GOQii

Blog

Search Results for: holi

By Leave a Comment

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

By 3 Comments

10 Ways To Eliminate Bad Habits & Embrace Good Ones This Diwali

eliminate bad habits this DiwaliIt’s that month of the year when festivities start. We have just finished with Dusshera, an important Hindu festival, and now we are gearing ourselves for the Festival of Lights. Deepawali is celebrated on the occasion of gaining success over the bad (Ravana) and the returning of goodness. Bad Qualities could be the 10 heads of Ravana namely:

  1. Kama vasana (Lust)
  2. Krodha (Anger)
  3. Moha (Attachment)
  4. Lobha (Greed)
  5. Mada (Pride)
  6. Matsara (Jealousy)
  7. Swartha (Selfishness)
  8. Anyaaya (Injustice)
  9. Amanavta (Cruelty)
  10. Ahankara (Ego)

If we can eliminate the above bad qualities within ourselves, then we, in all likelihood, would end up being better human beings. Today, we have modern day demons in our life, which are making it unhealthy and lead us towards a bad and shorter life. This Diwali, let’s get rid of the modern day and olden days demons together!

10 Modern Day Bad Habits We Need To Eliminate This Diwali 

1. Smoking
I do not think I need to explain what smoking is? Smoking is responsible for several diseases, such as cancer, long-term (chronic) respiratory diseases, and heart disease, as well as premature death. You can read how smoking affects your health in the following articles:

2. Alcohol and drugs
Today, most of us are used to late night parties-  be it an office party, a birthday party, a marriage anniversary or the likes. One of the most common beverage in parties is ALCOHOL! In any celebration, you’ll find a number of alcoholic beverages that flow like water and we tend to consume them without much thought. This leads to a number of health complications. These complications have been talked about at length in this article on the Effects of Alcohol on your Health.

3. Stress
Stress is one of the most understated evils of our time hiding under the veils of office work, relationships and other everyday affairs. You can name any lifestyle diseases and one of the reasons behind it, in most cases, is stress. Stress can also lead to weight gain! Keeping stress under control will not only help you stay calm and relaxed but also helps you keep your weight under control and lifestyle diseases at bay! So manage your stress well!

4. Unhealthy Eating Habits
We are well aware that we need to form good eating habits to stay healthy but do we really follow them? Its only after we have put on excess weight that we try to manage our diet or follow some sort of diet plan to reduce weight. Instead of doing that, isn’t it better to eat healthy before things go wrong? While you’re forming healthy eating habits, make sure that you are also aware of the habits that are destroying your health and correct them.

5. Laziness
There is no dearth of excuses to avoid exercises and make ourselves lazy. One does not realize that laziness leads us to a sedentary lifestyle and eventually to a shorter life. You don’t even need to do any strenuous exercises or hit the gym daily. Just basic walking, taking the elevator instead of stairs and moving as much as you can will help you stay healthy. The core idea is to keep yourself active and off the couch. If you still think you’re bogged down by chores and do not have time, you can turn your daily chores into workouts!

6. Denial (about our health – physical or mental)
Another dangerous demon is denial. People will go to any extent to not find out about their health. Most are generally ok not getting a health check up done. This can be quite dangerous. Getting regular health check-ups is imperative because many health conditions can be resolved if detected early.

7. Sleep
For a better health, you need sound sleep of about 6 to 8 hours. If you spend the whole night finishing your pending tasks or binge watching a show, then you are certainly walking into a health hazard waiting to happen. There are too many health related irregularities which are caused by lack of sleep. But, if you have a proper sleep, you can get rid of all your issues. If you find it difficult to fall asleep, try these breathing techniques or follow these tips for better sleep.

8. Environment
While celebrating Diwali, we all try to burst crackers that pollute the environment. If you breathe in such an environment, it will only affect your health. After Diwali, the pollution still persists and can affect the heart and brain. People with existing heart or lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart disease, or ischemic heart disease are at increased risk of admission to hospitals based on the severity of an already existing problem. Given these issues, it would be nice if we use eco friendly ways of celebrating Diwali.

9. Sweets and Immunity
Most sweets contain refined sugar, which directly impacts our immunity. Sweets are quite pleasurable to eat, but eating too many can negatively impact your health. Sweets often lack beneficial nutrients and are full of detrimental ones, including saturated fat, sugars and artificial sugars. Excessive sweet consumption can increase the risk of Diabetes, Crohn’s Disease and lead to tooth decay. Additionally, it can also reduce HDL cholesterol and bone strength. While you might not be able to avoid sweets, eat them in moderation and be smart about it!

10. Unsafe Sex
And the last demon on our list is unsafe sex! We are a nation that’s very uncomfortable talking about sex and this has led to the state where a lot of people are ignorant about safe sex. Unsafe sex can lead to Sexual Transmitted Diseases like HIV/AIDS or unwanted pregnancies. Always remember that you must use a condom. If you don’t have one at that particular time, use other forms of contraceptives, but remember that other forms of contraceptives do not guard against STDs. Prevention is better than cure!

So we hope you take stock of these modern day demons and eliminate bad habits this Diwali! If you need help conquering these demons, you can always find an ally in our team of experts waiting to guide and motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle. You can start by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

Wish you all a happy, healthy and safe Diwali!

#BeTheForce

By 1 Comment

Everything You Need to Know about Alzheimer’s

alzheimer's dayIf you’ve read ‘The Notebook’ by Nicholas Parks, later adapted into a film by the same name, you might have a fair idea of what Alzheimer’s really is. The book is centered around Allie and Noah, an all-time romantic couple. There’s a beautiful scene in the film where Noah, who is an old man now, narrates a story to Allie about a couple and how their love blossomed through hardships. Amazed by this story, Allie only realizes later that this story is about them. Noah read this to her as he had promised before the disease set in. The disease was Alzheimer’s!

shutterstock_574038220

Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurological disorder which results in memory loss, personality changes, global cognitive dysfunction and functional impairments. It is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly. The disease begins at a slow rate. Initially, it captures the brain and slowly overcomes human thoughts, activities, and language as well. People start having trouble in remembering things and the one evident sign is forgetting the names of people.

What Causes Alzheimer’s?

The exact etiology is unknown, but a few risk factors can be marked out.

  • Age: Incidence and prevalence increases after the age of 60
  • Family History: First-degree relatives at greater risk
  • Genetic: ApoEepsilon 4 gene
  • Lack of Sleep
  • Regular and high consumption of junk food

Clinical Features 

  1. Progressive memory loss and decline of higher mental functions
    Example: problem-solving small issues, confusion in time, date and month, the problem faced in doing family activities of daily routine, misplacing things, poor judgment and problem in speaking and writing as well
  2. Difficulty in naming and understanding what others are speaking
  3. Apraxia: The inability to carry out skilled motor activities, inability to recognize objects, places and people
  4. Behavioral changes: Agitation, aggression, wandering and persecutory delusions, loss of insight, depression
  5. Loss of inhibition leading to inappropriate social behavior
  6. In advanced stages, a person may be mute, inactive and can succumb to different infections
  7. Inability to recognize color and visual picture
  8. In case there is an underlying cause, additional clinical features may be present

Management

The most important management for Alzheimer’s is support – Physical, mental and moral support from family members and caregivers.

  • Antioxidants (Vitamin E) can slow the decline of cognitive function
  • Drugs like anticholinesterase inhibitors (like donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine), memantine, N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist
  • Ginkgo biloba, a plant extract has been shown to be useful
  • Treatment of the underlying cause, if any

3-7

Alzheimer’s and Ayurveda

According to the principles of Ayurveda, Alzheimer’s is caused as a result of the imbalance in vata – this imbalance is quite common as a person begins to grow in age. It affects the vata – in the tissues of the central nervous system of the body – mainly the brain which then slowly becomes imbalanced.

Treatment begins with a Vata balancing diet. Withania Somnifera (Ashwagandha) in the powdered form along with either ghee or milk is included in the patient’s daily diet. This helps charge and soothe the Vata. Herbs such as Brahmi and Ashwagandha that serve as nerve tonics are mainly used.

An oil massage daily, prior to a bath is also considered significant in this form of treatment. Ayurveda specialized preparations for Alzheimer’s treatment that are made from rice have proved highly beneficial to the patients besides providing the required nutrients to the old age person.

How Can Turmeric Help?

Turmeric or Haldi, as it’s known in Hindi, is a part of almost every Indian recipe. It is known all over the world for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-spasmodic, anti-allergic properties and hence is used in medicines, cosmetics etc.

Curcumin that is found in turmeric has radical scavenging properties thereby preventing damage that can be caused to the cells of our body by free radicals. Alzheimer’s alleviation could be based upon the ability of curcumin to combat the development of amyloid plaque (accumulation of protein) in the brain leading to inflammation and impairment of cells.

Prevention

There’s no real guarantee when it comes to preventing Alzheimer’s. The only way to minimize your chances is by living a healthy and balanced lifestyle.

  1. Make sure you don’t stop learning new things. Continuous learning like a musical instrument, a new language or any subject that you didn’t have knowledge about keeps the memory intact.
  2. Forget your phone and start memorizing important numbers like bank accounts, mobile numbers, life insurance/investment policy numbers, credit and debit card numbers, passwords and recalling them when needed is an easy way of jogging your memory.
  3. Make sure you get your hands on challenging puzzles like Sudoku, different crosswords, etc.
  4. Consumption of antioxidants via diet/supplements is helpful in preserving memory function.

We hope this blog helped you lean more about Alzheimer’s and what we can do in case a loved one is ever affected by it. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

For more informative topics, check out Healthy Reads or speak to an expert 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.

By Leave a Comment

Cancer Anxiety in India: A Growing Epidemic

– 60% of respondents reported moderate to extreme worry about developing cancer.
– 33% expressed significant concerns over the financial burden of cancer treatment.
– 24% feared death as a result of cancer, underscoring its perception as a terminal illness.
– 70% had not undergone any form of cancer screening in the past five years, despite awareness of its importance.
– 56% worried about environmental factors like pollution and radiation contributing to cancer risks.
– 27.6% expressed anxiety related to poor lifestyle choices such as smoking and unhealthy diets.

Discussing cancer, though difficult, is crucial given the rising anxiety about the disease in India. GOQii’s recent Cancer report titled – “Living in Fear: The Hidden Epidemic of Cancer Anxiety Among the Public” reveals alarming statistics: over 60% of Indians experience significant fear of developing cancer, driven not only by the disease itself but also by the overwhelming treatment costs and feared mortality.

Despite this awareness, an astonishing 70% have not undergone any cancer screenings in the last five years, indicating a serious lag in preventive healthcare. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for better public health strategies focused on enhancing screening access and educating the public about the benefits of early detection.

Recognizing the deep connection between lifestyle and health outcomes, experts emphasize the need for preventive approaches to mitigate these financial and health burdens.

Dr Anurag Agrawal, Head, of Koita Center for Digital Health, Dean of BioSciences and Health Research, Trivedi School of Biosciences, Ashoka University shared his insights: “As longevity increases, particularly when accompanied by unhealthy living, the risk of cancer, unfortunately, rises as well. It has become imperative that we focus on promoting preventive measures and fostering healthy habits to address this growing concern.”

Luke Coutinho, a Holistic Lifestyle Coach in Integrative Medicine, remind us that the integration of knowledge, science, lifestyle medicine, and epigenetics with traditional treatments can dramatically change our approach to this disease. “Now is the time to awaken and make the change with faith, belief, action, and science,” says Coutinho.

The financial aspect of cancer treatment is another grave concern. With 33% of respondents anxious about the economic burden of cancer treatment, it’s clear that the cost is not just financial but also emotional and psychological. Families fear being pushed to financial ruin, with the extensive costs of diagnostics, surgeries, chemotherapy, and ongoing medication looming large over their heads.

The report highlights the overwhelming fear of cancer as a death sentence among 24% of Indians, exacerbated by late detection and inadequate screening. This perception is often due to delayed diagnosis, making cancer seem incurable. It calls for significant improvements in India’s healthcare system, emphasizing the need for early detection and better access to treatment, especially in under-resourced rural areas.

Stressing the critical need to address this hidden epidemic, Vishal Gondal, Founder & CEO of GOQii says: “Cancer fear and anxiety is for real, and it’s affecting millions of people across India in ways that go beyond physical health. People are living in constant fear of not only the disease but also the potential financial and emotional toll it could take on them and their loved ones. This report serves as a wake-up call. We need to shift our focus to prevention, early detection, and providing people with the right tools and resources to manage both their health and their anxiety.”

GOQii is taking proactive steps to integrate mental health support with cancer care. Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression compound the fear of cancer, making it crucial to address these psychological impacts alongside the physical aspects of the disease.

Rajashree Menon – CBO Digital Health GOQii, says, “The GOQii Health Ecosystem supports cancer patients by integrating preventive care with treatment, screening, and post-treatment rehabilitation. We aim to reduce the anxiety of a cancer diagnosis by empowering patients throughout their journey, providing seamless care that enhances confidence and improves outcomes”

GOQii is also one of the partners with Universal Health Token (UHT), an initiative designed to promote and incentivize healthy living, and unites the technology and healthcare industries, signifying a change in the approach to health and well-being. The UHT rewards integrate a data-centric approach, empowering users with deep insights and valuable analysis to enhance their well-being and take charge of their health journey. This approach forms the bedrock of an immersive user experience, merging technology and preventive care to foster a healthier, more fulfilling life.

“The Universal Health Token helps alleviate cancer anxiety by encouraging preventive care. By rewarding healthy behaviours and regular screenings, we aim to reduce the fear and burden associated with cancer,” says Agastya Samat, Director – Force of Good Foundation.

The 2024 GOQii Cancer Report isn’t just a collection of statistics; it’s a clarion call for robust public health strategies. It’s time for all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, and individuals—to come together and address this unseen epidemic of cancer anxiety. By enhancing access to preventive care and integrating comprehensive health strategies, we can begin to alleviate the immense burden that cancer places on millions across India. Let’s not wait for the fear to consume us; let’s act now, for a healthier tomorrow.

#BeTheForce

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 […]