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Health, Fitness and Nutrition For Senior Citizens

senior citizensDoes old age mark the end of physical fitness? If you retire from work, with reduced responsibilities, does it mean you can retire from exercise as well? At any given age, physical fitness and exercise play a crucial role in leading a healthy lifestyle, especially for senior citizens.

Whether you’re young or old, working out and keeping yourself active shouldn’t stop as exercise is important even when you’re a senior citizen.

Here are a few benefits of working out for Senior Citizens

  • Prevents Diseases & Chronic Conditions: Being regular with any kind of physical activity helps keep away diseases like diabetes, heart ailments and cancer.
  • Reduced Risk of Fall: With old age, the risk of falling increases, which can have a disastrous effect on being independent. Exercise improves the strength and flexibility of the body and as a result, it improves balance and coordination.
  • Improved Mental Health: Exercise induces endorphins – the happy hormone, which helps to feel good and keeps stress away .Exercise has a direct impact on sleep. Insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns which are common aspects with senior citizens is taken care of with regular exercise.
  • Social Engagement: Responsibilities reduce with age and so does the social life. Being regular with any kind of activity, be it yoga or a laughter club, helps to interact with people of the same age with similar problems. Now, they have their own tribe and this brings in confidence as it deals with depression and loneliness.
  • Better Cognitive Function: Fine-tuned motor skills improve cognitive functions which lower the risk of deteriorating memory, thinking, behavior and the ability to perform daily activities.
  • Keeps Weight in Check: Metabolism slows down in old age and as a result, losing weight becomes a challenge. Regular exercise helps in increasing metabolism and losing weight.

Get Started With an Activity

  • Walking: Be it brisk walking or a stroll in the park, walking improves stamina and makes you feel good!
  • Yoga: It helps in improving flexibility and mental health.
  • Workout at Fitness Studios: Use body weight to keep fit and meet like-minded people!
  • Swimming: Ideal for those having aching joints as it is not weight bearing. Swimming will help you tone your body and improve stamina.
  • Cycling: Low impact sport which is good for the cardiovascular system.
  • Resistance Bands: Improves muscle strength, balance, coordination and range of motion.
  • Laughter Clubs: Laughter is the best medicine. Visiting laughter clubs will help you stay positive and stress-free.

Points to be Kept in Mind:

  • Get a clearance from your Doctor about your fitness regime
  • Start with warm ups and end with cool down to prevent injuries
  • Always start slow and gradually increase the intensity
  • At any point if discomfort or pain is felt, stop immediately and consult your Doctor

Nutrition for Senior Citizens

Eating the right food in old age is very important as weak bones, lower immunity, poor digestion are all a part of the routine. Hence, eating healthy is very important.

Tips for Healthy Eating:

  • Have five to six small meals during the day to help in better digestion and absorption
  • Since appetite reduces with age, care should be taken to include sufficient proteins like whole grains, eggs, milk products, chicken, fish, etc.
  • Eat a good amount of fruits as they are rich in antioxidants
  • Including salads helps to keep constipation at bay due to their fiber content
  • Stay hydrated with sufficient amount of water.
  • Avoid processed food

If you find it difficult to meet like-minded people who want to get healthier, active and fit, join us for an exciting session of GOQii Active Sunday where we meet every Sunday morning to get a good workout! You can register here (please note that the registration link is updated every Friday): https://goo.gl/KN82CU

Eating right and exercising can help you stay youthful and active even in old age! We hope this article helps. Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Wish you all a Happy and Healthy Senior Citizens Day!

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Don’t Be Bitten! Fight the Mosquito Bite!

mosquitoBetaab, a 12 year old, cheerful and active boy loved playing with his friends in the evening. One fine day, he caught a fever with chills. His parents thought it was mere fever due to overexertion. However, soon the fever spiked, and he had to rush to the emergency department at the hospital. His condition was serious. He was suffering from dengue, with an extremely low platelet count.

There are numerous such cases where fever conditions are ignored, especially post monsoons. Many of us think that mosquito borne diseases will go away after the rains! This is not true. Mosquitoes breed in clean, stagnant waters.

That little flying mosquito at houses, in the parks seem harmless, but a few species from these are considered to be extremely harmful. Areas with hot & humid climatic conditions are worse affected by mosquitoes since it provides the apt atmosphere for breeding.

While it’s impossible to identify mosquitoes and their breed with naked eyes, it is best to know they can be dangerous! Having these creatures in and around your vicinity can be dangerous for your health as well.

Diseases & Symptoms

  1. Dengue: Its symptoms include high fever, rashes, headache, muscle and joint ache as well as serious bleeding in certain cases.
  2. Chikungunya: The symptoms of this disease include fever, joint pain initially followed by muscle pain, headaches, fatigue and even a rash.
  3. Malaria: is a life threatening disease that plagues 219 million people in 87 different countries every year. Symptoms are first seen a couple of weeks after the bite, and they include chilling sensations, fever and excess sweating.
  4. Japanese Encephalitis: Common in rural and agricultural areas of Asia and the west Pacific, this disease can cause brain swelling and sudden headaches. It is not a long term disease, but in the short period, may even cause high fever and disorientation. A vaccine is available, which has a 90% effectiveness rate.
  5. Zika: While the epidemic is over, you must be aware of this disturbing virus. It can cause a fever, rashes, joint pains and red eyes. All of this may be accompanied by prolonged fatigue, loss of appetite, headache and vomiting.
  6. Lymphatic Filariasis: Spread through parasitic worms on mosquitoes, this disease, also known as Elephantiasis plagues a significant number of people across the country. While a lot of the cases may be symptomless, and hard to spot, in the long run, this disease leads to extreme swelling in the legs, arms and genitals.
  7. Kala-Azar: Also known as Black Fever, this disease is carried by infected sandflies. While treatment is possible, if untreated, it can be fatal. About 5000 cases are reported every year in the subcontinent alone. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, swelling of the liver, and loss of appetite.

What Can Be Done About Mosquito Bites?

mosquito

  1. Drain any long standing water: Check flower pots, gutters, bird bath, etc. Ensure there is no water collected inside or near your house. Mosquitoes breed in clean stagnant water.
  2. Many people collect water in the fear of not getting water. This collected clean water is often forgotten overtime and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
  3. Prevent mosquitoes from coming inside your house. Try using screens on windows, and nets on the bed.
  4. While you cannot stop children from playing outside, make them use the mosquito repellent.
  5. Use Natural Repellents: My grandmother swears by using mustard oil instead of a repellent. Neem oil, putting the Neem oil on a dispenser also seems to act as an excellent organic repellent. See what suits your skin!
  6. Colours, odors and other smells seem to have an impact on attracting the mosquitoes! Since we can’t change that about our bodies, it is best to wear loose, covered clothing during the high breeding seasons.
  7. Citronella mosquito repellent plant, (Citrosum plants) help repel mosquitoes. This plant grows in the form of grass and is 5 to 6 feet tall. It can be planted in the ground or can be kept in large pots.

In case if you notice a high fever along with chills, rashes/ body ache or any bleeding tendencies consult your physician for a correct diagnosis & management. Remember to hydrate yourself (or the person impacted), try to keep the body temperature low by using wet-cold packs on the forehead. While these are emergency measures, it is best to avoid getting into such a situation and taking the necessary precautions.

Prevention is the cure in such situations!

We hope this article helps you stay safe! Do share your thoughts in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

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Digestion: The Secret to Losing Weight

digestionHow often are you worried about that sneaky fat creeping up around your mid-section, a bloated belly after you eat or low energy sabotaging your workout? What do all of these have in common? They’re all reflections of the direct relationship between sluggish digestion, slow metabolism and weight gain. Overeating during the holidays and engaging in less physical activity means this process can really snowball in the winter.

However, The Good News!

By increasing digestive efficiency with diet, lifestyle and targeted supplements, we can effectively shed extra fat, boost metabolism and support nearly every other area of health in the process.
Good digestion goes beyond the idea that “You are what you eat”.

Digestion is at the very center of our core health. It sets the foundation for health, happiness and well-being. We now have greater insight into the many roles digestion plays in immunity, hormone balance, and even mental and emotional health.

Traditional healing practices around the world, especially traditional Asian medicine, have long recognized these relationships. In fact, some Eastern medical systems treat nearly every disease by addressing the digestive system. And most often, when we optimize it, everything else comes into balance — particularly, the bathroom scale.

Herbs & Supplements For Digestion 

The close relationship between herbs and supplements are mirrored by the fact that certain nutrients and herbs that support digestion also increase metabolism. They work by promoting mitochondrial function while also encouraging efficient nutrient breakdown and assimilation.

Other digestive-supporting herbs and ingredients work by increasing digestive enzymes, improving circulation while helping to soothe inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract and throughout the body.

Black Pepper & Other Spices

Pungent culinary herbs and spices have long been recognized as digestive aids. Their strong aromas and spicy flavors stimulate the production of digestive enzymes for better food breakdown. They also bring warmth and circulation to the system to clear stagnation.

Their strong antimicrobial properties generally promote a healthy digestive environment. And now, researchers are finding that such long-cherished digestive aids also work in other ways to promote healthy weight. For example, black pepper, a spice that has been cherished for its ability to support digestion, works on a genetic level to block the formation of fat cells, helping to control weight. Black pepper is also mixed with the amazing Curcumin (Turmeric extract) to boost metabolism and weight loss.

Probiotics

Another factor that affects digestive health is the use of Probiotics. These friendly bacteria evolved with us to offer countless health benefits — particularly for digestion. New roles for these bacteria are continually being revealed.

Around the world, fermented probiotic foods, such as sauerkraut and miso, have been used for digestive and overall health. Probiotics help break down food into essential nutrients and efficiently eliminate wastes.

They control inflammation, support immunity and keep harmful bacteria at bay, while producing numerous enzymes and nutrients we need for digestion and overall health. Unsweetened yogurt is the easier bet to get your share of Probiotics. But, a new research shows these also play a key role in healthy weight management.

One Probiotic species in particular, Lactobacillus Gasseri, has been shown to reduce visceral fat (the dangerous fat around your midsection), by up to 9 percent after three months.

Cinnamon, Cardamom, Turmeric (Curcumin) & Ginger

The herbs Cinnamon, Cardamom, Turmeric (Curcumin) and Ginger are also excellent to improve digestive capacity, support metabolism and reduce inflammation. Asian medicine uses ginger to treat stomach aches. It’s generally considered safe when taken in small doses i.e. 1 to 3 grams per day.

They help warm the digestive system and reduce occasional digestive discomfort, and support healthy digestive function, metabolism and nutrient absorption.

Since digestion and metabolism are so closely linked with other systems of the body, it’s critical to take a holistic approach for healthy weight management and overall wellness. Stress in particular can wreak havoc on all systems but is especially harmful to digestion and metabolism.

Regular meditation and mind-body stress relief practices such as yoga and Tai Chi can help reduce inflammation, increase energy production and support overall digestion. In fact, almost any type of regular exercise can significantly support digestive and metabolic health. Good eating habits are also important. Our mothers were right when they said, “Don’t skip breakfast“. You can throw your metabolism out of balance and cause extra fat storage.

Chew Slowly

Thorough chewing of food and eating at a relaxed pace benefits digestion and weight in two ways, firstly, the extra chewing breaks down food more thoroughly, making it easier to absorb nutrients. Secondly, by proceeding slowly it allows time for your brain to receive the signal that you’re full, reducing the chance of overeating.

Whether you’re someone who eats to live or lives to eat, improving your digestion with targeted natural solutions produces ripple effects across all areas of health, not just weight. The first things you’ll notice when your digestion is functioning better are increased energy, less bloating, reduced water retention, more efficient elimination and a better sense of overall well-being.

Was this article helpful? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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Climbing the Peak of Good Health | Abhay Chaudhary User Journey

Abhay Chaudhary

“Every mountain top is within your reach if you just keep climbing” – Barry Finlay

If you know what being a Software Engineer is like, then you’re definitely familiar with the erratic work hours, the long spans of time for which you’re glued to the desk and the body pains that come along with it. If you know what this feels like, you might have a few things in common with our Player Abhay Chaudhary.

All Work. All Stress. No Play

When he began working, Abhay Chaudhary rode a bike to work every day. This coupled with spending nearly 7-8 hours on his seat created a lot of back pain problems. He had also suffered a shoulder injury in 2012.

His physiotherapist advised him to stop carrying a heavy bag while travelling on his motorbike. He was also asked to exercise regularly. To top this off, he was a workaholic who never took a vacation. Couple this up with irregular eating habits, low water intake, lack of sleep and you know you’re heading for disaster.

In 2015, after he changed his workplace for which he would have to travel 15km daily. This prompted him to take his health and fitness a little more seriously. It was not until the following year that he decided to take time out for himself every year without fail and increase his stamina and fitness levels as well.

Climbing to the Next Level

In 2016, a friend gifted him a GOQii. That year, he set his health goals as wanting to improve his stamina and endurance for running, playing badminton and wanting to go on Himalayan treks. His GOQii Coach guided him on his nutritional intake and the physical activities he’d have to perform.

He was asked to drink warm water with lemon or jeera to flush out toxins. His coach advised him to eat mid-meal snacks which usually consisted of fruits. He had to consume fruit or dry fruits before his workout. Junk food intake was reduced to twice a week at the most.

To increase his protein intake, he was asked to include a boiled egg, grilled chicken and protein bars which were purchased from the GOQii Health Store within the GOQii App.

On the exercise front, he began with core and leg strengthening exercises. Tabata Workout in the morning for 20 minutes became a ritual to rev his metabolism and cardiovascular fitness. He had to perform Pranayama every day for 10 minutes to increase his lung capacity.

On weekends he started with running, initially without weights and then gradually he moved up to using a weighted backpack – 8kg, then 10kg and finally 15kg. He also practised yoga to strengthen his back and core. As Abhay didn’t prefer going to a gym, he used bands and dumbbells for resistance and weight training.

To the Peak of Good Health and Beyond

Thanks to all his efforts and the changes in his lifestyle, Abhay Chaudhary ran his first 10k run within an hour in 2016. After this experience, he felt more positive. He felt like everything was possible and within his reach. He kept this momentum going by completing another 3 half marathons. Currently, he is a part of a group that does 10k charity runs on the last Sunday of every month.

All the weekend training that he did with 8-10 kg backpack eventually paid off with him starting to go on Himalayan Treks.

His first trek to Saurkundi Pass in Manali at an altitude of 12,900ft. Though he didn’t find the trek very difficult, he said it was an enriching experience. On this trek he realized that he wanted to do more trips such as these where he was cut off from the world with no connectivity, laptop or mobile – just nature, his trekking buddies and himself! He says trekking is rejuvenating since he connects with new people, understands their lifestyle, and shares wonderful experiences.

His second trek was to Hamta Pass in Manali at an altitude of 14,000ft. During this trek, he got to know about the mountaineering course. His guide gave him information to some popular institutes offering this course.

In 2018, he did the Goechala Trek in Sikkim which is at an altitude of 15,000ft. A lot of his friends dissuaded him from doing this trek as it was considered dangerous and difficult. However, he was determined. He wanted to overcome this trek and successfully completed it.

Abhay Chaudhary 2

Clicked by Abhay Chaudhary during a rock climbing session

Soon after, he signed up for the Nimas Basic Mountaineering Course, Arunachal Pradesh in April 2019. He completed the 28-day course which tested his physical endurance as well as theoretical knowledge with flying colours.

Abhay Chaudhary and GOQii

He attributes his increased awareness towards a healthy lifestyle, the right information on health, his improved stamina and positive attitude to his GOQii Coach. He appreciates his current GOQii Coach who rigorously follows up with him on his diet and exercise. His GOQii Coach stops him from indulging in unhealthy eating and keeps motivating him to push harder towards his goals.

Apart from his GOQii Coach, he religiously follows Coach Aliya Imran’s class on GOQii Play for cardio. He also follows Yoga Specialists Nishtha Bijlani and Bhumika Uniyal for yoga, Marathon Expert Parwage Alam for running and Coach Tufail Qureshi for Fitness related topics. He finds their classes to be informative and helpful.

For now, he believes himself and GOQii to be inseparable and we couldn’t be any more excited to have him with us on this journey towards a healthy India!

Do you have a story you’d like to share? Click here and our team will reach out to you!

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