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August 10, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Why Fake Health News is Dangerous For Your Mind and Body!

“Eating 30 mangoes a day can cure diabetes”

“Eating 1 tsp of Methi Seeds every day for 30 days can cure diabetes”

These were some of the claims made by patients to GOQii’s very own Dr. Akshat Chadha. In fact, we even came across a 2016 article that received around 1.4 million shares on Facebook that was titled, “Dandelion Weed Can Boost Your Immune System and Cure Cancer”.

Now before you begin stuffing yourself with mangoes and Methi Seeds or begin a quest to get a hold of Dandelion Weed, take a step back and analyse these claims.

Dr. Chadha asks a very valid question, “If it is that simple, why is the world suffering from diabetes?”

How Fake Health News Works

What is the first thing you do when you experience an unusual fever, intense pain in a body part or several of them? You turn to Dr. Google! At some point, we all have typed in “Quick ways to lose weight” or “How to build muscle quickly”.

While this may be out of general curiosity or to find an easier way out, it is certainly not the right thing to do. Most of Google searches related to illnesses end with either cancer or some other godforsaken illness that no one has heard of. Is Google even reliable?

On the other hand, fake health news forwarded via WhatsApp or shared on Facebook are mostly prevalent because people are looking for an easier way out. Eating Banana Peels or a spoonful of Methi seems easier to do than to actually eat the right food and exercise.

Even the allure of alternate medication over traditional medication seems intriguing for the simple fact that someone would rather experiment with something as absurd as Dandelion Weed, than go through Chemotherapy for Cancer treatment.

Is the tone of authority that claims – “Cure <insert illness here> instantly”, “100% guaranteed weight loss”, or “Build a 6 pack in 3 days” to be blamed or is it our willingness to click on something like this without asking questions to be blamed? At the end of it, these articles only lead you to a website where someone is trying to sell you something or keep you from buying something else.

Apart from the reasons above, why fake articles get so much traction is simply because they deliver quick and easy to read content and headlines as opposed to research documents which are full of tables and scientific jargon that provide evidence.

More so, there’s this crushing need to believe something we wish were true. If someone who loves sweets were to come across an article that read, “Eating a lot of sweets is good for your health”, wouldn’t you click on it even if the claim isn’t backed by a legitimate study?

The Need to Eliminate Fake Health News

With more people buying into these fake health news and tips, it becomes difficult for doctors as most of their consultation time goes in myth-busting rather than treatment. If an expert is to reject fake news or tip, the patient is often not convinced.

Fake articles and our willingness to believe in them can do more harm than good. Especially if you go for alternate or self-medication cited from these fake articles which can make your condition worse!

Fortunately, the anti-vaccine brigade hasn’t made its way to India with their disputable content. Thanks to them, Measles made its return in 2016 in the United States. Who knows, if we begin here, we’d be welcoming Polio with open arms.

How to Identify Them

Keep an open mind but not open enough to passively accept any false piece of information which claims to be true. Here’s what you can do:

Check the Source: Always check if the article is backed by proper study. If the giant breakthrough in cancer treatment hasn’t been spoken about by the American Cancer Society or other reputable sources consisting of experts on the subject, it probably isn’t true.
Look for More Sources: Don’t rush to the fields to pick out Dandelion Weeds based on a single article. Always look for more sources, more studies have reached the same conclusion. If you can ask multiple people how you look in your new dress, taking multiple opinions on medication and health shouldn’t be that difficult.
Be Sceptic: If you watched WWE in the 90s, the legendary Stone Cold Steve Austin probably gave the most genuine advice ever – “Don’t Trust Anybody!” If it is too good to be true, it probably is. Just because a “research”, “Study” or “Claim” falls in line with what you’re already doing, doesn’t make it authentic. Awaken your inner sceptic and doubt everything! There is no shortcut to getting healthy and fit.
Talk to Your Doctor: If you tell your doctor or even your nutritionist about eating banana peels to lose weight, we’re sure they’d crack up! Any credible data, analysis or information is useless if not interpreted by an expert. Verify these so-called “facts” with your doctor, nutritionist or expert. The person on the other side of the table didn’t spend years of their life getting a degree in medicine or certification just for show.
Get a Second Opinion: Not convinced with what your doctor, nutritionist or trainer has to say? Get a second opinion. No one is 100% accurate all the time. They are human, they can make errors. It’s best to get a second opinion if you’re not convinced. Just avoid Googling your issue because search engines and social media channels aren’t allotted degrees on healthcare, medicine, nutrition and fitness.

It is imperative to bust fake health news, tips and myths to avoid injury, illness and in a worst-case scenario – death. Be well-informed with the right knowledge from the right people. In an attempt to curb the epidemic of false news, GOQii in association with Akshay Kumar and a team of experts is out to bust these myths for good with the GOQii India Health Quiz (IHQ).

The GOQii India Health Quiz aims to elevate over 130cr Indians by giving them the right knowledge and busting myths via live hourly quizzes within the GOQii App. All you need to do is download the app, watch LIVE classes on GOQii Play, participate in the quiz and earn points. These points can be redeemed for prizes such as Cellphones, Fitness Trackers and a grand cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.

Remember, that the first step towards a healthy lifestyle begins in the mind. Train yours and until then, in the words of Akshay Kumar, “Gadhe Mat Bano!”

#BeTheForce

August 3, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

“Being Healthy & Fit is Lifelong Habit” – Prashant Pathak User Journey

His rant of just work and no play was similar to the other professionals. His quest for a healthy and fit life was often disrupted by the fact that he does not have the time nor the motivation to do anything. Prashant Pathak always had an excuse for leading an unhealthy life – he blamed his job and erratic work hours… until one day, when his wife stepped in to make him realize that he had to change. It’s been four years that he has taken to being physically active and Prashant Pathak is now running marathons and walking the healthy trail.

Prashant Pathak Tells His Story:

My typical day usually involved going to work in the morning, eating anything that was available with no proper regulation on diet. I would sometimes remain hungry for long hours. Once I got home, I would eat a heavy dinner. On days I was on travel, I would head out to work, and the rest of my day was filled with eating out and hanging out back at the hotel. As a result, I had become overweight and weighed 94kgs and was just few KGs from being obese. My BMI was 29.

I tried but could never get into a regular exercise regime. My challenge was to find time for a workout. I would look at my schedule and invariably come up with an excuse to not workout. Every time it would be a new excuse. There was an impetus and aspiration to workout but energy levels were very low with no motivation and hence, no action. One fine day back in 2015, my wife gifted me GOQii. I was surprised but it was a clear indication that I had to do something about myself.

Goal Setting, Achievement and Transformation

My first health goal when I got on the GOQii platform four years ago was weight reduction and to be energetic throughout the day. My first GOQii Coach and I set small monthly goals in the beginning that could be easily achievable. It was delivering results. My coach started me with only a 15-minute workout that was doable. I had absolutely no activity of any kind for so many years and suddenly to be able to do exercise was not an easy task. But 15 minutes I felt was good enough to begin with.

My Coach simultaneously fine-tuned my diet pattern as well. I started having pre and post workout meals. I was having 6 small meals instead of three bulky meals. Secondly, I also started eating fruits. I have stopped tea/coffee with snacks. My water intake also increased.

Clearly, in the last 6 years or so, I have not been so engaged with any kind of program for over a month. But, the GOQii program has been good. The very fact that somebody is monitoring you, makes you accountable.

My first step when I began my health journey was to form habits and build consistency, while trying to reduce weight. So, for the first two years I concentrated on these aspects. From 94kg I reduced to 87kg. I admit that it was pretty tough. Although I was committed and had focus, it was still tough sticking to working out on a regular basis and eating healthy. Slowly and steadily it started becoming easy to the point that being healthy indeed became a habit.

In the last two years, reducing further from 87kg to 73kg was not so tough. From walking 4-5 km daily, I have taken to running marathons regularly. My exercise routine currently, as guided by Coach Parwage via his class Bhaag Marathon Bhaag on GOQii Play, is 3-2-1 Configuration. Where in 3 alternate days I run 5-10 kms, 2 days I do core strengthening exercises and other exercises such as lunges, planks sit-ups etc. 1 day I alternate between cycling and swimming and 1 day, which is usually Monday, is my rest day.

As a result of this, I am positive and feel very energetic. My overall well-being has gone up. Mentally & physically, I am stronger now. The impetus and the consistency in being healthy comes from the GOQii App and the GOQii Coach. I will never forget what my coach has taught me. She helped me get over all my cravings such as junk food and sugar.

No more do I encourage samosa parties in office. Earlier we would gorge on samosa and all that is unhealthy. Now, even if it is a party in office and a cake is being cut, I politely say no

and people are amazed at me. What makes me happy is that I have become an inspiration to many who think that they will never be able to get back on track. After seeing the progress I made they see a ray of hope for themselves.

Giving It Back Like a Champion

This is one of the key reasons I chose to be a GOQii Champion and started the Palava Chapter in the outskirts of Mumbai. The champions programme is a first-hand experience for players. Only if you believe in being healthy will you be able to motivate others. I totally believe in this concept and even if I am able to improve one person’s health I will be happy. Giving back is what I learned from GOQii.

Giving back brings me to the concept of Karma on the GOQii Platform. The dimension of karma is an added advantage. Earlier you would sweat it out for yourself but here, you are not only sweating it out for yourself and your health but in the process are also helping somebody else who is in need, which is very enriching.

Did you find the story of Prashant Pathak to be inspiring? Would you like your story to be featured next? To write to us, please click here.

July 27, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

Overcome! Achieve! Excel! Shivkumar Vishwanathan User Journey

There is definitely a lot of struggle in the process of getting healthy after being sedentary for too long. But what if you’ve been active and healthy your entire life? Do you keep pushing yourself to the limit, consistently improve or stagnate? Shivkumar Vishwanathan found himself in such a predicament and what did he do?

Before GOQii

Before joining GOQii, Shivkumar Vishwanathan was regular at the gym from 2007 to 2014. He stopped training once his trainer quit the gym. Due to the lack of motivation from a trainer, he didn’t hit the gym for almost a year. But Shivkumar Vishwanathan was not someone who could stay still. He wanted to continue being active and decided to look for a fitness tracker that would help him. It was purely by chance that he found GOQii in late 2015. What attracted him to GOQii was the personalized coaching feature, which at the time was not available with anybody else.

Passion for Cycling

Shivkumar Vishwanathan used to cycle to school back in the day. Later, when his family was aversive to him commuting to work on a motorcycle, he bought a bicycle on a whim! What began for purely commuting purposes soon became a passion.

Initially, cycling for even 5-10 km used to be tough. When he registered for BRM (Brevets de Randonneurs Mondiaux) chapters for long-distance endurance cycling, his GOQii Coach was able to help him improve his stamina and endurance.

His GOQii Coach used to give him targets to complete every week, progressively increasing distance and speed. The training strategy was charted out to gear up methodically for the ride. On the nutrition front, he was asked to consume complex carbs and proteins.

He was advised to begin carb-loading 3-4 days before the ride and his GOQii Coach also advised him on how to stay hydrated during the ride and what gels to use for quick energy. His Coach also suggested protein supplements, vitamin D and B12 supplements.

Thanks to all these inputs and support from his family, especially his wife who watched his diet, helped him cut on sugar and implement suggestions by his GOQii Coach, he can cycle for 100 km effortlessly.

He attempted the Mumbai – Pune and back 300 km ride in January, 2019 but, had to pull out midway. He, however, has two successful completion rides namely Mumbai – Charoti 200 km last November in 12 hours and the Mumbai – Kamshet 200 km night ride in April 2019.

Currently, he has cycled in every country he has been to. He did a 55km ride in North England, braving the rain and the extreme cold.

Completing the Kailash Parikrama

One of his close friends wanted him to go on the Kailash Parikrama along with him. They gathered 15 of their friends and decided to do it last December. When his GOQii Coach got to know of this, she immediately suggested that he do a lot of cardio to improve his cardiovascular fitness and to get his heart to pump at a higher rate. Resistance training also became a part of his routine to improve stamina and endurance. He began eating a diet that was rich in antioxidants. This consisted of more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds. He also ate iron-rich foods that improved his blood circulation.

The highlights of the expedition were that he did not suffer from any stomach issues or headaches which are common among people while acclimatizing to higher altitudes. He didn’t face any major issues thanks to his training and diet. He was happy that he didn’t have to pop a single pill during the entire expedition.

The first day they covered 15km at an altitude of 5000mtrs and 22km on the 2nd day which was a climb to 5620mtrs. This was extremely excruciating and painful due to the lack of oxygen. 7 out of 15 of his friends, including him, completed the Parikrama. The expedition was a success for him although it was physically and mentally challenging.

Although physically fit, Shivkumar Vishwanathan wanted to push past his limits and take up challenges to test himself. He says it was because of the guidance, motivation and inputs from his GOQii Coach that he could overcome his challenges and achieve everything he has so far!

He plans to visit Tokyo to watch the Olympics and cycle in Japan! We look forward to hearing more of his adventures!

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#BeTheForce!

July 20, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

“It’s My Duty To Give It Back!” – Paramdeep Singh Ghuman

Does health really need to take a backseat when you chase your professional goals? And if you do recover, work on your health, get active and fitter, how do you take it to the next level? Do you train harder or do you influence those around you to be better? Our GOQii Player and Champion of Chandigarh Paramdeep Singh Ghuman found the answers to these questions!

Life Before GOQii

As with every high profile working professional, Paramdeep Singh Ghuman was unable to focus on his health. He used to actively participate in sports during his college days but once he began working, everything else took a backseat.

He became a workaholic and immersed himself into work without thinking about his health, diet or sleep. As a result of neglecting his health, he was diagnosed with high blood pressure (140/100) and cholesterol (250). To add to this, he suffered from constipation and disturbed sleep.

His doctor advised him to start with some physical activity and lifestyle changes. Taking his doctor’s advice, he started walking for 20 minutes a day at a nearby park. After a while, he became inconsistent and fell back to his old habits. As soon as that happened, the fear of heart-related ailments crept in. He began exploring other options to track his activity, steps and someone who could monitor his eating habits.

He was determined to change!

Enter GOQii

Paramdeep Singh Ghuman’s friend, who was employed with Axis Bank, introduced him to GOQii in February 2017. This proved to be a turning point for him. His journey began with a little bit of myth-busting and a lot of hard work! Paramdeep believed that a heavy breakfast like paratha with ghee and curd was ideal to keep him going throughout the day. This, along with his other perceptions on nutrition was corrected by his coach.

He was asked to drink lemon with warm water in the morning and eat nuts that were soaked overnight. After his morning exercise, he ate muesli with milk. Once he reaches office, he had to eat either raw paneer or boiled eggs. He began including salads in his lunch and dinner, fruits for mid-morning snacks and an apple or banana milkshake in the evening.

On the exercise front, he was advised to start walking again. Initially, he did complain of pain but his coach reassured him that it was because his body is still getting used to being active. After 3-4 months, he began running for a kilometre which gradually increased to 5km and further to 10km. He improved his stamina with strength training and HIIT.

Changes and Champion of Good Health!

As of today, Paramdeep’s blood pressure, as well as cholesterol, are both under control. He is completely off medication. His sleep has improved and his constipation issues are now a thing of the past!

His weight has reduced from 90kg to 83kg. He feels stress-free, happy and content with his life and the changes introduced by his GOQii Coach. He regularly attends Dr. Paramjeet, Coach Parwage Alam and other nutrition classes on GOQii Play.

After seeing the impact of the changes that he made to his lifestyle, Paramdeep wanted to do the same for others. He now encourages community members and office colleagues to be physically fit – with many of them joining GOQii.

He says, “I feel it is my duty to give back to society, prep young guns to participate in some or the other activity, stay fit and healthy. I want to emphasize the importance of physical exercise and mindful eating to them.”

He is currently a GOQii Champion and heads the Chandigarh Chapter and thoroughly enjoys his assignments.

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