusses the stigma surrounding GI diagnoses in South Asian communities, where patients often hesitate to share their condition due to societal pressure. As the winter holidays approach, she gives practical advice on how to navigate traditional celebrations and food choices while managing GI symptoms.

With a strong background in public health nutrition and a wealth of experience in both clinical care and advocacy, Neha is also a co-founder of the South Asian IBD Alliance and serves on several professional committees dedicated to improving cultural competence in GI nutrition.

Links & Resources:

In this episode of Brown Women Health, we dive into two fascinating papers that highlight critical health issues for South Asian women and infants. First, we discuss the Nurture Early for Optimal Nutrition (NEON) pilot study, which explores the impact of participatory learning and action women's groups on improving infant feeding practices in South Asia. Next, we explore a qualitative synthesis of South Asian women's perspectives on maternity care services, shedding light on their unique experiences and challenges in accessing care.

Join us as we break down these insightful studies and discuss their implications for improving maternal and infant health outcomes in South Asian communities.

Papers Discussed:

Special Offer:

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dr. Preeti Kalra, PharmD, MHA, a clinical pharmacist from suburban Chicago, preterm birth survivor, and passionate advocate for maternal and infant health. Dr. Kalra shares her deeply personal story of being born three months premature, navigating the challenges of neurodiversity, and growing up in a South Asian community that often emphasizes conformity over individuality.

Through her work with March of Dimes and WE ARE SAATH, Dr. Kalra sheds light on the long-term effects of premature birth, the stigma surrounding neurodivergence in South Asian culture, and the importance of advocating for mental health. This episode explores the intersection of medicine, personal experience, and cultural expectations, offering a unique perspective on the struggles and triumphs of living as a preemie.

Tune in to hear Dr. Kalra's inspiring journey of resilience and her mission to break toxic generational cycles, redefine traditional narratives, and pave the way for future generations to embrace their authentic selves.

Follow Dr. Kalra on Instagram @pkalra33 and join the movement at @wearesaath and @wearesaath_chicago.

🎙️ November is Prematurity Awareness Month — let’s start the conversation!

In this powerful episode of "Let's Talk About Sex, Beta... The Convo We Never Have at Home," Dr. Alopi Patel, a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, joins us to explore the often unspoken relationship between sexual health, trauma, and pain in the South Asian community. Dr. Patel, who is also certified in lifestyle medicine, shares her experiences working with patients who struggle with conditions such as low libido, painful intercourse, and postpartum recovery, all while navigating cultural expectations and stigma around sex.

We dive into the importance of addressing pelvic floor health, the role of pelvic physical therapy, and how sexual trauma can impact pelvic function. Dr. Patel provides practical advice on how individuals can advocate for their sexual health, reclaim safety, and seek help despite barriers like shame or trauma. She emphasizes the significance of self-awareness and self-care, offering a compassionate, non-judgmental space for healing.

Whether you’re dealing with the effects of sexual trauma, seeking to understand more about pelvic health, or just want to break the silence around these topics in the South Asian context, this episode offers invaluable insights.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

In this episode of the Brown Women Health podcast, Mariam and Ritika dive into a candid conversation with Dr. Pallavi Mhaskar, a resident physician at Western Michigan University Homer Stryker School of Medicine. Dr. Mhaskar shares her insights and experiences on sexual health, addressing the unique challenges faced by South Asian women when it comes to discussing sexual health and trauma. Together, they explore sensitive topics such as sexual trauma, postpartum recovery, and cultural stigmas surrounding sexual health in immigrant and refugee communities.

This episode provides a safe space to reflect on how sexual health is discussed (or not) in South Asian households and the importance of breaking down cultural barriers to create more open conversations. Dr. Mhaskar also offers advice on overcoming shame and trauma, advocating for one’s sexual safety, and addressing issues like low libido and painful sex in a compassionate and supportive way.

Whether you’re listening with a cup of tea or journaling to reflect, this episode aims to foster healing, understanding, and empowerment.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Join us and stay connected with the Brown Women Health community on Instagram @brownwomenhealth and Twitter @brownwomenhlth for more discussions and content!

In the first episode of our mini-series "Let's Talk About Sex, Beta... The Convo We Never Have at Home," Mariam and Ritika sit down with Ektha Aggarwal, a South Asian therapist and founder of JIVA Mental Health and Shakti Therapy & Healing Services. Ektha specializes in South Asian mental health and brings her expertise to this deeply important conversation on sexual trauma and healing within the diaspora.

In this episode, we explore how cultural stigmas, shame, and trauma affect sexual health in the South Asian community. Ektha shares insights on navigating cultural expectations around sex, the disconnect many South Asian women feel with their bodies, and the physical impact of repressed trauma. We also discuss how to heal from sexual trauma and reclaim sexual safety through therapy and self-awareness.

Whether you're struggling with shame, trauma, or are simply looking to understand more about sexual health within the South Asian context, this episode offers a compassionate space to start the conversation.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

1. JiVA Mental Health: ⁠https://www.jivamentalhealth.com/⁠

2. Shakti Therapy: ⁠https://www.shaktitherapyhealing.com/⁠

Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast, where we dive deep into wellness, lifestyle medicine, and women's health. In this episode, your host Ritika, a prospective medical student, sits down with Dr. Supriya Rao, a quadruple board-certified physician in internal medicine, gastroenterology, obesity medicine, and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Rao brings her wealth of knowledge as a managing partner at Integrated Gastroenterology Consultants, Director of Medical Weight Loss at Lowell General Hospital, and clinical adjunct professor at Tufts University. Together, they explore the essentials of gut health, the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, and the importance of supporting women in the medical field.

From Dr. Rao's inspiring medical journey to breaking down diet myths, and highlighting the small daily habits that make a big impact, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone looking to improve their health. They also discuss challenges women face in medicine, particularly in gastroenterology, and how Dr. Rao balances her demanding career with personal wellness.

Stay tuned until the end for practical advice for aspiring medical students and insights into how Dr. Rao keeps everything balanced in her life. Don’t miss this enlightening and empowering conversation!

Follow us on Instagram (@brownwomenhealth) and Twitter (@brownwomenhlth) to join the Brown Women Health community and stay up to date with future episodes!

Welcome to the Brown Women Health Podcast. Join hosts Esha and Ameek as they engage in a soulful conversation with Harman Kaur, the talented author behind Phulkari. Phulkari is a collection of poetry and prose that intricately weaves together themes of grief, identity, love, spirituality, and healing, reflecting the experiences of a Panjabi Sikh woman.

In this episode, Harman Kaur shares the profound symbolism of lungs within Phulkari, exploring themes of breath, life, and the complexities of cultural and personal identity. Discover the inspiration behind her work, her unique writing process, and the deep-rooted connections that shape her storytelling.

Explore more about Harman Kaur's work and sign up for book notifications for her upcoming release in early 2025 on her Linktree: linktr.ee/harmank.aur

Don't miss this enriching conversation on the beauty and depth of Phulkari. Tune in to deepen your understanding of her literary journey and the profound messages embedded in her writing.