City of Las Vegas offers free spring concerts in the park

First concert set on Feb. 18 in the historic Westside Legacy Park

MYTHS abouts food, other matters, fake news, and other mis- and disinformation abound in social media. What a waste of a wonderful, valuable technological advance in communication! In this column today, we shall debunk 12 common myths about food and diet.

1. Eating out is healthier

Unless you are a lousy cook or have poor choice of food items, home cooked food items could certainly be a lot healthier than restaurant food. The quality and quantity of ingredients are under your total control.

2. Fasting is good

Occasional fasting, within reason, is fine, but eating small, portioned quantity more than the usual 3 times a day, even up to 8 times a day, can be healthier as far as having a more even keel in blood glucose level (less fluctuation), so long as you eat within your normal total calories a day. Dividing the total calorie intake into several times a day is healthier than fasting or missing a meal or two a day. The less blood glucose fluctuation the better.

3. Eating healthy is costly

This is false. If one eats less red meat, which is healthier (it even lowers your risk of getting cardiovascular disease and cancer), the grocery bills would be leaner. Some frozen food items are cheaper than fresh ones. Eating fish and vegetables, combined with regular physical exercise could even make one look and feel younger, and improve longevity.

4. Fat-free and low-fat are healthy

Low-fat and fat-free diets were popular in the 80s and 90s, but fat protects our organs, absorbs essential vitamins, supports our cell membrane and promotes growth and development. Not all fats are the same. Saturated and trans fats in fatty red meats and high-fat dairy products are unhealthy. Unsaturated fats from olive and canola oil, avocados and nuts provide healthy fats.

5. All big fishes are safe to consume Big fishes, like albacore tuna, shark, orange roughy, southern bluefin tuna, ray, swordfish, barrasmundi, marlin, king mackerel and gemfish have high mercury content. Regular mackerel, salmon, canned yellowfin and regular small tuna, are safe. Unlike eating red meat that increases the risk for cardiovascular diseases and cancer, consuming fish five or more times a week helps boost the immune system, improves brain health, prevents blood clots, and reduces the risk for heart attack, stroke and cancer.

6. Unrefined sugars are healthier

A popular myth is that unrefined sugar, like raw sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar and honey, provides lesser calories. All sugars, except artificial sweeteners, are sugars and carbohydrates, with high calories and fattening. The calories from consuming unrefined sugars should be counted accordingly, especially among diabetics or those trying to lose weight.

7. Processed foods are safe

While it is commonplace to see people all around us eat processed foods like hot dogs, bacon, ham, salami, sausages, processed veggies, etc., they increase the risk for the development of cancers, especially of the gastrointestinal tract, including pancreas and the colon. The risk is greater with meats grilled at high temperature, with burnt edges or surfaces. Eat fresh – it is healthier.

8. Detox pills are necessary

False! These pills or bowel cleaners (irrigation, enemas) could be dangerous to health. The best detox items are foods like vegetables, fish, nuts and fruits, which are all antioxidants and detoxifying agents via our liver, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys, which are our natural detoxifying organs, day in and day out, 24/7, cleansing our body of toxins and poisons. Eat a healthy diet, avoid processed foods and minimize fast food, drink a lot of water (not poisonous soft drinks) and exercise daily to rejuvenate yourself.

9. Drinking water after 8 PM is good

Not for seniors or anyone who do not want to wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom. Even those in their 80s and 90s could avoid or minimize getting up at 2 or 3 AM to empty their bladder if they refrain from drinking after 8 p.m. During the daytime, it is a good idea to drink a lot of water, at least eight glasses a day, to flush our kidneys, keep these “filters” healthy, and get rid of toxic waste through urination.

10. Soft drinks are better than water

Although soft drinks may contain some minerals, they are all (cola or uncola, diet or regular, caffeine-free or not) toxic to the body of adults, and more so to children. The phosphoric acid in them is only one scary chemical, which many use to clean car carburetors or flush a blocked toilet or kitchen drain. All soft drinks increase the risk for metabolic syndrome. They are indeed poison.

11. TV food ads are vetted

Not true. There is no government oversight that screens the ads on TV or other media. There are many claims about products that are not true. Unfortunately, manufacturers and vendors get away with them and ignorant consumers are the victims, and the perpetrators get richer in this trillion-dollar food industry. Caveat emptor (buyers beware)!

12. All veggies are good

In general, yes, they are superfoods, but not for people with arthritis, who should stay away from nightshade vegetables (Solanaceae), which include eggplant, tomatoes, potatoes, bell and cayenne peppers, paprika, etc. They contain toxic alkaloids that aggravate arthritis (neck, spine, hips, knees, etc.) Broccoli, kale, celery, asparagus, green beans, cauliflower, spinach, mushrooms, turnips, beets and bell peppers are the choice veggies for the general population.

Evidence-based scientific data show that eating red meat more than once a week is associated with higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, cancers, and a shorter longevity.

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The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of the Asian Journal, its management, editorial board and staff.

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Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS, a Cardiac Surgeon Emeritus based in Northwest Indiana and Las Vegas, Nevada, is an international medical lecturer/author, Health Advocate, newspaper columnist, and Chairman of the Filipino United Network-USA, a 501(c)3 humanitarian foundation in the United States. Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday. com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@ gmail.com.

THE city of Las Vegas is sponsoring seven free outdoor concerts this spring, featuring a variety of music and entertainers. The public is invited to enjoy these afternoon/evening performances

Feb. 18-May 6. Bring low-back chairs or blankets to be more comfortable. Refreshments will be available for purchase. For more information, visit www. ArtsLasVegas.org or call 702-229ARTS (2787).

Concert in the Park - Derek Dominique

Saturday, Feb. 18, 2-4 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Historic Westside Legacy Park, 1600 Mount Mariah Drive.

Composer/singer/songwriter

Derek Dominique accidentally ended up in Las Vegas by way of Houston. He has released new music, made some intriguing videos, written poetic tracks for other musicians, represented Las Vegas in a Super Bowl commercial, and scored a 2021 film soundtrack on Netflix. Listen to some of his music here. The Historic Westside Legacy Park is a partnership involving the city of Las Vegas and Clark County.

Concert in the Park - Kiara Musik

Saturday, March 18, 2-4 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Historic Westside Legacy Park, 1600 Mount Mariah Drive.

Kiara is a singer, composer and producer who has been performing since she was 10 years old. She has performed in musical theater productions at venues such as The Smith Center of Performing Arts and also has done solo performances all over America, accompanying herself on piano or guitar. Kiara was featured on season 17 of “The Voice,” where she was coached by Gwen Stefani and Kelly Clarkson, finishing in the top 32. She has written songs that have reached millions of viewers on TV shows, such as “Love Island,” “The Today Show” and “The Voice.” Kiara loves to share her art with the world and hopes to provide a fun and memorable experience for all who are watching. The Historic Westside Legacy Park is a partnership involving the city of Las Vegas and Clark County.

Concert in the Park - Broadway to Vegas

Saturday, March 25, 7-9 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Bruce Trent Park, 8851 Vegas

Drive.

Broadway to Vegas is a musical tribute to some of the most iconic songs ever performed on the Broadway stage. Backed by a rocking live band and six singers whose combined professional experiences span television, film, the Broadway stage (including two Tony nominees!), major cruise lines, national and International touring shows, various headliners, and some of the biggest local and professional shows in Las Vegas, “Broadway to Vegas” is a classy, high-energy show that is sure to delight audiences of all ages!

Concert in the Park - Rita Lim

Saturday, April 1, 7-9 p.m.

Free and open to the public.

Bob Baskin Park, 2801 W. Oakey Blvd.

From Los Angeles, California, jazz vocalist Rita Lim has honed her talents singing with some of the top bands and musicians in the country. Both of her musical tribute shows featuring the music of Sade and the music of The Carpenters have sold out at top venues in Las Vegas, and she has garnered recurring engagements at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Italian American Club restaurant, South Point Hotel & Casino, Sam’s Town Hotel & Casino, Tuscany Hotel & Casino, and the Suncoast Hotel & Casino. Lim released her first album, “The Secret of Life,” in 2012, which was received with acclaim in the United States as well as in Asian countries. Her version of “I Will” is a bestseller in Japan.

Concert in the Park - Las Vegas Percussion Collective

Saturday, April 8, 7-9 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Centennial Hills Park Amphitheater, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive at Deer Springs Way

The Las Vegas Percussion Collective features four of Las Vegas’ premier percussionists who collectively have played in many of the major productions on the Las Vegas Strip over the past decade. Led by Alex Stopa, the group brings percussion instruments to the forefront, performing music that highlights the versatility and musicality of the percussion family. The Las Vegas Percussion Collective features a wide range of percussion instruments including marimba, vibraphone, glockenspiel, drums, percussion of the symphony orchestra, and lesser known ethnic percussion instruments. This performance will showcase a wide range of musical styles and influences by composers from Japan, Latin America, Europe, Australia and the United States.

Concert in the Park - Raow Raow Earth Day Block Party

Saturday, April 22, 2-6 p.m. Free and open to the public.

Third Street Promenade; on Third Street from Hoover to Gass avenues in downtown Las Vegas. Celebrate Earth Day with Raow Raow Collective at the Third Street Promenade, featuring live musical performances, DJs, a drum circle, native and African dancing, and live art. Enjoy the custom bicycle show from Crank N Grind & Artistic Armory, with a photo booth by The Jungle LV, and a selfie zone with artist Jef Logan’s Mother Earth exhibit. Attendees also will enjoy tree and plant giveaways by Nevada Plants and visual art on display, all while feasting on refreshments from Tacos la Estancia and Patty Raspado.

Concert in the Skate Parkwith Death Drop Roller Skate Shop and Asteroid M Records

Saturday, May 6, 4-9 p.m. Free and open to the public. Garehime Heights Skate Park, 3901 N. Campbell Road. Calling all skaters and music fans! This concert in the skate park will feature musical guests from Asteroid M Records, food trucks and vendors. Come prepared to participate in quad and inline skating competitions with top-tier prizes from Death Drop Roller Skate Shop. Skate until the sun goes down and the lights come up for our night skate and jam session. Bring your friends and family to rock and roller skate!