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Can You Die From Pneumonia? 6 Serious Complications You Should Know

pneumoniaPneumonia is an infection of the lungs which can be caused by bacteria, fungi or a virus. It can range from mild to life threatening – when you require medical intervention at the earliest. When the air sac of one or both lungs are filled with some fluid or pus, it leads to inflammation which causes chest pain while breathing, cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills and difficulty in breathing. Newborns up to 2 years of age and older people above 65 yrs of age are more prone to pneumonia as their immunity is not strong enough to fight the infection.

Types Of Pneumonia 

There are four types of Pneumonia.

  • CAP (Community Acquired Pneumonia): It is a type of pneumonia that occurs outside the hospital or other healthcare facilities and is caused by bacteria, bacteria like organisms, fungi or a virus like COVID-19 as well.
  • HAP (Hospital Acquired Pneumonia): This type of pneumonia occurs during a hospital stay and can be serious as the person is already sick.
  • Health Care Acquired Pneumonia: This type of acquired pneumonia occurs when patients stay for a long term in hospitals or go to outpatient clinics for dialysis or chemotherapy.
  • Aspiration Pneumonia: This type of pneumonia occurs when you inhale food, liquid, saliva or vomit in your lungs and that causes an infection and it also occurs when there’s a brain injury.

What Are The Complications That Occur? 

Even with treatment, some people with Pneumonia, who have other health ailments, suffer complications. Here are some of them: 

  1. Bacteremia: When infection is caused by bacteria, it travels down to the bloodstream and can lead to septic shock that lowers the blood pressure and the heart cannot pump blood into the organs and organs may stop working altogether. So, if you are having symptoms like fever with chills, low blood pressure, stomach upset, fast breathing with a fast heart rate, you need to consult a doctor immediately.
  2. Lung Abscesses: Sometimes, due to pneumonia, pus pockets are formed in the lungs and give rise to fever, fatigue, weight loss, loss of appetite and coughing. This basically happens when a person is having bacteremia, gum disease, weakened immune system and regular intake of alcohol.
  3. Pleural Effusions, Empyema and Pleurisy: There are two types of layers surrounding your lungs called pleura. One from the outer side and one lines the part of your chest where the lungs sit. They help the lungs to move smoothly when one breathes. Sometimes, pain occurs while breathing and this is because the pleura swells and sometimes a fluid forms in between the layers and that is known as PLEURA EFFUSION. And if the fluid gets infected it leads to EMPYEMA.
  4. Respiratory Failure: With pneumonia, your lungs get infected and they will not be able to transfer oxygen to organs and won’t be able to get rid of carbon dioxide from the body which leads to this condition. Symptoms are fast breathing, irregular heart rate, anxiety, fatigue, losing consciousness or bluish tint on your skin, fingertips or nails.
  5. Kidney Failure: It’s not a common complication of pneumonia but when you are having bacteremia or septic shock, your heart may not be able to pump enough blood to your kidneys and they might stop functioning. Chances of kidney failure are high if it is coupled with other metabolic disorders.
  6. Heart Failure: Chances of heart diseases are higher if you have pneumonia as the heart may not be able to pump enough blood and oxygen as the heart itself doesn’t have enough supply. 

All the complications of pneumonia are not to be taken casually. If you experience any of the above symptoms or complications, seek medical help immediately. You can also track symptoms such as low blood oxygen, low blood pressure, increased heart rate and high body temperature with Smart Devices from GOQii. Tracking these symptoms early can help you avoid any unnecessary complications and get medical assistance on time.

We hope this article helps you. For more on Pneumonia and other medical conditions, check out Healthy Reads or ask your GOQii Coach directly 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. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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5 Simple Lifestyle Changes To Manage Hypertension

manage hypertensionBy now, anyone conscious about their health is aware of hypertension. In case you’re unfamiliar, hypertension is simply another name for high blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by blood against the walls of the blood vessels. This force depends on vascular resistance and how hard the heart has to work. Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, heart attack, heart failure, and aneurysm.

An optimal blood pressure level is a reading under 120/80 mmHg, while a reading over 140/90 mmHg is generally considered high. It is crucial to keep blood pressure under control, and lifestyle management is the first-line treatment for hypertension.

5 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hypertension

1. Cut Down on Alcohol & Quit Smoking
Drinking too much alcohol can raise blood pressure to unhealthy levels. Having more than three drinks in one sitting temporarily spikes blood pressure, and frequent drinking can lead to long-term increases. Heavy drinkers should gradually reduce their alcohol intake over 1-2 weeks to prevent sudden blood pressure surges.
Similarly, smoking can raise blood pressure immediately after each cigarette. Quitting smoking helps to normalise BP, reduces the risk of heart disease, and significantly improves overall health.

2. Managing Stress Effectively
Your body produces stress hormones when faced with pressure or anxiety, causing your heart to beat faster and blood vessels to narrow—leading to temporary blood pressure spikes. While these return to normal once stress subsides, frequent episodes of high stress can damage blood vessels, the heart, and kidneys.

          How to manage stress:

    • Exercise regularly—30 minutes, 3-5 times a week, helps reduce stress.
    • Try yoga & meditation—Deep breathing and mindfulness can help regulate stress levels.
    • Get enough sleep—Quality rest is essential for keeping BP under control.
    • Maintain social connections—Engaging in enjoyable activities and staying socially active reduces stress.

3. Reduce Sodium Intake:
Even a small reduction in sodium can significantly improve heart health and lower blood pressure by 5-6 mmHg in hypertensive individuals.

          Recommended Daily Sodium Intake:

    • Limit sodium to 2300 mg per day (ideal for general adults)
    • 1500 mg per day is ideal for those with high BP (less than one teaspoon of salt)

          How to reduce sodium:

    • Read food labels and choose low-sodium options
    • Avoid processed & packaged foods (e.g., noodles, soups, crisps, biscuits)
    • Use herbs & spices instead of salt to add flavour
    • Gradually reduce salt intake so your palate adjusts over time

4. Increase Fruit & Vegetable Intake
A diet rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and low-fat dairy—while avoiding saturated fats and cholesterol—can lower blood pressure by 11 mmHg.

This approach is called the DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) Diet, which emphasises:

  • Fruits & vegetables—Great sources of potassium, which counteracts sodium.
  • Whole grains—Support heart health and lower BP naturally.
  • Low-fat dairy—Helps regulate blood pressure.
  • Beetroot—A powerhouse for reducing BP (add it to smoothies!).

⚠ If you have blood sugar concerns, consult your doctor before consuming beetroot.

5. Exercise Regularly
Making exercise a habit is one of the best ways to naturally lower BP. You don’t need to hit the gym—just ensuring regular movement is enough.

Engage in moderate exercise (e.g., brisk walking, jogging, cycling, swimming) for 30 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week. Even small activities—taking the stairs, stretching, or walking short distances—help maintain heart health. Always consult a doctor or health coach before starting a new fitness routine if you have high BP.

By incorporating these five simple lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage hypertension while improving overall health. Making small but consistent changes in your diet, exercise, and stress management will lead to long-term benefits for your heart and well-being.

Which lifestyle change has worked best for you? Share your experience in the comments below!

#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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From “Laddu Nawin” to Fit and Fierce: How a 25-Year-Old Insurance Advisor Shed 20 Kilos and Gained His Life Back

When 25-year-old Nawin Yadav from Hyderabad walked into his office every morning, he carried more than just his files and policy papers. He had the weight of fatigue, sluggish energy, and an ever-growing belly that was becoming the butt of jokes.

“People had even started calling me Laddu Nawin,” he says with a laugh, but the sting behind the nickname was real. “I was too fat, my energy was low, and I couldn’t even play a sport for more than two hours. That’s when I realised I had to change something.”

The Breaking Point

As an insurance advisor, Nawin spent long hours sitting at his desk. His meals were mostly idlis, rice, chutney, and endless cups of chai. No thought was given to calories, protein, or regular activity. Slowly, his weight crept up to 82 kilos, his belly expanded to 38 inches, and his energy levels hit rock bottom.

“I knew I wasn’t sick, but my body wasn’t healthy either. I didn’t go to a doctor. I knew the solution was in my lifestyle.”

Last October, Navin was gifted a GOQii Smart Watch. For the first two months, though, it stayed tucked away in his cupboard rather than on his wrist. It wasn’t until January 2025 that he finally unboxed it, activated it with the code, and decided to give it a try. By February, he was paired with a personal coach who began guiding him step by step on his health journey, and that’s when everything started to change.

Enter the Coaches

With Coach Priti Shah guiding him and Expert Coach Arooshi Garg stepping in with advice, Nawin found himself looking at food and fitness in a whole new light.

“What I liked the most was that everything they suggested was regular food from my kitchen,” he explains. “Nothing exotic, nothing fancy. Just learning how to balance macros, include activity, and rest well. They even taught me how to adjust every meal so I wouldn’t feel deprived.”

His coach started him off with simple, achievable changes: a 30-minute daily walk, mindful portion sizes, and tweaks to reduce bloating and improve digestion. Slowly, his sleep improved, his energy picked up, and his waistline began to shrink.

The Transformation

Fast forward a few months- 6 to be precise, and the difference is staggering.

“I’ve dropped 20 kilos. From 82, I’m now around 60–61. My belly went from 38 inches to 30.5. But more than the numbers, it’s the energy and confidence that matter,” says Nawin, his voice lighting up.

His transformation wasn’t just about weight loss. It was about discovering what his body was capable of. He proudly recalls winning a Burnout Challenge at his gym:

  • Plank for 3 minutes 15 seconds
  • Wall sit for 5 minutes and 45 seconds
  • Battle rope for 1 minute 38 seconds
  • 50–70 push-ups, back-to-back

“I never thought I could do this before. Now my body feels solid, my face has changed, and I feel like a completely different person.”

In the beginning, even his gym trainer wasn’t convinced he could turn things around quickly. The trainer told him it would take a year to shed all the extra weight and insisted he cut rice out of his meals. “Being a South Indian, I found that difficult,” Nawin recalls. “Then Coach Priti explained that I didn’t need to cut rice completely. Portion control was the key.”

Family and Friends React

The reactions from his circle have been priceless. “People look at me and say, ‘Is this Nawin or his younger brother?’” he laughs. “They can’t believe the muscular body I’ve built.”

Looking Ahead

Nawin’s current goal is to stay steady at 60 kilos. “I could probably go down to 58kgs, so my abs are more clearly visible,” he chuckles. For him, GOQii wasn’t just about losing weight; it was about discovering a way of living he could sustain for life. “Now I know how to take care of myself. It’s not about dieting, it’s about balance. And that’s what my coaches gave me.”

His journey proves that transformation doesn’t require exotic superfoods or punishing diets. With the right guidance, steady discipline, and consistent effort, even someone once nicknamed Laddu can become an inspiration to others.

As Nawin puts it, “If I can do it, anyone can. You just need to take that first step.”

#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. Images shown are for representation purposes only and may not depict the exact recommendations or outcomes.

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Taming the To-Do List: A Smarter Way to Prioritise for ADHD Brains

There’s nothing quite as intimidating as a long, chaotic to-do list. It starts with good intentions; jotting everything down so nothing gets missed. But for ADHD brains, that list can quickly morph into a looming monster. One glance, and suddenly you’re frozen, unsure where to even begin.

The truth is, it’s not that you don’t want to get things done. It’s when everything feels equally urgent and important, your brain can struggle to filter what matters now from what can wait. And that’s where the Top 3 Rule comes in.

The Problem With The “Everything List”

Dumping all your tasks into one mega list might feel organised at first. But when the list starts to resemble a scroll from an ancient library, it triggers overwhelm. ADHD brains are particularly prone to task paralysis when faced with too many options or vague priorities. You might jump from one thing to the next, or do none of it at all.

What you need isn’t more time or motivation. You need clarity. A way to shrink the noise and shine a light on what’s truly important today.

Enter the Top 3 Rule

At the start of your day, or even better, the night before, take a look at your full to-do list. Now, instead of trying to tackle it all, choose just three tasks.

Not random ones. The three most important things you need to get done. That’s your focus for the day.

That’s it. Just three. Not ten. Not twelve with sub-bullets. Three.

This simple shift does a few powerful things:

  • Reduces decision fatigue. You’re not wasting energy figuring out what to do next. You’ve already decided.
  • Builds momentum. You’re far more likely to complete three focused tasks than bounce around twenty.
  • Creates wins. Even finishing one or two of your top three gives you a tangible sense of progress, instead of ending the day feeling defeated.

And if you’re on a roll after finishing your Top 3? Great. Move on to the next three. But if not, guess what? You’ve already done the heavy lifting.

The key to productivity isn’t doing more. It’s doing what matters most, without the mental clutter. So next time your list is spiralling, don’t shut down. Zoom in.

Pick your Top 3. Own your day.
Small wins stack up. And that’s how you get things done, one focused step at a time.

#BeTheForce

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult a doctor for personalised guidance and recommendations related to ADHD.

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 […]