GOQii

Blog

By 3 Comments

GOQii Doctor Consultations: All You Need to Know!

GOQii DoctorWouldn’t it be great to have a doctor assess your health or medical conditions online? Imagine having an online consultation with a doctor who is familiar with your issues, knows your medical history and is proficient enough to tackle the issues with simple lifestyle changes. You don’t have to look far! All you need to do is download the GOQii app and subscribe to get your own GOQii Doctor!

How Does It Work?

With the GOQii Doctor, users can have an online consultation. Before you begin with the consultation, an appointment is scheduled. GOQii Doctors acquaint themselves with the patient’s history, medical conditions and current lifestyle. Patients can also share their blood reports.

With this info, the consult with patients becomes thorough, which further promotes follow-ups and new appointments. After detailed research, if the issue is in the patient’s lifestyle, the GOQii Doctor can suggest lifestyle changes that will help. A GOQii Doctor will not prescribe medicines online.

What Can the GOQii Doctor Help With?

A GOQii Doctor can help you with a myriad of disorders. The issues handled by a GOQii Doctor fall in the following categories:

  • General Medicine: fever, cough, cold, weakness, fatigue, headache, anaemia, etc.
  • Lifestyle Medicine: weight management, stamina and immunity building, sleep issues, etc.
  • Endocrinology: Diabetes, thyroid, PCOD, Vitamin D deficiency, Osteoporosis, etc.
  • Orthopaedics: Joint pains, knee/back pain, exercise-induced injuries, spondylitis, etc.
  • Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, anger management, OCD, etc.
  • Cardiovascular: Heart care, high cholesterol, hypertension, etc.
  • Gastroenterology: Gut care, acidity, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, GERD, etc.
  • Dermatology: Skincare, acne, hair fall, rashes, psoriasis, eczema, etc.
  • Gynaecology: Women’s health, pregnancy, fibroids, menses, menopause, etc.
  • Ophthalmology: Eye health, blurring of vision, retinopathy, etc.
  • Other cases like piles, kidney stones, prostatomegaly, oral care, etc.

According to the IndiaFit Report, there has been an increase in the number of consultations for sexual health. As consults happen over a call, it is much easier for people to clarify their doubts on an issue considered a taboo otherwise.

Chronic disorders such as diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid and gut issues like acidity, constipation are the most sought after in the list of appointments. Poor and unhealthy lifestyle is the reason for these disorders and closely inspecting and making small alterations in the patient’s routine helps in providing long term benefits.

Do you agree that online consultation is the need of the hour? Want to know what else a GOQii Doctor can do for you? Drop us a message in the comments below!

#BeTheForce

By 44 Comments

Water Fasting: The Healthiest Way to Detox!

Water FastingA couple of months ago, my aunt practiced a month-long water fast. In essence, she only drank water throughout the day. No food, no tea, no coffee, no milk and not even coconut or lime water. In short, it was nothing but just water! When I got to know of this, I was initially taken aback. I rushed to my aunt and asked if she was alright and what was the need to punish her body in this manner. To which my aunt replied, “I am doing this for religious purposes”.

Does Water Fasting Actually Help?

I am aware that fasting is an ancient, spiritual practice in many religions across the world. Also, fasting gives inner strength and confidence. But, like most of the traditional remedies, beliefs and practices have scientific reasoning and benefits attached. I was pretty sure water fasting would have some too. I researched on the benefits of ‘water only fast’ and was astonished to see multiple articles on the same that stated the various benefits of ‘Water Fasting’. Broadly, the benefits lie on the basic belief that the human body has self-healing abilities.

Water fasting gives improved energy and vigour. It removes mental blocks and gives clarity of mind. It also eliminates toxins from the body and can go a long way in preventing future illnesses. Water Fasting can improve immunity and has anti-aging benefits. The digestive system gets a break. All the energy that is used by our digestive system to break down foods, beverages, toxins, fats, and sugars, gets channeled to actual cleansing, detoxification, and repair of our vital organs, cells, and tissues. Many report a certain euphoria after a day or two of water fasting. You’ll likely feel a certain increase in energy as well, as you lose that slack, logy feeling.

After all the research and understanding about ‘Water Fasting’, I was naturally prompted to attempt water fasting for a day. I figured it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try just for a day and then post some tips from my personal experience which can be guidelines for others who wish to take this up for a day or two.

It was not easy for me or let me put it this way, if you have never attempted to do any kind of fast, this is going to be a little tough. Hence, I would like to share some tips and my personal experience which might inspire or support you to take up this challenge once in a week or probably a month.

Tips for Water Fasting

  • The right day to take up this fast would be to choose a day when you have lesser activities planned. If there are excessive activities, then they consume a lot of calories and that will make you hungry
  • Fasting should ideally start in the morning by drinking about two glasses of water which will clear your bowel movement
  • Simple pure water is the best. Boiled or cool water will also do. Drinking 1 ½ liters to 3 liters of plain water in one full day depending on individual capacity is good. You can drink more if you are up for it. I honestly did not count mine
  • Few bodily reactions which may seem scary but are considered normal and you all will experience as well if you are water fasting for the first time. Some of the signs are weakness, dizziness and nausea and these are common due to the sudden lack of food. I personally experienced a slight drop in blood pressure and headaches during the latter part of the day. The key to this is just lie down and relax whenever these symptoms become intense. The more difficult you find it, the more it means that your body has a lot of toxins to clean out
  • Towards mid-day, you will feel a sudden bout of hunger. Just have one or two glasses of water to dilute the gastric secretions. Then lie down and take rest. The hunger should go away in a short time
  • After having fasted, learning how to break a fast is important. As there is hardly any digestive activity during fasting, one should be very careful while breaking the fast. The best way to break a fast is with lime juice or orange juice which will make the stomach alkaline. It’s wiser to have few spices and no oily food during this time. Second meal of the day can be normal

All in all, I enjoyed my water-only fast of 24 hours. I look forward to doing this once every month. I recommend this to everyone to self-realize the benefits attached to this. If you can’t do 24 hours, start off with 12hrs and then build it up as you get better and used to it. As we always say, take gradual and small steps to reach your big goals sooner. So Good luck! Use nature and natural ways as your best medicine to prevent as well as treat your body.

For more tips on healthy living, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a GOQii Coach to get the right guidance and motivation by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

By Leave a Comment

A Dream Deferred: The Quest for Sleep Equity on World Sleep Day

Improve sleep and sleep quality

In the garden city of Bengaluru, Raj, a night-shift worker, tosses and turns in his bed, struggling to find sleep as the relentless Indian sun climbs higher into the sky. His small, shared apartment offers little respite from the cacophony of daytime noises and the sweltering heat. Meanwhile, across the world, in the quiet suburbs of Stockholm, Anna drifts into a restful slumber in her climate-controlled, noise-cancelled bedroom after a day’s work. This stark contrast in sleeping conditions underscores a profound but often overlooked issue: the global disparity in sleep health, also known as sleep equity.

The theme for World Sleep Day, “Sleep Equity for Global Health,” aims to highlight the considerable disparities in sleep quality that affect diverse populations around the globe.

It’s a day marked to bring attention to the social and environmental factors that contribute to these disparities, which can further compound existing health inequities.

Sleep: A Foundation of Health

Sleep is the cornerstone of good health, an essential process that allows our bodies and minds to recharge, healing us from the day’s toils and preparing us for the challenges ahead. Yet, the ability to obtain restorative sleep is not a privilege afforded to all. Factors like socio-economic status, employment conditions, geographical location, and even cultural attitudes towards sleep can create vast chasms in sleep health across populations.

In developing countries like India, long work hours, limited access to comfortable sleeping environments, and the burden of noise and light pollution are just some of the barriers preventing a good night’s rest. In wealthier nations, while the quality of sleep environments may be higher, the pressures of a 24/7 society and the intrusion of technology into the bedroom can similarly impair sleep.

Bridging the Sleep Divide

The concept of sleep equity goes beyond the individual, implicating the collective health of societies. Chronic sleep deprivation is linked to a myriad of health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and weakened immune function. When whole communities are sleep-deprived, these health issues can become prevalent, increasing healthcare costs and reducing overall productivity and quality of life.

World Sleep Day aims to galvanise change, encouraging global action to bridge the sleep divide. This can take various forms, from advocating for policies that protect workers’ rights to sleep, such as regulated work hours and rest periods, to investing in urban planning that creates quieter, more restful environments in densely populated areas.

The Call for Global Action

As we observe World Sleep Day, we’re called to consider our sleep health and recognise the disparities that exist. It’s a call for researchers to deepen our understanding of the societal factors that influence sleep, for policymakers to create environments conducive to rest, and for individuals to practice and promote good sleep hygiene.

Addressing sleep equity is a multifaceted challenge that requires a concerted effort from governments, health organisations, communities, and individuals alike. It’s a global health priority that has the potential to improve not just the quality of sleep but the overall well-being and productivity of societies.

By acknowledging the importance of sleep and the disparities that exist, we can work towards a world where restful sleep is not a luxury but a common reality for all. As we champion this cause, we move closer to a world where health equity includes one of the most basic yet vital components of life—sleep.

#BeTheForce

By Leave a Comment

Empowering Lives on World Kidney Day: A Global Call for Equitable Kidney Care

Priya and Maya, two sisters deeply connected by laughter and shared experiences, lived together in the bustling suburbs of Mumbai. Priya was battling kidney failure, her life entwined with the rhythm of dialysis machines. Despite her fading hope, she hoped for a transplant to restore her vitality.

Maya, observing her sister’s suffering, decided to offer her kidney if she was a match. This act of courage led them through anxious days of tests until they received the news: Maya was a compatible donor.

The surgery that followed was a testament to their bond, as Maya’s kidney was successfully transplanted into Priya. The sisters recovered, their lives enriched by this profound act of love and sacrifice. They returned to their daily routines, their bond now encompassing the shared beat of a single kidney.

Their story, resounding with the spirit of World Kidney Day 2024, illuminates the transformative power of organ donation—a gift that transcends the physical to touch the essence of human connection.

March 14, 2024, marks a significant milestone as the world unites under the banner of World Kidney Day. This year’s theme, “Kidney Health for All – Advancing Equitable Access to Care and Optimal Medication Practice,” champions a universal crusade against disparities in kidney care. It’s a clarion call for collective action, aiming to bridge the gap and ensure comprehensive access to preventative measures and treatments for kidney disease, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic barriers.

The Unsung Heroes: Our Kidneys

Our kidneys, the vigilant custodians of our health, perform crucial roles that extend far beyond waste elimination. These remarkable organs regulate blood pressure, produce vital hormones, and maintain our body’s electrolyte balance. World Kidney Day 2024 serves as a reminder of our kidneys’ indispensable role in our well-being, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding these vital organs through proactive health practices and education.

Bridging the Healthcare Divide: A Journey Towards Kidney Health for All

In India, a nation marked by its rich tapestry of cultures and histories, the challenge of kidney health emerges as a critical concern. The “Kidney Health for All” campaign illuminates the stark disparities that punctuate the landscape of kidney care in the country. Despite the strides made in medical technology and treatment methods, a significant portion of India’s population confronts kidney diseases from the shadows, encumbered by the lack of access to essential diagnostics, treatments, and the financial resources necessary for managing their conditions.

Access and Education

In the quest for optimal kidney health management, the role of appropriate medication cannot be overstated. Medications are pivotal in decelerating the progression of kidney diseases and enhancing the quality of life for those affected. However, in India, the path to optimal medication practice is fraught with obstacles—chief among them being the disparities in access and education. There is a pressing need for improvements in prescription practices and patient education, emphasizing the imperative of policies that bolster medication affordability and accessibility for all citizens.

World Kidney Day 2024 serves as a beacon, highlighting the urgent requirement for a comprehensive approach that addresses these disparities head-on. It advocates for an inclusive healthcare system where every individual, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographical location, has access to the screenings, treatments, and support essential in combating kidney disease.

A Unified Effort for Kidney Health in India

The call for awareness, education, and advocacy grows louder on World Kidney Day 2020. It is a clarion call here to the healthcare professionals, policymakers, patients, and the public—to unite in a shared mission to champion kidney health equity. This is an opportune moment to enrich our collective understanding of the challenges besetting kidney health in India and to actively participate in the global movement advocating for equitable kidney care.

From policy advocacy aimed at eliminating barriers to kidney care to supporting research that pioneers new treatment modalities, every action contributes to sculpting a future where kidney health is prioritized, and equitable care is a reality for everyone. It underscores the collective responsibility we hold to foster an environment where the advancements in kidney health are accessible to all, bridging the healthcare divide that has long affected the Indian populace.

As we mark World Kidney Day 2024, let us rally together to advance kidney health for all in India. Inspired by the global theme, our focus remains steadfast on ensuring that every Indian has access to the care and knowledge needed to combat kidney disease. In embracing the pillars of awareness, education, and advocacy, we pave the way for a future where disparities in kidney care are a thing of the past, and optimal kidney health is within the reach of every individual across the nation.

Inspired by stories like Priya and Maya’s, we are reminded of the life-altering impact of organ donation and the collective responsibility to advance kidney health globally. Let us stand together to champion kidney health for all, fostering a world where health equity is not just an aspiration but a reality.

#BeTheForce

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

As we observe World Cancer Day under the powerful theme ‘United by Unique’ (2025-2027)**, we are reminded that every individual’s journey with cancer is distinct, yet united by shared resilience, hope, and the collective fight against this disease. This theme places people at the centre of care and their stories at the heart of the […]