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92.3% of Indians do not trust the healthcare system in India: GOQii India Fit report 2018

Lead Trust 2018-01-11

An alarming new report from GOQii, the smart preventive healthcare company has revealed the trust index that Indians have on the healthcare system and the extent of the health crisis facing the citizens of this country. The key findings paint a grim picture of the Indian healthcare system as well as of the average Indian as being inactive, an overweight adult who has gut issues and does not eat healthily and has several nutritional concerns.

On the Trust index, the report that is based on data collated over the last one year from 200,000 subscribers of GOQii both male and female found that 92.3% don’t trust the healthcare system in India including doctors, hospitals, Pharma companies, Insurance companies, Diagnostic labs, etc. The report collected data from across India’s 8 fitness conscious cities namely Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi-NCR, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai and Pune.

The 3 stark points that come out clearly in the report with regard to the trust index of the healthcare system are 

  • Lack of transparency is the single biggest impediment to the healthcare system in India
  • Chennai and Hyderabad showed slightly higher trust and Pune had the least trust in the healthcare system
  • Akshay Kumar and Baba Ramdev are the most trusted public figures for health advice for Indians

India being a celebrity-crazy country and Bollywood celebrities are revered akin to God. One such celebrity is actor Akshay Kumar who is well known for his healthy lifestyle. So when asked which celebrity’s advice they would pay heed to when it comes to health, ‘Akshay Kumar’ was top of the charts as the most trusted celebrity/public figure for health advice, followed by Baba Ramdev, a yoga guru.

Vishal Gondal, Founder and CEO of GOQii commenting on the report said, “Indians are no longer silent or docile patients, but instead they are now well-informed consumers keen to participate in the care process and demanding dignity and transparency from the healthcare providers. This shift will play a significant role in the evolution of healthcare system in the country.”

The changes people would like to see in the healthcare system

 Transparency

Ombudsman for medical practice

Cheaper healthcare facilities including medicines

Price capping for hospital charges

The India Fit report 2018 has captured real fitness and health insights. The new addition this year is BMI. India Fit Report 2018, indicates that weight is a major concern with approximately more than 55% of the population overweight. Both men and women have a similar pattern of being overweight.

Overweight population 2018-01-11

A higher % of overweight individuals are seen among people above 30 years. Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata, have the most people who are overweight. One of the reasons why these cities have the most illness and health concerns.

Another cause for concern that the report indicates is the fact that the average daily step count of an individual across India is 6126 steps, a drop from last year’s count of 7746 steps. The recommended daily step count by World Health Organization to lead a healthy lifestyle is 10,000 steps.

Mumbai moves more than Bengaluru 2018-01-11

While Mumbai surpassed Bengaluru this year for the first rank with an average step count of 6488 steps, Bengaluru tops the chart as the healthiest city in India. Chennai stays at the bottom of the list where step count is concerned and is also is the unhealthiest city. Despite having a predominantly younger population tracking steps in Chennai, the step count is low at 5605 steps daily average.

Bengaluru healthiest 2018-01-11

 

This year the GOQii India Fit report has added a new dimension to its analysis to include the quality of air, as Indians, especially in the Delhi-NCR and Gurgaon region, are increasingly breathing polluted air.

While Indians are striving to be fit, chronic lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension etc are a cause for concern. It is estimated that around 130 million may suffer from lifestyle diseases such as diabetes in the next few years. The disruptive lifestyle changes in the country due to a rapidly evolving urban economy and Indian middle class have resulted in the increase in chronic diseases.

Lifestyle disease 2018-01-11

In comparison to last year, there has been a rise in the number of lifestyle diseases among people. Diabetes has increased from 7.7% to 7.9%. Also, more Indians have high cholesterol this year increasing from 9.4 to 10.1%.  With age as well people are more prone to lifestyle diseases. 23.8% people below the age of 45 have one or more diseases such as diabetes, cardiac problems including high cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid and Cancer. Post 45 years this has doubled to 52.1%.

“Over the years, there has been an increase in the number of chronic diseases due to the disruptive lifestyle changes in the country. Lack of exercise, erratic eating habits, increase in stress levels and poor sleep patterns are just some of the key reasons behind the increase of this epidemic,” says Gondal.

To read the full report download from www.indiafit.org

 

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‘Spices that help in losing weight’

India is popular for its spicy food. The sheer number of whole and ground spices used in Indian foods is sometimes intimidating. Each dish has its own combination of spices and its own unique flavour. The spices not just add flavour to your food but they also have many health benefits. Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, most spices are good for your health. Some of the spices also improve your metabolic rate and help in losing weight. Here is a list of Indian spices that help your body to burn more fat. So, spice up your dishes!

Cinnamon

cinnamon

According to a recent study, cinnamon may boost your metabolism. This sweet, fragrant spice also regulates your blood pressure. It lowers level of total cholesterol, bad cholesterol, triglyceride and blood sugar in type 2 diabetes patients. Cinnamon increases the metabolism of glucose by around 20 times. This spice will help you lose weight faster.

How to Use?

You can prepare cinnamon, honey and lemon drink- boil a pinch of cinnamon in a cup of water. Sieve and add a tablespoon of honey and squeeze some lemon into it.

Turmeric

Turmeric

The pungent, yellow spice is known for its anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-mutagenic, anti-carcinogenic and anti-fungal properties. It also helps you lose excess weight. The spice ups your body heat and this can result in improved metabolism.

HOW TO USE?

Use it in your curries, chicken and in milk to gain the health benefits of turmeric.

Ginger

ginger

The spicy ginger regulates your blood sugar levels and helps prevent an increase in the level of glucose. Like turmeric, ginger has thermogenic or fat-burning properties. You can add it to your stir-fried vegetables or tea or chicken. It improves the taste and helps you in weight loss.

HOW TO USE?

Prepare a Jeera (Cumin) Ginger drink.

Boil a tsp of Jeera and some crushed ginger in a glass of water. Boil till it starts reducing, sieve it and Drink after 30mins of lunch and dinner to ease digestion.

Black Pepper

black-pepper

Black pepper has a pungent flavour, thanks to the presence of the substance known as piperine and this substance also prevent new fat cell formation. The bioavailability of other foods is also increased by black pepper. It makes the food not only tasty but also healthy. If u eat fresh pepper and begin to perspire, that’s the pepper helping your body to get rid of excess water and toxins. But, you need to control consumption, a pinch with your food (one meal) is enough.

HOW TO USE?

Black Pepper Tea.

Easy to prepare and the best way to consume black pepper for weight loss. You can use ginger, lemon, honey, tulsi (basil leaves), cinnamon, or green tea bags to prepare the tea.

Use 1/2-1 tsp freshly ground black pepper and drink it before breakfast.

Regular consumption will not only help you in losing weight but also improve your skin and prevent gut problems.

CAUTION

Do not consume too much as it may cause gastrointestinal problems, burning sensation in eyes, stomach irritation. If you feel uneasy, stop the use of black pepper immediately.

Garlic

garlic

Adding garlic to your diet will help you burn the increased amount of fat and lose weight faster. Try to use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder or granules.

Here’s how it works…

  1. Garlic stimulates the satiety hormone which reduces binge eating, sugar cravings, junk food, and oily stuff.
  2. It releases the norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter which boosts metabolism.
  3. The allicin present in it lowers blood pressure, cholesterol and insulin levels.
  4. Garlic inhibits the process breaking down stored fats.
  5. It is a powerful detoxifier and effective diuretic.
  6. It contains trace minerals (sulphur, selenium, and magnesium, zinc, copper and iron), amino acids and vitamins A, C, and E.
  7. It helps to dissolve blood clots that lead to Heart stroke.
  8. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.
  9. It helps to remove excess mucus from the body.

HOW TO USE?

  • Squeeze juice of 1 lemon in a cup of water.
  • Chew 3 garlic cloves followed by the lemon water.
  • Or add crush the garlic cloves, stir in the lemon water and drink.
  • Repeat the process every morning.

These spices will help you to shed those extra kilos but you also need to change your lifestyle to a healthier one and should have a healthy diet.

TRY THEM OUT!!!

 

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Know your blood/ serum Creatinine

creatinine-private-blood-tests-in-london

When it comes to blood tests, most are aware of blood sugar, cholesterol or haemoglobin levels. In the current times, we also know about Vitamin B12, D, and Calcium etc. But, have you ever come across “blood/serum creatinine levels”?

Recently, I came across somebody I know well with high levels of high blood/ serum creatinine levels. And, observed there is a lot of confusion between “Blood/serum creatinine levels” & “creatinine” that one takes as a supplement while working out in the gym. These are two different things. In this blog, I am talking about –Blood Creatinine.

What does it means when you have high blood creatinine levels?

Creatinine is produced in the body constantly. It is a by-product of creatinine phosphate in the muscle. Its value depends on the muscle mass that one has. Creatinine is carried through the bloodstream to the kidneys. It is filtered out by the kidneys and thrown out of the body through urine. The kidneys maintain the creatinine levels in the blood to a normal range. A creatinine level is an indicator of kidney function. High creatinine levels is a warning for impaired kidney function.

High level of creatinine is found during:

  1. Impaired kidney function
  2. kidney disease like glomerulonephritis, pyelonephritis
  3. Prostate disease
  4. Kidney Stones (urinary tract blockage)
  5. Heart disease
  6. Diabetes
  7. Medicines like ACE inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor antagonist (or angiotensin receptor blocker, ARB) taken.

creatinine-blood-test-s1-illustration

Creatinine Blood Test should be done if following symptoms are seen:

  1. fatigue and trouble sleeping
  2. loss of appetite
  3. swelling in the face, wrists, ankles, or abdomen
  4. lower back pain near the kidneys
  5. changes in urine output and frequency
  6. high blood pressure
  7. nausea
  8. vomiting

Normal Values of the Creatinine in Blood:

In male – 0.6 to 1.1 milligrams per dl of blood.

In female – 0.5 to 1.1 milligrams per dl of blood.

Infant – 0.2 milligram per dl of blood or above (due to less muscle mass).

A person with one kidney – 1.8 to 1.9 milligram per dl of the blood.

Lifestyle & Dietary modifications for high creatinine:

  1. Reduce water/fluid intake: Fluid intake needs to be monitored. Do not restrict fluids unless there is a fluid overload problem. If fluid retention is a problem, limit salt intake.
  1. Limit salt intake (Sodium): You should control the amount of salt going through the food. Add minimum salt as required. High sodium will cause water retention. Cut down on salt, cheese, pickles, instant soups, roasted and salted seeds and nuts & all types of fast foods. Specifically, avoid canned foods.
  1. Limit Potassium: Low-salt substitutes are not good either, as they contain high levels of potassium. Restricted eating high potassium containing such as tomato, potato, nuts and chocolates etc.
  1. Limit Phosphorus: Excess phosphorus can cause total kidney failure as well as bone disease and heart ailments. Reduce dairy products including milk, curd, and cheese. Cut down intake of foods like Shellfish, nuts, soya bean foods etc.
  1. Control Calcium: It is another concern for kidney patients, causing serious bone disease in later years if not controlled.
  1. Low protein diet: Low protein diet is recommended to reduce creatinine level. This avoids build-up of excess urea.
  1. Cigarettes and Alcohol: kill you anyway and, also does not help in the case of high Creatinine either.
  1. With diet control, the portion size also matters. If you eat in excess, the nutritional value changes considerably.
  1. Be active & Exercise regularly: High-intensity exercise could lead to impressive results. It may also help lower your risk for high blood pressure and diabetes which are the two main causes that lead to developing CKD (Chronic Kidney Diseases).

 Fruits and vegetables that are advised/not advised in kidney diseases:

  • It is advisable to take peaches, broccoli, onion, grapes, cabbage, pepper, cherries, cauliflower, apples, celery, berries, cucumber, pineapple, eggs, plums, green beans, tangerine, lettuce, watermelon and pears.
  • Restrict the intake of oranges and orange juice, asparagus, avocado, kiwi fruit, raisins or other dried fruits, bananas, cooked spinach, potatoes, pumpkin, prunes, etc.

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Identify Slow Poisons in your Life

 

chronicXdisease

According to the EURO Symposium, a chronic disease has been defined as “An impairment and/or function that necessitates a modification of patient’s normal life, and has persisted over an extended period of time”. According to a report by WHO, the total number of people dying from chronic diseases is double that of all infectious diseases (including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria), maternal and perinatal conditions, and nutritional deficiencies combined. The exact cause of any chronic disorder is not yet known, though it is concluded that it is multifactorial and many theories have proved there are associated risk factors.

slow poison-1

Prominent of chronic diseases are

  • Coronary artery disease including blood pressure
  • Ischemic stroke
  • Mental disease
  • Diabetes
  • Thyroid
  • Some Cancers

Main causes for these are

  • Over-nutrition
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Addictions like smoking, alcohol, tobacco etc.
  • Poor sleeping habits
  • Stressful lives

These lead to raised blood pressure, glucose levels, abnormal blood lipids, overweight and obesity. If you indulge in the above, you are at risk! There are numerous other factors which cause chronic disorders and are beyond your control, for instance:

Conditions before birth and in early childhood influence health later. E,g, low birth weight is known to be associated with high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.

  1. The impact of risk factors increases with age.
  2. Social, economic and cultural change – globalization, urbanization, pollution, population ageing, and the general policy environment have impacted health.
  3. Psychosocial and genetic factors also play a role.

 

healt check up-diagnosis

Listen to your Body– Meet a medical practitioner if you have the below symptoms –

  • Unusual pain/ discomfort in your chest, neck, jaw or arms, pressure or tightness in the chest usually points towards a heart attack
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting with exercise or exertion
  • Shortness of breath with mild exertion, at rest, or when lying down or going to bed
  • Ankle swelling, especially at night
  • A rapid or pronounced heartbeat
  • Lower leg pain when you walk, which goes away with rest
  • Frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, weight loss, tiredness, lack of interest and concentration, a tingling sensation or numbness in the hands or feet usually point towards diabetes.

What can be done?

You can’t blame the government for your health! You play a VERY IMPORTANT role in being healthy

  1. Eating healthy won’t kill you! Include fruits & green vegetables in your meals. Indulge, but complement it with exercising & prevent risk factors like cholesterol, diabetes and all metabolic syndromes
  2. Get Moving! People don’t swear by Yoga, gym workouts and walk for nothing! Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system to work efficiently.
  3. Tobacco, alcohol and drugs run havoc with your system. The nicotine makes your heart beat faster; the particulates will make it harder for your lungs to exchange gasses; the carbon monoxide will make it harder for your blood to carry oxygen efficiently, and the carcinogens make it harder for your body to keep itself cancer-free.  Illegal drugs can damage the brain, heart, and other important organs.
  4. It is a good practice to conduct basic medical tests. The symptoms discussed are just a tip of the iceberg. Many times when symptoms set in, all the physiological compensatory mechanisms also set in, so to pick up a disease early in an annual checkup plays a major role. To know more, read the blog “A stitch in time saves nine”.

A detailed account of all chronic disorders is difficult to mention in this blog, but be rest assured, you are shaping your health every moment. Your attitude, mental health, physical habits and way of living life at this moment decide your next. So you take a call whether you want to stay healthy and cherish this creation or be a victim of chronic disorder tsunami which is engulfing us today. CHOICE IS YOURS…….

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