Frankfurt, Germany; Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Helsinki, Finland; Berlin, Germany; Stockholm, Sweden; Fukuoka, Japan; and Geneva, Switzerland. The people of the United States were the unhappiest in 50 years, according to the mid-2020 study by NORC at the University of Chicago.

Cities in the United States

The ten healthiest cities in the U.S. according to the Mindbody + Class Pass Annual Wellness Index, in this order: San Francisco, not the safest but ranked the healthiest; Miami, Florida; San Diego, CA; Atlanta, GA; Chicago (the murder capital?), Illinois; Albuquerque, NM; Los Angeles, CA, (despite air pollution?); New York, NY; Oakland, CA; and Tampa, FL.

And finally, I challenge all of you and your loved ones to enjoy life and be the healthiest and happiest possible!

Erythritol danger?

A new study revealed erythritol, a sugar alcohol used in artificial sweeteners, can increase the risk for blood clot formation, heart attack, and stroke, and result in digestive disorders. A few of the sugar substitutes that contain erythritol are Stevia, Truvia, Splenda Monk Fruit in packets, jar or pouch, Splenda Stevia packets, Splenda Magic Baker, Splenda Coffee Creamer, Trim Healthy Mama Sweet Blend, and Zsweet and Swerve (France). Pure 100 percent Monk Fruit does not contain erythritol.

Erythritol is a type of carbohydrate also known as polyol, with zero calorie. This was approved by the WHO in 1999 as a sugar substitute. It has only 6 percent calories of sugar but 70 percent (200-400 times) of the sweetness. When ingested, erythritol goes to the blood stream; only 10 percent goes to the colon (where it could cause inflammation and digestive problems), and about 90 percent is excreted in the urine. The tested safety of erythritol was the reason it was recommended for diabetics since it also does not affect blood sugar or insulin.

However, this new small-scale and limited study recently put the spotlight on erythritol and its safety, per CNN. A Small amount (adding it to coffee, etc.) like a couple of packets a day is deemed safe from the reported risks listed above. The benefits from erythritol are the following: has antioxidant properties that protect against blood vessel damage and heart attack caused by high blood sugar level among diabetics; Erythritol also suppresses the growth of bacteria in the mouth, like Xylitol (in toothpaste/mouth wash) does, reducing plaque and cavities.

The study is too small to be valid. Large multi-nation clinical research is needed to provide convincing scientific evidence-based data before the verdict becomes a valid part of the standard of care.

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The main objective of this column is to educate and inspire people live a healthier lifestyle to prevent illnesses and disabilities and achieve a happier and more productive life. Any diagnosis, recommendation or treatment in our article are general medical information and not intended to be applicable or appropriate for anyone. This column is not a substitute for your physician, who knows your condition well and who is your best ally when it comes to your health.

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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. He was a recipient of the Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award in 1995. Other Sagamore past awardees include President Harry Truman, President George HW Bush, Muhammad Ali, and Astronaut Gus Grissom (Wikipedia). Websites: FUN8888.com, Today.SPSAtoday.com, and philipSchua.com; Email: scalpelpen@gmail.com.

This is apparently the reason why the current batch of hosts has declined to grant any interviews so as not to preempt the program’s official announcement. Allan K, for instance, is consistent with his evasive yet polite refusal to volunteer any comments, “Huwag muna.”

The following are basic random questions that any curious, loyal EB viewer wants answered.

First on the list is what happens to the comedic trio of TVJ (Tito, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon)? Will they still be retained under the Jalosjos management? Or will they head towards the direction of Tony Tuviera, reportedly to Net25?

In the event that the TVJ trio gets eased out, is it true that Jose Manalo, Wally Bayola and Allan K automatically take their place to give the show a younger look? If this is the premise, where does this leave Paolo Ballesteros of JoWaPao fame?

Is there also truth to the buzz that Alden Richards — only when his work sched will permit him — will be positioned as the program’s “poste” or pillar? And what

Maine’s supporters, on the other hand, are less worried for their idol since word has it that she’ll be preoccupied with prepping up for her wedding to Quezon City First District Congressman Arjo Atayde, which is happening anytime soon.

There’s also less tension among the fans of Maja Salvador — in case she’s among the outgoing hosts — who’s also getting hitched with Rambo Nuñez.

Manning a thriving, stable food business with wife Judy Ann Santos, Ryan Agoncillo shouldn’t likewise feel worried about his finances getting affected.

With the exodus of the oldtimers, there are persistent talks that a number of GMA’s Sparkle artists are coming into the fray. Reportedly, this is the result of the meeting between the senior Jalosjos and the GMA executives led by Johnny Manahan.

With no final list of network artists yet, the idea is to infuse fresh faces in EB to attract more millennial audience.

At present, EB is under the helm of Louie Ignacio. There’s a likely chance that Louie will still direct the

And since he’s reportedly close to the Jalosjos family, are we to see Kim Atienza join the wacky gang? If confirmed, is Kuya Kim willing to give up his stint on “TikToClock,” EB’s pre-programming?

Also, how true are reports that already retired Malou Choa-Fagar (then-SVP for finance) is being wooed to rejoin EB? If so, won’t there be any duplication of functions since Romeo’s son Jon-jon is the company’s treasurer?

Lastly, doesn’t the TVJ trio deserve to get paid their retirement benefits?

Albeit network or contractual talents are not generally covered by existing labor laws, are they not entitled at least to severance pay most especially for all the struggles they had to endure during EB’s fledgling years?

More than 43 years of hosting is just as long as any senior employee’s stint with any company. Pa-konsuwelo, to use a better term even if they don’t need it at all.

While all these questions beg for answers, we can only ascertain what will surely disappear co-terminus with TVJ: the program title by Joey de Leon and the EB anthem by Bossing Vic.

Yes, Eat Bulaga — as we’ve all known it — will never be the same again. g

Gabriel to visit Philippines

By evangeline valdeRRama Inquirer.net

REIGNING Miss Universe R’Bonney

Gabriel of the United States will be visiting the Philippines in May due to a “huge event” of the Miss Universe Organization. Gabriel, who is half-Filipino courtesy of her father who was born and raised in