In this episode of the Brown Women Health Podcast, host Ritika sit down with Dr. Sameena Rahman (@gynogirl)—board-certified OB/GYN, menopause expert, and sexual health specialist—to uncover the often-overlooked aspects of women’s healthcare. From tackling taboo topics like sexual dysfunction and menopause to discussing the challenges of the healthcare system, Dr. Rahman shares her journey from being a student at Duke University to founding her own practice.

We explore:
✨ What inspired Dr. Rahman to specialize in women's health
✨ Misconceptions about menopause and sexual wellness
✨ The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to treating women's health issues
✨ Her new podcast, "Gyno Girl Presents: Sex, Drugs & Hormones"
✨ Advice for aspiring medical professionals in gynecology & sexual medicine

Join us for this insightful conversation as we break down barriers in women’s health and provide the education women truly deserve.

Follow @brownwomenhealth for more empowering content, and connect with @gynogirl to learn more about sexual health, menopause, and gynecology!

Do you wake up feeling rested? For many South Asians, the answer is “rarely.” Sleep issues like apnea, poor sleep quality, and cultural pressures to deprioritize rest are common but often ignored.

In this episode, we explore these challenges through the lens of the 2023 paper “Sleep disparities in Asian Americans: a comprehensive review” by Nandagiri et al. (J Clin Sleep Med, 19(2):393-402), and share practical, research-backed tips to improve your sleep.

Ready to boost your rest and focus? Try Magic Mind with 45% off using my link: magicmind.com/bwhpodjan. #magicmind #mentalwealth #mentalperformance

Tune in to reclaim your rest—your health depends on it!

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Nisha Patel, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Sobriety Coach, and the owner of TheNishe. Nisha is a dedicated professional passionate about guiding individuals toward healing and purpose. With a holistic and compassionate approach, she empowers her clients to create meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

In this episode, we explore:

Whether you’re considering sobriety, curious about the sober movement, or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with transformative stories and actionable advice.

Discover how sobriety can unlock new possibilities and help you thrive beyond recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, visit www.samhsa.gov for resources, support, and confidential assistance.

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!