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Transforming Health and Life: Dhiren Matani’s Inspirational Journey to Wellness

Dhiren Matani - Healthy lifestyleIn the face of persistent health challenges, Dhiren Matani, (43), an entrepreneur from Mumbai, embarked on a journey of resilience and transformation. Battling weight issues and a heart condition for some years, he refused to succumb to the daunting odds. Through sheer determination, he took control of his health at the right time by adopting a disciplined lifestyle that nurtured positive change. With unwavering commitment, Dhiren not only managed to conquer these obstacles but also embraced a life of balanced well-being. His story is an inspiring testament to the incredible power of self-care, offering hope and motivation to all those on their path to vitality and wellness.

The Starting Point

So how did it start for Dhiren? In 2017, Dhiren weighed over 90 kg. He was walking 6 km daily and doing some exercises, but none of that reflected in weight loss. Then in 2018, he had a heart attack. That was the turning point for him.

“Post my heart attack, everything changed. I had to take care of my health. The doctor had recommended no running. Basically, I was restricted from doing any activity that would increase my heart rate. I was on medication for my heart issue,” says Dhiren. Dhiren continued with simple exercises like walking and yoga. However, he wanted to get healthy. And was looking for smart watch to help him align his lifestyle.

The Journey with GOQii

Dhiren’s search for a smartwatch eventually led him to GOQii. On reading about GOQii he realised the device came with 3 months personalised coaching. “I liked the fact that GOQii offered three months of personal coaching as well. I joined GOQii in February 2022,” says Dhiren.

On joining GOQii – His health goal was to reduce weight, maintain it, and also control his heart condition and blood pressure.

Dhiren’s initial coach, Gaurav, focused on exercises for weight loss and a reduced-carb diet. “I used to watch Jeet Selal’s video on Play and Exercise,” says Dhiren. Dhiren lost around 6 kg within the first 3 months of joining GOQii. Thereafter, his coach changed, and Meenal Khandelwal was his new coach.

With coach Meenal, the focus changed. Coach Meenal took a holistic approach. She explained the right diet and how to eat right. She focused on maintaining Dhiren’s weight.

Meenal says: “I had to introduce a few habits for Dhiren”, such as Reducing fat intake and adding healthy snack options. For a healthy, balanced diet, fruits and proteins were also added.

Take probiotics for better digestion and green tea with a pinch of cinnamon to control his Blood pressure.

The Challenges and Triumphs

It has not been easy for Dhiren. Maintaining a healthy routine is challenging due to busy schedules, temptations, and a lack of immediate results.

“Initially, it was difficult for Dhiren to change his routine due to his work schedule. But, slowly and steadily he worked towards it and was able to make the changes,” says coach Meenal.

Overcoming inertia, consistency, and adapting to setbacks require mental resilience. Yet, the rewards of enhanced well-being make the effort worthwhile, turning dedication into a catalyst for positive change.

Dhiren’s efforts to follow a routine and be disciplined and consistent helped him achieve his weight loss (his current weight is 78 kgs). However, nine months ago, borderline blood sugar levels were detected, prompting a precautionary course of medication due to a family history of diabetes.

The medication was continued for a period of 4-5 months. Following this, regular blood sugar monitoring revealed normal levels, leading to the discontinuation of medication. His blood sugar is now under control and is focused on maintaining it.

A Journey Towards Wellness

In Dhiren’s inspiring journey, we witness the transformative power of discipline and dedication. He not only shed excess weight but has taken control of his health. With his blood sugar now under control and medications halted, he stands as a testament to what one can achieve with resilience.

As he continues to focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle with all his vital parameters under control, Dhiren’s story reminds us that every small step towards health is a giant leap towards a brighter, medication-free future. The journey is ongoing, and Dhiren’s determination keeps him on the path to lasting well-being.

If you or someone you know is on a similar health journey, share this article and consider subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here for guidance and support.

Explore more inspiring Health Stories here.

#BeTheForce

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Organ Donation – Gift of Life

Lead -organ-donationA decade ago as a medical student, I had come across a blind man selling torches in the local trains. I asked him just out of curiosity the reason for his blindness to which he replied that he lost his sight in childhood after an accident which permanently damaged the blood supply to the retinas. He then went on to ask why I brought up the question and when I told him I was studying to be a doctor, he smiled and said, “I have a question for you”? I anticipated, he would want to know about recent advances in medicine that could probably restore his sight. But, I was wrong, instead, his question was different. His question was whether he could still donate his eyes. I was absolutely overwhelmed when he asked this. That is the day when I realized one can lose his eyesight but, still have a vision. With a sense of respect for him, I explained to him that his corneas could indeed be donated after his demise.

Organ transplantation is a marvelous procedure of modern medicine which helps the recipient gets a new lease of life. The only issue is, untimely demise of a loved one plunges the family and friends in so much grief that donating the deceased person’s organ doesn’t come to mind most times. It takes a mighty heart to brush aside the sorrow and take the step of organ donation, to give the gift of life to someone when you have lost a loved one.

one-organ-donor-eight-lives

Organ donation is permitted by law after a person is declared brain dead. A brain dead person has no chance of revival as all his brain activity has stopped permanently and completely. The medical fraternity follows very strict standards laid down by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, 1994 to determine if someone is brain dead or not.

In India, it takes 4 well qualified doctors to declare brain death before a person’s organs can be harvested. The biggest hesitation in organ donation is that the body will be disfigured. The surgeon makes a single neat incision from top of the chest to the navel and after organ harvesting, it is stitched professionally and the body is handed back in the most dignified state. The organ/organs are stored in cooled containers with special preservative fluid.

Organ donation from brain dead individuals in India is very less compared to Europe and US. Live donor numbers are increasing steadily since it is possible for a relative to survive on a single kidney and even the left lobe of liver can be donated by a live donor as the liver regenerates.

2 lakh corneas are needed annually in India but only 50,000 donations happen. 5 lakh people die annually waiting for a lifesaving organ. Presumed consent for organ donation is used to increase the pool of potential donors in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Singapore and Turkey. After the death of the individuals the state becomes the custodian of the dead body, who take out the organs for transplant. Spain has the highest rate of organ donation at 36 / million. India is at 0.26/million only.

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Who, What and How Can you donate?

1) Kidneys, Heart, Lungs, Liver, Small Bowel and Pancreas can be donated for transplant. Tissues that can be donated include eyes, heart valves, bone, skin, veins and tendons.

2) Every healthy person can donate. Old age is not a deterrent to donation. Person’s physical condition, not age, which is the deciding factor. Organs and tissue from people in their 70s and 80s have also been transplanted successfully.

3) Specialist health care professionals decide in each case which tissue and organs are suitable.

4) Your near and dear ones should be aware of your will to donate your organs. In case of your untimely demise they can inform concerned authorities to harvest your viable organs.

5) Kidneys, liver, heart need to be harvested within 6 hours of death whereas corneas within 12 hrs.

organ donation

“Green corridor” is the term used when a lane from the airport to the hospital where the organ recipient is waiting is kept totally vacant for speedy transport of the organ by the doctor who has retrieved it from a donor in another city. The city traffic police officers go all out to ensure a smooth transit with zero stoppage. The nobleness of organ donation is highlighted by the efforts put in by them to help the cause.

Organ donation is easier said than done. This article is an attempt to increase awareness about this cause so that we all can create the mindset to be willing to donate organs. All religions promote this practice since extending life is considered an act of God.

So let’s pledge our organs and live even after we are gone.

Here are a few websites through which you can register and pledge your organs

www.mohanfoundation.org/

http://www.transplantindia.com/

http://www.organindia.org/

#BeTheForce

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Want Younger Looking Skin? Try These Foods Now!

younger looking skinThey say real beauty comes from within. Well, people may have different perspectives over this quote but in the opinion of a Nutritionist, what food you put inside your body, is what reflects on your skin! Ageing is a normal physiological phenomenon which starts from the inside out. This makes it imperative to take care of your diet to prevent the effects of ageing. With advancing age, the proteins and pigments of our skin start to deteriorate. However, with a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition, in the absence of disease, one can still manage to have a plump skin. Just like our emotional troubles can be seen on the face by the way of our expressions, the internal troubles of our body show up on the skin. If you feed your body with the right kind of food, it radiates right on the skin. Let’s look at some foods to get that younger looking skin you’ve always wanted!  

Foods For Younger Looking Skin

  1. Water: As simple and feeble as it may sound, water is the most important component of a skincare regime. In all forms, whether luke warm, chilled or infused, water is the most effective tool for younger looking skin and to fight any skin abnormalities. It cleanses the excess metabolites and harmful substances that may accumulate beneath the layers of skin. Water helps keep the skin moisturised and flush out infectious agents.
  2. Berries, Melons and Citrus Fruits: Berries are natural chemical exfoliators. They contain salicylic acid which is a popular ingredient in beauty products known for anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Berries are also rich in Vitamin C and ellagic acid that can help reduce acne. Rich in Vitamin A, C and B, melons can prove to be effective in maintaining good skin health. They can also improve your digestive system and prevent constipation. This, in turn, aids in clearing up the skin. Melons are also effective in treating psoriasis, a dry skin condition that causes itchy, flaky and red patches of skin. The rich Vitamin C content of citrus fruits can effectively fight free radical action, which prevents skin ageing. Citric acid helps curb the bacterial action and pathogens present under the skin. As we age, our body’s ability to produce collagen decreases and the elasticity of the skin too. Vitamin C helps repair and rejuvenate the skin, helping in wound healing and building connective tissue, leading to younger looking skin.
  3. Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): Being the most potent spice, Turmeric helps fight cell damage, chronic disease and aging, helping maintain younger looking skin. All this due to the powerful pigment, curcumin.
  4. Nuts and Seeds: Nuts are densely packed with a variety of skin healthy nutrients such as proteins, vitamin E, essential oils, minerals, and antioxidants. Soaked almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds and sesame seeds are the richest sources of vitamin E – which are very helpful to protect the skin from the UV rays of the sun. Vitamin E also helps strengthen your skin, avoid skin infections and give it a radiant glow.
  5. Dark Chocolate: contains cocoa flavanols. These are very potent antioxidants that protect the skin from the oxidative damage caused by pollution or sunlight. It also protects the skin by enhancing blood flow, which helps by nourishing and moisturizing it. Make sure to choose only dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa in it.
  6. Tomatoes: Tomato and tomato juice are high in lycopene, a natural carotenoid that fights pigmentation and darkening due to ageing or stress.
  7. Virgin Coconut Oil: Used in cooking, it slows down the aging process by lowering oxidative stress and relieving pressure on the liver, it nourishes the skin and hair to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and clears dark patches and cellulite.
  8. Avocados: are high in monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fats that are essential to nourish the skin and prevent dryness. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory to keep the immune system effectively functioning. The lutein and zeaxanthin in this fruit may help to protect the skin from UV damage. It is also full of Vitamins A, B, C, E, and K which helps you get the glow of younger looking skin.
  9. Leafy Greens: Spinach, Collard greens, Radish greens and Kale are excellent for replenishing tired skin and dark under-eye shadows due to their high iron and magnesium content. These leafy greens are rich in Vitamin K that improve skin cell regrowth for a better complexion.
  10. Cucumbers: are more water than anything else. Oh so hydrating! Thus, they possess an extraordinary cooling effect. The peel of a cucumber contains antioxidants, Vitamin C and K, which can aid in skin whitening and can also reduce the appearance of fine lines. They also help in reducing puffy eyes and dark circles.

We hope this article helps you achieve that younger looking skin you’ve always desired. Before you switch to any of these foods, please ensure that you reach out to your doctor, nutritionist or dietitian in case you have allergies or any underlying medical conditions. For more on skin care, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

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Your Heart and You 2: Habits for a Healthy Heart

heart healthAakash wondered why every Hollywood and Bollywood movie stressed the “heart”. Some dialogues bothered him:

“My heart aches at the way you have treated your friends.”

“Don’t you feel anything? Are you heartless?”

What Affects Heart Health?

It is interesting to note that a heart attack is usually the result of an emotional outburst or a very emotionally charged situation. While many of us have similar experiences, some are potent to handle such sudden shocks that the heart receives. This depends on the emotional and mental health of a person, dietary habits, sleep quality, the capability of handling stress, faulty habits, etc.

The heart, apart from pumping blood and ensuring every cell receives blood and oxygen, governs largely the emotional and physical well-being of a person (it also overlaps with the Anahat or Hridaya chakra in Indian Vedic understanding). So, a healthy heart depends largely on the emotional and mental well-being of a person as well as nutrition.

It is now a known fact that feelings of stress, anxiety, etc. adversely impact the overall health of a person, especially the heart. As stress increases, the cortisol levels (stress hormone) impacts all the hormones and organs, affecting basic  physiology, including the cardiovascular system.

These emotions create a chain reaction in the body — stress hormone levels increase, blood vessels constrict, blood pressure rises, and the immune system is weakened. If we consistently experience these emotions, it can put a strain on the heart and other organs, and eventually lead to serious health problems.

In my previous article, I spoke about the signs of heart disease to watch out for. Here, let us look at healthy habits for a healthy heart!

Do the Following to Ensure a Healthy Heart

  1. Be happy: If you cannot feel positive and good, simply recall a time when you felt sincere appreciation and try to recreate that feeling. Look at photographs of happier times, keep a diary where you record your positive events and feelings from your life.
  2. Exercise: Get regular with yoga, especially pranayama and exercise. Exercising helps heart muscles become more efficient at pumping blood throughout the body. It allows the body’s tissue (including the heart) to do a better job of pulling oxygen from the blood. This allows your heart to work effectively under stress. It also helps the body make more branches and connections between these blood vessels (collaterals), so there are other routes for the blood to travel if the usual path is blocked by narrow arteries or fatty deposits. Instead of a 45-minute workout, it is best that the body is moving every half an hour! A small 2-minute walk every half an hour is also helpful as, along with the cardiovascular system, it also keeps our lymphatic system active. However, if you have a heart condition, please take the advice of your doctor before taking strenuous exercises or pranayama.
  3. Do what you like doing and stop what you don’t! It will help you keep your stress levels in check and be happy!
  4. Take care of what you eat: Have a good portion of breakfast, followed by small meals, lunch and dinner 2-4 hours before you sleep. Follow the advice of your nutritionist/doctor, if something special has been designed for you!
  5. Vegetarian food is easily digested by the body. It will also help you cut back on higher-calorie foods such as meat, cheese and snack foods. Whole grains play a role in regulating blood pressure and heart health. Add flaxseeds to your diet as they are rich in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
  6. Limit unhealthy choices: Reduce or stop refined oils, refined sugar and aerated drinks.
  7. Choose low-fat protein sources like flaxseed, walnuts, soybeans and canola oil. Legumes, beans, peas and lentils are good sources of protein and contain less fat and no cholesterol, making them good substitutes for meat.
  8. Reduce the sodium in your food: You can replace your normal salt with rock salt or pink salt.
  9. Quality is better than quantity: If your body feels fresh and charged after 4-5 hours of sleep, it implies quality sleep. But tiredness even after 6-8 hours of sleep is worrisome. Usually deep breathing before sleep and dinner 4 hours prior to sleep helps one sleep better.

The heart is the biggest miracle which works every moment to keep you alive! Cherish it by living healthy. For more on heart health, check out Healthy Reads or speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general awareness and educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised medical guidance or concerns related to your health.

From Terminal Illness To Complete Wellness! Ananda Mukherjee Health Story

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