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March 15, 2020 By Anusha Subramanian Leave a Comment

GOQii app launches ‘Contact Tracking’ feature

To help users self-track potential virus carriers to contain the spread of COVID19

Last week in Pune when the couple and their child were tested positive, immediately, the health authorities tried and traced back all those people with whom the couple and child came in contact. Tracing helped them detect two positive cases from Mumbai including the cab driver who drove them from Mumbai airport to Pune. A statement then from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme of the Public Health Department, Maharashtra then said an “aggressive contact tracing activity” is in progress on a war footing after two Dubai returnees from Pune were found positive for coronavirus.

The last time, I remember reading and hearing about contact tracing was during the wild outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa. The early rollout of all measures alongside contact tracing efforts in Liberia was considered to have played a major role in the rapid decline of the country’s cases in September 2014.

In the current scenario, Coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a pandemic by the WHO. The virus is fast spreading and it is imperative to act quickly, cautiously and focus on prevention given that there is no cure yet. In the wake of coronavirus and the call by PM Modi to caution and not panic, GOQii, as a preventive healthcare platform has launched a first of its kind ‘Contact Tracking’ features, to help users track every movement, activity and also track those who have been in close contact with them and this app feature will effectively help in social distancing as is recommended by the WHO.

This app will help especially in cases of a positive detection, where users can immediately backtrack every movement and individuals that one has come in contact with, in the last few days. This will ensure prevention, quick detection of virus carriers and thus curtail the spread of the virus.

But, before we understand why such an app feature could be important for individuals and public health workers and institutions, it is important to understand What is Contact Tracing and why is it important during an outbreak is important?

Several international research and also the WHO describes that Contact tracing is an important strategy in epidemiology and refers to the identification and diagnosis of those individuals who have come in contact with an infected person. It ultimately aims to reduce the time span required to detect and treat a case of infectious disease and hence significantly minimizes the risk of transmission to the subsequent susceptible individuals. In-fact, contact tracing continues to remain an important measure, as it aids the epidemiologist in containing the infection.

Contact tracing is closely linked with case detection and investigation processes so that subsequent symptomatic patients can be effectively managed.

Contact tracing can feel like drudgery, but in an outbreak, it’s vital to public health. During this current COVID-19 outbreak, contact tracing will help make possible early diagnosis and getting care to people who need it. The information it uncovers also helps public health authorities contain epidemics.

Given this scenario, GOQii felt ‘self-tracking’ is also essential and should be followed to track one’s daily routine. Thus, it has specially updated the app to help users self-track, to the level of keeping a tab on every person one must have come in contact with, like cab sharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Ola, E-commerce and food delivery services like Amazon, Flipkart, Swiggy and Zomato. One can record the person’s name, contact number as well as photographs of course with their permission.

COVID19 Tracking related App Features

Track Body Temperature, Weight, Heart Rate, Blood Sugar and other vitals.
Symptoms like Cough, Cold, Difficulty in breathing etc
Food and activity log with location
Log contacts – time spent with people at various occasions
Uber, Lyft, Ola rides with driver details
Food delivery and other delivery services, name and phone number of delivery persons

You can download the app from Android Store and iOS Store

GOQii app follows the privacy policy. The data logged by the user is private to the user. The privacy settings in the app let the users decide whether they want to share their logs publicly, with just their friends or keep them visible only to themselves.

GOQii’s Founder & CEO Vishal Gondal believes that the GOQii COVID-19 related App features will help with contact tracing and remote quarantine management. We are hoping that we could play a major role in helping people take all precautions as well as help the government and health authorities, to be able to contain COVID19. We hope our combined efforts will rapidly lead to a better epidemiological understanding of COVID-19. Our goal is to improve the outcomes of the global community—as more people become infected”. “GOQii will do all within its ambit to implement caution as a clarion call by the PM. PM Modi’s efforts are being praised worldwide “as India is ahead of the curve to contain the virus,” Gondal added.

Healthcare authorities and professionals can leverage GOQii’s cutting-edge wearable, artificial intelligence & coaching ecosystem to accelerate COVID-19 surveillance and interventions. GOQii is supportive and open to helping all Government bodies in a step towards prevention and adequate health management.

Apart from tracking daily activity, GOQii app will also enable users to track symptoms related to coronavirus and distinguishing symptoms including headache, cough, cold, flu and difficulty in breathing etc. Keeping your immunity intact is important in such a crisis situation. Users can have free access for 3 months to GOQii Play live for workouts and access to updates from experts while working out in the confines of your home to avoid social contact.

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 6, 2019 By GOQii Leave a Comment

“GOQii And I Are Inseparable For Life!” – Madela Bharathi

There’s a myth that you can’t be fit and healthy if you’re a homemaker. Some say that it is difficult to look after your own health as you’re so focused on those you want to take care of. But if you have the determination, dedication and drive, nothing can stop you! Well, once you’re already fit, it is all about levelling up, just like our GOQii Player Madela Bharathi.

Madela Bharathi is a homemaker who lives in Vizag. She is 43, married and has two children, 17 and 19 years of age. She had always been fitness conscious and she ate healthy as well. Even as a homemaker, her goal was to get fitter, push her limits and go beyond them!

Already Fit? Level Up!

In August 2018, she got introduced to GOQii through her husband who is an employee at HPCL. They both wanted to participate in the GOQii Corporate Steps Challenge at HPCL. As a part of the onboarding process, she set her long term goals – to stay fit, live disease-free and improve sleep.

When she joined GOQii, her sole motive was to win the Corporate Steps Challenge at HPCL. She used to clock in 50k steps everyday. Walking had become an obsession for her as she wanted to be among the top 10 participants. Her routine only revolved around household chores and walking.

Although her family wasn’t pleased with her walking all day for the challenge, it didn’t deter her motivation to be on top! She saw this as a challenge she wanted to complete, a challenge she wanted to ace without looking back!

As a result, between August 2018 to December 2018, she reduced her weight from 52kg to 49.5kg. Seeing that there was no stopping her, her GOQii Coach asked her to increase her protein intake. She was advised to eat 6 eggs and Sattu along with normal home cooked meals.

During this time, her D3 and B12 levels had dropped and she was asked to take supplements for the same for 6 months.

Crushing Goals and Being on Top!

In November 2018, Madela Bharathi stood 7th place among the HPCL employees who had participated in the challenge. By December 2018, she was the only woman in the top 10. She stood 1st in Vizag and 2nd in the state of Andhra Pradesh.

She had even participated in the India Steps Challenge but was asked to stop walking completely by her GOQii Coach. That did not stop her from claiming 2 GOQii Vitals for herself!

Current Regime and Habits

As of now, fitness continues to be an addiction for Madela Bharathi. She works out watching GOQii Play Coach Aliya Imran’s classes within the GOQii app in the morning and evening. She used to be regular on all classes, tuning in and working out but has limited herself to ensure that she doesn’t overtrain and hurt herself.

Madela can hold an elbow plank for 5 minutes and 40 seconds, although she has challenged herself to extend it to 8 minutes. She practices deep breathing techniques suggested by GOQii Play Coach and Yoga Specialist Ronak Gajjar. Thanks to this, her sleep quality has improved immensely.

Her current habits include eating Halim Seeds soaked in water overnight, as soon as she wakes up. She eats a fruit before a workout and a dry fruits milkshake after. She also consumes Whey Protein Isolate and Sattu every alternate day.

What Are Her Thoughts on GOQii?

Madela Bharathi thoroughly enjoys Coach Aliya’s classes. She says that Coach Aliya has been the guiding force behind her motivation to stay fit, accept challenges and constantly keep pushing her limits.

She is happy with her GOQii Coach’s suggestions on nutrition. Consulting with her GOQii Coach helped her regularize her workout regime, got her aware about the nuances of different exercises, form, posture and nutritional support, etc.

“GOQii and I are inseparable for life now,” she says. Even though her husband discontinued with GOQii after the HPCL challenge, she has chosen to stick with GOQii, further adding that, “GOQii has become a means for me to do what I love best. I get all the guidance and information from coaches and cannot ask for anything more!”

Her future plan is to run a marathon and wishes to train for the same.

What Did Her GOQii Coach Have to Say?

Madela Bharathi is a perfect example of the quote, “Don’t Limit your Challenges, Challenge your Limits!” An enthusiastic woman who joined GOQii to challenge her active lifestyle and work on gaining some muscle mass to take her fitness to the next level.

Madela is a very disciplined woman who is always motivated to try a new habit every time. Be it healthy eating, or level up for workouts, she has always done an excellent job and done justice to the habit, which has definitely helped her in reaching her milestones.

She has always been regular with updating logs and activities on app with all her honesty. She always took my suggestions seriously and made sure that every call done ends up being fruitful. Madela, you truly are an inspiration to today’s women. No matter what the age, it is all about dedication.

June 15, 2019 By GOQii 1 Comment

Good Health & Good Karma! How Rajneesh Sharma won the India Steps Challenge!

What if you had a chance to win Rs. 5 lakh? How far would you go? What if the odds weren’t completely in your favor? Would you still keep going? When the GOQii India Steps Challenge presented our players with an opportunity to earn rewards for walking, many individuals stepped up to the challenge. But, there were only a few that rose to the top! One of those challengers was Rajneesh Sharma.

Before the GOQii India Steps Challenge

Hailing from a small town in the Pathankot District of Punjab, Rajneesh Sharma works for Ranjit Sagar Dam. His job is sedentary and involves a lot of desk time. He is married with two children.

Apart from his job, he is also associated with an NGO by the name of Shiv Bhole Langar Samiti that engages in providing food and other facilities to the Manimahesh Pilgrims. Manimahesh is situated at an altitude of 12,956 ft and is difficult even for seasoned trekkers. Due to his eagerness to serve people through this NGO, Rajneesh began taking an interest in fitness and physical activities.

Before joining GOQii, he was moderately active, walking sometimes. However, there was no consistency as his job didn’t leave him with much time to walk or indulge in any activity. He considered his diet to be normal as well.

Becoming the Force

In December 2018, his elder brother motivated him to join GOQii and work towards his health and fitness. As he came on to the platform, the first run that he actively participated in was the GOQii Resolution Run 2019.

Once he had successfully completed the run in January, he got introduced to the GOQii India Steps Challenge in February. When he heard of the Rs. 5 lakh cash reward, he had made up his mind to win it and donate the money to his NGO. Rajneesh Sharma began walking 2 hours in the morning, 2 hours in the evening and even in between as and when time permitted. Thus, he was active for almost 5-6 hours a day during the challenge and was clocking in an average of 39,657 steps daily.

To keep up his stamina, he turned to balance his meals more. As a vegetarian, he had to completely rely on plant protein. He began eating soaked almonds, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and at times sprouts as well before his workout. After his workout, he drank a glass of milk. He mostly ate home-cooked meals for lunch and dinner.

During the course of participating in the challenge, he experienced knee pain. He tackled this issue by doing knee-strengthening exercises and his condition improved.

To walk his way towards the grand prize, Rajneesh sacrificed time with his family for a period of 100 days. He could barely afford any time at all for his wife and children as his entire routine revolved only around walking and work. Although, he had their support. He even found support in 4 of his friends who joined him in his journey and won prizes as well.

Embracing the Change

By the time the challenge had ended, Rajneesh Sharma noticed that he had lost 4-5kg. His stamina improved tremendously. Before, he used to feel breathless, but now, he can easily walk for hours together without any effort. He says that walking has become an obsession now.

He doesn’t miss his walks under any circumstances. Rajneesh says that the India Steps Challenge has made him more passionate about staying fit and being healthy. His four friends have continued to join him for walks even after the Challenge. They do their best to motivate each other.

Apart from physical fitness, he has also noticed changes in his mental and emotional wellness. He feels really positive throughout the day. There isn’t an ounce of tiredness or stress that chain him down. He has more energy than before which keeps him cheerful and happy.

Hard work Pays Off! Winning India Steps Challenge

After putting in so much hard work and dedication, Rajneesh Sharma, his family and friends were all looking forward to see if he had won the challenge. When the grand prize was announced, he got to know that someone else had claimed the first prize.

Everyone who supported Rajneesh and knew his struggles were extremely disappointed. In the spirit of fairness, when an audit was performed, Rajneesh was declared the true winner of the India Steps Challenge. He was happy that his ardent efforts had paid off.

He said, “I am very happy to have won this challenge as I have decided to give this money to an NGO – ‘Shiv Bhole Langar Samiti’ with whom I volunteer. This NGO feeds people in Himachal Pradesh’s Manimahesh pilgrims. I participated and started walking to keep myself fit only to be able to climb up 13 km to feed people as part of the NGO work. Then my friends joined me and that kept me motivated.”

What began as a challenge, became an inspiring story of hard work, dedication and good karma. An initial quest for a reward gave Rajneesh so much more than just Rs. 5 lakh. He was able to discover true wealth in the form of fitness and good health.

We wish him the best in his journey towards being fitter and healthier!

#BeTheForce