Early Puberty and the Role of Mothers
Today, parents often worry about children—especially girls—entering puberty earlier than expected, sometimes as early as grade 4 or 5. Mothers, Dr. Kareem notes, often feel that their daughters are “too young” to understand the physical and emotional changes taking place. Her advice is simple yet profound: empathy, patience, and guidance. Instead of treating puberty as something alarming, parents should walk their daughters through it step by step. Nutrition and physical activity play a central role in helping children adapt. But if pain or discomfort becomes persistent to the point that it disrupts schooling or daily life, she advises seeking medical consultation immediately, as underlying health issues could be at play.
The Modern Questions: Delayed Parenthood and Fertility
The discussion also touches on delayed parenthood, a reality for many women today. Here, Dr. Kareem points to the option of egg freezing, combined with a proactive focus on physical health, nutrition, and overall well-being. She cautions against lifestyle choices that can have long-term impacts on fertility, particularly smoking. “Smoking,” she stresses, “is the worst enemy of fertility.” While its effects on the lungs are well known, fewer young women realize how profoundly it can damage reproductive health. Combined with the pressures of urban life—stress, pollution, and fast-paced routines—smoking becomes an even greater risk. Her call to young women is clear: protect your fertility by making informed lifestyle choices early on.
Menopause: A New Phase of Self-Care
When asked about menopause, Dr. Kareem reframes it as an opportunity, not an end. On average, a woman has 30–35 years of life to look forward to after menopause, which makes it critical to build a foundation for healthy living.
Her recommendations are practical
- Nutrition: A balanced diet with a focus on proteins, grains, and fibres. While fruits are important, she warns against substituting meals with fruits alone.
- Calcium & Supplements: At least 2000 units of calcium daily to maintain bone health.
- Exercise: Building muscle strength through regular physical activity.
- Dental Health: Often ignored, yet crucial. Women should start dental care in their 40s to prevent complications later. To her, menopause is not just a medical phase but a phase of self-love and care. Women must embrace it as a time to nurture themselves, physically and emotionally.
Postpartum Stress: The Role of Family Support
One of the most sensitive topics discussed was postpartum anxiety and depression. Dr. Kareem underscores that young mothers, though overjoyed by childbirth, often face exhaustion, stress, and anxiety in silence. Recovery is not only physical but deeply emotional. Here, the role of the husband as an equal partner is indispensable. From helping with feeding, burping, or changing diapers, to ensuring the mother receives proper food and rest, the father’s active involvement can ease the journey. Extended family support, too, plays a vital role. “The mother needs a circle of care,” Dr. Kareem says, “not isolation.”
Beyond Medicine: Empowering Women
Dr. Kareem’s influence goes beyond the clinic. She has worked extensively to empower women across sectors, enabling them to earn livelihoods and build independence. One of her notable initiatives focuses on upcycling old fabrics—training women to convert discarded materials into useful items like bags. This not only provides income but also addresses sustainability and environmental concerns, linking women’s health to broader themes of resilience and community well-being.
Women’s Health and SDG 3
The conversation echoes Sustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-Being. Dr. Kareem firmly believes that if women are healthy, they become catalysts for broader progress—contributing not only to their families but to society and even the environment. Women’s health, she says, is at the forefront of sustainable development.
Watch the Full Conversation
Dr. Kareem’s story is one of pioneering courage, medical excellence, and a lifelong commitment to women’s well-being. To watch the full episode visit the Voice of MOSAIC YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@Voiceofmosaic