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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

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Why Reading Would Make An Awesome Hobby

reading-book“Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ― Charles William Eliot

This quote rings true for many book lovers. Reading has always been one of my greatest passions. I can do without TV and my phone, but not without my books. I even have a small library of my own and always keep a book or two by my bedside. Adopting the habit of reading has enriched my life in numerous ways. I highly recommend reading as a hobby to everyone. But what makes it so special? Let’s take a look:

  • Treasure of knowledge: You can lose material possessions, but never the knowledge you gain. Books provide a wealth of information that you can apply in your daily life to tackle various challenges. This knowledge can be shared and spread, creating a chain reaction of learning.
  • Improved vocabulary: Articulating knowledge effectively is essential, and reading exposes you to a vast range of words. As you develop the habit of reading, your daily vocabulary expands. A strong vocabulary boosts self-confidence and can enhance your professional prospects. Reading also offers exposure to non-native languages, broadening your linguistic skills.
  • Enhanced writing skills: Exposure to a wide variety of words and writing styles makes writing easier. By reading the works of various authors, you can refine your own writing skills.
  • Improved memory: It’s a well-known fact that if you don’t use your memory, you lose it. Reading requires you to remember characters, storylines, and events in chronological order, which exercises your brain. Creating new memories forges new brain pathways and strengthens existing ones, aiding in short-term memory recall and stabilizing your mood.
  • Reduced risk of Alzheimer’s and Dementia: Reading is a stimulating activity for the brain cells. Research shows that people who engage in activities like reading are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease or dementia compared to those who don’t. So, keep your brain active by reading regularly.
  • Improved concentration and focus: Reading demands sustained focus, which helps improve concentration. Unlike multitasking with digital information, reading a book engrosses you completely, teaching you to focus on one task at a time.
  • Enhanced analytical thinking: Books often present complex situations that require analysis. This helps improve your analytical skills, allowing you to think critically, consider facts, form opinions, and solve problems.
  • Deepens fundamental understanding: Reading about a subject can provide a deeper understanding than formal education sometimes can. Unlike classroom learning, reading allows you to learn at your own pace.
  • Reduces stress and promotes tranquility: Many avid readers unwind at the end of a long day by curling up with a good book. Reading is a great stress buster. Turn off the TV and other electronic devices, and pick up a book. Reading can also promote inner peace, lower blood pressure, and improve the mood of those with mild mental health issues.
  • Affordable or free entertainment: Books are an inexpensive form of entertainment. While some books can be pricey, local libraries and online resources offer access to a wide variety of genres for free or at a lower cost. E-books are also a convenient option for avid readers.

So, pick up a book and dive into the world of reading. As Sherman Alexie wisely said, “If one reads enough books, one has a fighting chance. Or better, one’s chances of survival increase with each book one reads.”

If this article resonated with you, share your thoughts in the comments below! You can also get personalized guidance on building healthy habits by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

#BeTheForce

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Strength Training Benefits For Aging Bodies

strength trainingStrength training is essential for everyone, serving not just to enhance muscle strength but also to bolster overall health regardless of age. Whether you are 25 or 65, incorporating some form of strength training into your daily routine is beneficial, though the specifics of the exercises may vary depending on one’s age group.

In this blog post, I will discuss the changes that begin to occur in our bodies as we enter our thirties and forties—changes that are often less than welcome. More importantly, I’ll explore how strength training plays a crucial role in counteracting these changes and significantly enhancing the quality of our lives.

I have experienced the positive changes, that my body has undergone over the last 4-5 years, just by incorporating a strength training routine in the form of workouts with weights, and using my own body weight, as I do in my yoga practice. One can even use resistance bands, the various gym equipment, or own body weight for resistance, by doing push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, leg squats or push-ups against a wall etc.

What Happens As We Age?

The human body goes through changes as we age, and some of the effects are obvious, as we cross middle age. Even healthy, normal ageing includes:

  • A Slower metabolism
  • Decreased muscle mass and strength
  • Increased body fat
  • Reduced bone density
  • Increased bone porosity
  • Stiff joints
  • Slower reflexes and reaction times
  • Decreased aerobic capacity

These are normal changes that we may experience as we age, though the severity varies from person to person. One of the most important reasons to exercise, and specifically include strength training, is to slow and minimize these changes.  

Benefits of Strength Training

1. Increases Muscle Mass
As you age, muscle mass gradually decreases – a condition known as Sarcopenia. Individuals who are less active can expect to lose between 3% to 5% of their muscle mass each decade after turning 30, with this rate accelerating after age 65. By age of 70, the average adult may have lost up to 25% of their muscle mass primarily due to disuse and inactivity. However, this loss isn’t irreversible. Engaging in any form of exercise can help regain muscle mass and strength, but weight lifting, strength training, and resistance training are particularly effective. Research shows that after just six months of strength training twice a week, the biochemical, physiological, and genetic characteristics of older muscles can be rejuvenated by nearly 15 to 20 years.

2. Improves Bone Health
Bone fractures and breaks are quite prevalent among older adults due to decreased bone density and osteoporosis. While there are various causes of osteoporosis that may require medical intervention, substantial evidence suggests that exercise can significantly enhance bone density. Moreover, osteoporosis can be both prevented and managed through strength training. Just as muscles grow stronger with activity, bones also gain strength when engaged in physical exercise. Weight-bearing exercises, in particular, bolster bone health by stimulating the production of new cells.

3. Improves Functional Ability/Movement
Increasing strength through training is crucial for enhancing everyday functionality. Regular strength training enables older adults to enhance their mobility, walk longer distances, and potentially decrease their reliance on assistive devices such as canes and walkers.

Additionally, building strength supports a variety of functional movements, including walking, sitting down and standing up from chairs or beds, climbing stairs or escalators, and carrying groceries. These improvements in physical capabilities make daily life more manageable and empower individuals to engage in a wider range of activities that they desire to pursue.

4. Increases Metabolism
Strength training is highly effective for enhancing your metabolism, which is the rate at which your body burns calories while at rest. Engaging in strength training causes your body to require more energy based on the intensity of the exercise. This not only leads to calories being burned during the workout but also increases calorie burn after the workout as your body returns to a resting state. Additionally, hormones like Testosterone and DHEA, which are vital for strength and energy, naturally decrease with age. However, regular strength training can significantly boost these hormone levels within 8-12 weeks.

5. Improves Brain Health
Aging can increase the risk of loneliness, social isolation, depression, and other mental health challenges. However, building strength enhances mobility and functionality, which can significantly improve overall health, elevate mood, and enhance the quality of life. Additionally, resistance training has been shown to slow cognitive decline associated with aging. Studies indicate that lifting weights can improve memory, attention span, and conflict resolution skills.

6. Improves Health Conditions
Type 2 Diabetes: Strength training effectively lowers blood sugar levels and enhances insulin sensitivity. This improvement helps facilitate the transport of blood sugar into cells, thereby optimizing how the body utilizes glucose.

Cardiovascular Health: When properly executed, strength training benefits both the muscular and cardiovascular systems. Strengthened muscles reduce the workload on the heart, enabling the lungs to process oxygen more efficiently with less effort. This efficiency leads to the heart pumping more blood with fewer beats, which in turn increases the blood supply to the muscles.

How Often Should You Do It? 

It is recommended to engage in strength training three to five times per week for 20 to 30 minutes at a moderate intensity or two to three times per week for 15 to 20 minutes at a high intensity. However, always consult your doctor before starting any workout regimen, particularly if you have any pre-existing medical conditions, and seek professional guidance to ensure the correct technique. This helps in preventing injuries and maximizing the benefits of your workouts, especially when focusing on larger muscle groups which offer greater returns.

Let’s move beyond using age as an excuse and start prioritizing muscle health to enhance both our physical health and psychological well-being!

We hope this article helps you care for your muscles a little more and helps you improve your physical and psychological well-being as well. If you’re about to begin your strength training routine or need help, speak to a certified expert by subscribing to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here.

Want to explore more articles on fitness? Click here.

#BeTheForce

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Natural Bodybuilding vs Steroid Bodybuilding

natural bodybuilding vs steroid bodybuildingThis topic is one of the most discussed in the bodybuilding community and is very controversial too. Both natural bodybuilding and steroid bodybuilding have been practiced since long and each group feels that their method of body building is “right”. Before coming to a conclusion, let’s first understand the difference between the two and then decide which one is better.

Natural Bodybuilding 

  • Naturally bodybuilders do not use any sort of synthetic steroids or other drugs in order to build more muscle mass or get leaner. They entirely rely on lifting heavy weights, consuming a healthy diet and getting plenty of rest.
  • Natural bodybuilders may not be able to put on as much muscle mass as steroid users but they build muscles that are long lasting and sustainable.
  • Besides building muscles that last, they have a better overall health and faster metabolism.
  • It reduces blood pressure, increases bone density and keeps cholesterol levels under control. It improves your metabolism, reduces your fat percentage and is a great stress buster.

Steroid Bodybuilding

  • These builders use Anabolic-androgenic steroids. These drugs are a synthetic form of testosterone (the male hormone), are injected into the body for quick benefits but are illegal in most competitions.
  • Steroids may give you the pump to train at a higher level than you could possibly do naturally. Your recovery rate would be faster, you would be able to train for longer and build more muscle mass but all of this comes with several side effects and are potentially dangerous, in the long run!
  • Some of the serious side-effects of taking steroids for bodybuilding include:
    • Hormonal Imbalances – Suppressed Testosterone Production 
    • Infertility, low libido, testicular atrophy, Gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in a man) 
    • Accelerated Hair loss
    • Skin issues – Acne/Oily Skin
    • Increased heart rate
    • Increased LDL Cholesterol, Hypertension, Increased risk of Stroke/Heart attack
    • Liver Toxicity
    • Kidney Damage, Fluid retention
    • Mental Health Issues, Insomnia, Mood Swings
    • Increased risk of premature DEATH. 

Which is Better?

After reading the potential side effects of steroids, I’m sure you understand why going the natural way is the better choice! If you are looking to improve your appearance and increase overall health without any negative side effects, then you should stick to natural bodybuilding.

The best way to stay healthy and maintain a muscular body for long is finding ways to increase the natural testosterone production rather than counting on steroids that have dangerous health risks and eventually lose your muscles. If you are willing to train hard, have a proper plan, you will surely achieve your goal without any artificial/synthetic drug support. So, just set your goal and go after it!

To learn more about the natural ways to increase testosterone levels and bodybuilding, check out Healthy Reads or consult a GOQii Coach by subscribing for Personalised Health Coaching here.

#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 […]