covid-19 Archives - Page 5 of 7

June 24, 2020 By Swati Savla 6 Comments

Can Moringa Help You Fight the Coronavirus?

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been many suggestions on boosting immunity against the virus. These include lemon, ginger, citrus fruits, vegetables, turmeric, etc. all of which are high on antioxidants, have anti-inflammatory or anti-bacterial properties – aiding the fight against the virus and helping us maintain optimum health. Imagine getting all these properties under one umbrella. Sounds interesting? One superfood can provide you all of these and that superfood is Moringa – vouched for by our ancestors as well.

Why is the Ayurveda Prescribed Moringa Valued Globally?

Almost all parts of this tree (roots, leaves, pods, flowers, seeds) are utilized in varied ways.
It has Vitamins like A, B complex (folic acid, pyridoxine, choline), C, D, E & K (4 times Vitamin A of carrots), 7 times Vitamin C that of Oranges, 2 times the protein of Yoghurt, 25 times more iron than spinach.
It is abundant in protein, calcium, potassium, iron, chromium, magnesium, selenium and zinc.
Phytochemicals present in Moringa include tannins, phenolics, saponins, anthraquinones, etc. and flavonoids like Quercetin, Isoquercetin, kaemfericitin, isothiocyanates, all of which have shown to have antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
These nutrients are not destroyed after drying or boiling.
It doesn’t leave behind hygiene as well. Moringa oleifera leaf powder was as effective as soap for washing hands when wetted in advance to enable antiseptic and detergent properties from phytochemicals in the leaves.

With all these benefits and properties, the magical Moringa can help you boost your immune system as well as ward off illnesses. Give it a try now but before you do, do consult your doctor or nutritionist.

We hope this article helps you. For more articles on moringa, nutrition et al, check out Healthy Reads or tune in to experts on GOQii Play.

Stay home, stay safe, eat healthy and #BeTheForce

June 5, 2020 By Madhu Soni Leave a Comment

9 Things To Do Once Lockdown Ends

Slowly and gradually, the lockdown will be lifted in phases in the green zones, but this surely doesn’t mean that the pandemic is over. By now, most of us might be ready with a list of things to do the day this lockdown ceases. Before you jump into action again take a look at the things to keep in mind.

Thing To Keep In Mind Once Lockdown Ends

Sanitization: A simple and effective way to stay away from this life threatening virus is to wash hands thoroughly. Carry a bottle of sanitizer with you while stepping out of the house in case you have touched anything suspicious you can immediately sanitize. So let’s continue with this habit which we have cultivated during this lockdown.
Mask is here to stay: Wearing a mask while going out has to be followed as this can prevent us from coming in contact with respiratory droplets of an asymptomatic COVID positive person. Use of gloves is also recommended in cases of coming in contact with people like going to market places or using the local transport.
Socializing: After almost three months of staying indoors, there will be an immense urge to meet family and friends specially those who were tested positive, but hold on for a few more days as lockdown relaxation doesn’t mean the virus has extinguished. Venture out only for important work. Choose to work from home if possible.
Overindulgence: Restaurants and food joints will gradually be back in business. Online food apps will be functional soon but do not pounce on all that fancy food for obvious reasons. This lockdown has taught us that simple home cooked food can be nutritious as well as delicious!
Don’t Ditch Exercise: Necessity is the mother of all invention! This lockdown taught us some great ways to stay healthy, happy and be occupied. Be it yoga, strength training, walking exercises, fun exercise with kids or even 5k and 10k runs at home have contributed immensely in building up our immunity..
Don’t Overwork: Major section of people have been jobless during this period. Fear of uncertainty and decline in vitamin M [money] encourages people to jump back to work. But draw a clear line between work and overwork. Remember overload can make you more susceptible to this virus and hospitalization can drain all your savings.
Do not Compromise Sleep: Time and again, this vital component of health has been ignored. Good sleep cycle during these two months does make up for all those sleep deprived nights! Sound and deep sleep is a ritual which needs to follow every day.
Don’t Stop Immunity Boosting Food: While we take pride in the fact of strong immunity, let’s not ditch it once the lockdown ceases. Vitamin C rich foods, herbal kada, zinc rich food are the secret of strong immunity. They have to be a part of our daily intake. Once the lockdown has been lifted, it is all the more important to have a stronger immune system
Maintain Bonds: This pandemic has forced us with quantitative family time. Bonding with family members has helped us sail through this rough weather and will continue in the future too. Healthy bonding at home is like a strong backbone which keeps us in the pink of health because being healthy outside begins by being healthy inside.

Most importantly, don’t forget to support local businesses. You can also check out the GOQii Health Store within the app. We hope you will consider these suggestions once lockdown ends and life goes back to the way it was. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below. For more tips on immunity, health, fitness and wellness, check out Healthy Reads within the app or tune in to GOQii Play.

#BeTheForce

April 18, 2020 By Bhakti Mehta Leave a Comment

The Difference Between COVID-19 and Swine Flu

Scientists have studied the Flu for decades. Despite its dangers, we know a lot about the Flu and viruses that cause it. In contrast, very little is known about the novel coronavirus. Both COVID-19 and Flu are respiratory illnesses that spread from person to person. This article will discuss the differences between COVID-19 and the Flu.

What is Flu?

Virus has the capacity to make changes to their genes and mutate. Influenza A (Swine Flu) took genomes from animals and humans to mutate. Influenza A exists in pigs, birds and humans. The virus in pigs also contracted some from the birds and humans and mutated itself.

How is it different from COVID-19?

Corona is a virus family consisting of several viruses. The family is called Corona because the viruses are shaped like crowns in their appearance. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that occur in people as well as many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats and bats. This most recent outbreak, referred to as COVID-19, is a new strand of beta coronavirus that originated in China.

How are they Similar?

Both Corona and Flu viruses show symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, fatigue, aches and pain.
They both can lead to pneumonia and respiratory concerns – which in turn can lead to organ failure.
Both viruses are most serious for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems or pre-existing respiratory problems.
The Flu and Coronavirus are both contagious.
WHO indicates that people with Flu can pass the virus on before they show any symptoms. A person can also pass on the COVID-19 even if they have no symptoms.

How are they Different?

The symptoms of the Flu tend to occur faster and can have greater variation.
According to WHO, the speed of transmission differs between the two viruses. The symptoms of Flu appear sooner and it can spread faster than COVID-19.
According to WHO, around 15% of COVID-19 cases are severe and 5% are critical. Those in a critical state required a ventilator to breathe. The chance of severe and critical infection is higher with COVID-19 than the Flu.
There is vaccine and antiviral medication available to protect and fight against Flu. There are no vaccines for COVID-19 yet. Coronavirus is still so new that no vaccines or antiviral medications have yet proven effective against the virus.

In Conclusion

Both the Flu and Coronavirus should be taken seriously. Be wary and take hygiene seriously by washing your hands regularly and consider keeping a sanitizer handy. Social Distancing is really important to avoid further transmission. Drink adequate amounts of water, eat a balanced diet, exercise, get the right amount of good quality sleep!

For tips to boost your immunity, you can check out articles on Healthy Reads or tune in to GOQii Play!

Stay Home, Stay Safe, Get Active and #BeTheForce!

April 14, 2020 By Neha Goyal Leave a Comment

How To Stop the Virus Spreading Through Objects

They say prevention is better than cure, more now than ever! With the coronavirus pandemic spreading, it is important to take every preventive measure possible. The transmission of this virus mainly spreads from person to person through tiny droplets that float in the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Other than direct contact with an infected person, any surfaces or objects around an infected person can also play a role in transmitting infection.

As we are all facing lockdown, we still go out to buy essential items like grocery, fruits, veggies and medicines. If you work in the essential goods and services industry, you must be going out every day. So you need to be more cautious than others. Here are a few ways in which you can sanitize your home to stop the spread of the virus, in case you were to bring it home.

1. Disinfect ‘High Touch’ Objects and Surfaces Frequently:

Any household cleaners containing at least 70% alcohol are good for disinfecting door knobs & handles. Just spray & leave for 5 minute to kill germs.
Commercial cleaning products can expose you & your family to toxic chemicals so kitchen countertops and other objects made of glass or wood can be cleaned using undiluted white vinegar. Just clean the counter with a clean cloth & spray enough vinegar to leave the countertop damp and air dry. Baking soda mixed with water can also be used to create a mild abrasive cleaner for greasy spots and stains on marble. However, a warm soapy solution will also work on such surfaces.
For switchboards and electric devices, you can make your own vinegar solution to clean. Just mix 2 parts white vinegar, 1 part rubbing alcohol and 1 part hydrogen peroxide. Spray this solution onto a cloth or paper towel and wipe switches and other electrical devices. For mobile phones you can use 70% alcohol based solution & apply it to your phone using a microfiber cloth.
For cars and its interior, any alcohol based cleaner or soap water can be used. Never use any kind of bleach, ammonia based products or hydrogen peroxide as it can damage interiors made of plastic & vinyl.

2. Practice Segregation: Keep things like wallets, currency, bags, footwear and other things like keys & debit cards which you usually carry outside separate from other things.

3. Disinfect Immediately: Once you enter home from the outside, immediately wash your hands, change your clothes and disinfect the mask you used. If the mask is made of cloth, wash it thoroughly. Make sure the person handling such clothes should wash their hands too.

4. Don’t Share If You Care: Do not share linens like handkerchiefs, towels, utensils and other intimate things with other family members.

5. Don’t Touch Your Shopping Bags and items you shop if you really don’t need them immediately or use them only after disinfecting. Fruits and vegetables can be used after washing under a cold water stream (& scrubbing with a brush for some vegetables) or by soaking them in water & vinegar mix for a few minutes. Use ½ cup vinegar for every 2 cups of water. Salt or baking soda mix water can also be used for reducing bacteria & pesticides.

We still don’t know how sunlight, heat or cold can affect its survival time. But hopefully, as time passes, experts will learn more about the spread and transmit of COVID-19. Meanwhile, try to be proactive about sanitizing to give yourself the best shot at avoiding and spreading it.

For more prevention tips and articles on coronavirus, check out healthy reads. You can also tune in to GOQii Play for LIVE classes by experts.

Stay Home, Stay Safe and #BeTheForce