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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 16, 2020 By Navnee Garg Leave a Comment

Coconut Oil As An Immunity Booster

Given the current situation, the pandemic has gotten most of us to focus on our health. We are in fact taking a step towards eating clean and boosting our immunity to fight the virus. But, boosting immunity is not a temporary need, we should always focus on it. It is our shield against infections and disease. Let’s look at one food which helps us do this – Coconut Oil!

We use butter, ghee or refined oil while cooking our meals. These are not only fattening but they also make us lethargic and weaken our immune system. On the other hand, coconut oil is a well-known superfood which can be used as a supplement for cooking. It has Medium Chain Fatty Acids (MCFAs) which make it easier to digest. This fantastic oil has antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties which help to keep us healthy and immune.

Why Coconut Oil to Boost Immunity?

Coconut oil is blessed with two special ingredients which makes it excellent for immunity. These are lauric acid and caprylic acid – both have antiviral properties. Both the acids are well known for fighting off yeast overgrowth (candida) along with bacterial infections. The composition of coconut oil consists of 50% lauric acid which is converted to monolaurin by the body – which is an antiviral agent that fights off a variety of pathogens and viruses. Though it hasn’t been found to be a proven cure for any disease, the antiviral properties in coconut oil have been through extensive research. Coconut oil also enhances our metabolism in addition to strengthening the immune system which will protect the body against atmospheric impurities.

How Do You Use It Effectively?

If you’re looking to boost your immunity naturally, simply use a teaspoon of coconut oil a day.

As Cooking Oil: Use a teaspoon of coconut oil for cooking purposes which would help to curb fatigue and muscle pain with regular usage. You can stir it in coffee to make bulletproof coffee or you can even use it in any of your dishes like oatmeal, soups, smoothies, stews, or even make dessert and cook your veggies in it. If the taste is an issue, you can also use coconut butter which retains all the fiber naturally found in coconut, along with some of the oil.
For Skincare: We absorb everything we put on our skin directly into the bloodstream, within minutes of contact. Try mixing it in your moisturizer as this shall help you build a shield against viruses and bacteria. This can help you protect your skin just like internal organs when it comes to fighting off immunity invaders. Women can also use it as make up removers to keep the skin glowing and healthy.

Remember, though coconut oil has many benefits, it is not a cure for any illness. One needs to have a balanced diet, exercise well, stay hydrated, sleep well and stay stress-free to live a healthy life. That being said, if you are already taking a healthy balanced diet and want an extra boost, try to add some superfoods in your diet, including coconut oil and garlic, which also has immunity-boosting properties. Avoid refined coconut oils and go with extra-virgin and organic for the best quality.

For more tips on boosting immunity and immunity-boosting foods, tune in to GOQii Play. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Stay home, stay safe and #BeTheForce!

April 15, 2020 By Mamta Joshi 2 Comments

Practice Yoga Indoors For Good Health During The Lockdown

With gyms, parks and usual outdoor workout spots in lockdown, it is difficult for a person to even get as much as a morning walk. So how does one meet their daily physical requirement? The best way is to do whatever workout you can do indoors. Additionally, one of the best things you can do is practice yoga indoors! Let’s look at how you can start.

7 Basic Yoga Poses You Can Do Indoors

1. Tadasana or Mountain Pose

Stand tall with feet about 10cm apart and hands on the hips
Raise arms over head and interlock the fingers. Place hands on top of the head.
Look upwards and fix the eyes at one point.
Inhale, stretch the arms with palms facing upward.
Raise the heels coming up on the toes.
Hold the pose for a few seconds.
Exhale, lower the heels and bring the hands to the top of the head.
Practice six rounds.

2. Twisting Cobra Pose or Tiryaka Bhujangasana
Twisting cobra pose makes the spine flexible and strong. It improves lung capacity, tones the abdominal muscles and improves digestion.

Lie flat on the stomach with the legs straight and feet apart.
Place the palms flat on the floor slightly below the shoulder.
Rest the forehead on the floor.
Slowly raise the head, neck and shoulder.
Straightening the elbow, raise the trunk as high as possible.
Look over the left shoulder and gaze at the heel of the right foot.
Stay for a few seconds in this pose.
Face forward again and repeat the twist on the other side without lowering the trunk.
Repeat all steps six times

3. Fish Pose or Matsyasana
Fish pose opens up and stretches the chest and the diaphragm. It’s a great way to beat stress.

Lie down on your back with legs straight. Hands beside the body. Palm facing down on the floor.
Take the hands underneath the hip and press elbows on the floor.
Lift the back and head.
Bend the head down, arch back to bring the crown on floor.
Raise the chin as high as possible and push the chest upward.
Hold this position for a few seconds.
Repeat three times.

4. Seated Forward Bend Pose or Paschimottanasana
Seated forward bend pose helps to calm the brain and relieve stress. It also soothes headache, anxiety and relieves fatigue.

Sit down with legs stretched out straight.
Raise both the hands upwards and place the palms together.
Bend slowly and touch the feet.
Gently bend the head downwards with face resting on legs and breathe slowly.
Repeat this up to 3 times and maintain the bend position longer after each round.

5. Wind Relieving Pose or Pawanmuktasana
Wind relieving pose helps in aiding digestion. It also helps in reducing belly fat and enhances blood circulation.

Lie down on the back with feet together and hands by the side of the thighs. Inhale and raise both the legs.
Exhale, hold the knee joints and bring the knees towards the chest.
Press the thighs on the abdomen with clasped hands.
Breathe in again. On exhalation, lift the head and chest upwards. Touch the knees to the chin or forehead.
Maintain the posture as long as possible. Repeat this for at least 6 times and each time increase the span of holding this position.

6. Child’s Pose or Balasana

Sit on your knees. Place your hands on the thighs and palms down.
Exhale slowly and bend forward, stretching your hands
Breathe gently. Hold the posture for 2 to 3 minutes or less as possible.
Repeat this up to 3 times maintaining the bend position slightly longer.

7. Cat-Cow Stretch Pose

Take the position of cat pose.
Lower your head and raise your back towards the ceiling.
Gently exhale and contract your abdomen. Hold the breath for 3 seconds.
Inhale while raising the head and bring your abdomen downwards.
Expand the abdomen fully and fill the lungs with the maximum amount of air.
Hold your breath for 3 seconds.
Exhale and repeat step 2 to complete one round. Repeat 3-5 rounds.

Practising simple yoga indoors can help you stay fit and healthy during this lockdown and well after it too. Do yoga preferably on an empty stomach or 3 hours post a meal. Practice these regularly to see an improvement in your health. Before you begin, do consult your doctor, physiotherapist or health expert especially if you have any health issues.

For more guidance into yoga, tune in to LIVE sessions by yoga specialists on GOQii Play. Do leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay safe, stay indoors 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