History is indelible, and 12 February 2025 marks the 78th Union Day of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Throughout Myanmar’s history, it was only under the reigns of Anawrahta, Bayintnaung, and Alaungpaya that we managed to chronicle the unity of all national brethren in the archive called history. On 12 February 1947, the endeavours of our national leader, General Aung San, and the martyrs – to put an end to the apartheid imposed by the British government between Upper and Lower Myanmar – were acknowledged. The Panglong Agreement was reached between the leaders representing Upper Myanmar and the government of Myanmar, led by General Aung San. This agreement was a prerequisite demanded by the British government for Myanmar to attain independence.
However, the stark reality is that, amid rising political conflicts, democratic decline, and violence, union solidarity is crumbling – and, we, the people of Myanmar, are witnessing it unfold before our eyes. The shared patriotic spirit within us will certainly condemn any act that threatens to divide the union. On our journey to pave the way for Federal Democracy, we cannot lose sight of our ultimate goal – that is, to safeguard the perpetual peace and unity of Myanmar.
“Unity is strength.” As the motto goes, we cannot let differing political views divide us, or else every inch of our concerted effort in building this nation will be in vain. If we wish to harness the collective strength of our national brethren, restoring consensus, harmony, and solidarity among diverse ethnic groups is inevitable. This, undoubtedly, is not beyond our capabilities. By promoting understanding and fostering compassion, we will not only create a harmonious and inclusive society, but we will also strengthen the union spirit among us.
Furthermore, we must keep in mind that foreign interference – one of the root causes propelling Myanmar towards political unrest – is our shared adversary. Myanmar’s geographical location serves as a strategic point for warfare and economic advantage for some powerful nations seeking global dominance. Exploiting insurrections, political chaos, and Ethnic Armed Organizations (EAOs) in Myanmar, these external forces trample upon and sacrifice the people of Myanmar for their own gain. Therefore, any form of foreign intervention or encroachment in Myanmar’s internal affairs is reprehensible. Together, we serve as sentinels, watching for any potential threats that may befall our motherland. It is our shared duty to keep the sovereignty of Myanmar in safe custody.
Myanmar, with its seven states and seven regions, has been passed down to us by our ancestors, and we are duty-bound to preserve the union territory they have entrusted us with. This is why we must join hands in harmony with one another and repel any kind of external interference. Let us remember that it is we and we alone – with compassion and understanding – who can steadfastly keep union solidarity intact and ensure peace and stability within the state.
To conclude, I proudly hail the 78th Union Day by chanting the motto:
“United in heart and soul, marching towards the Union’s goal.”

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Common drugs taken by up to 10million Americans for anxiety and high blood pressure may lower the risk of stroke in some at-risk people, a study suggests. 

Propranolol, a type of drug known as a 'beta blocker' which dampens the effects of adrenaline, reduced the risk of stroke by up to 50 percent in women with chronic migraines.

Researchers from Vanderbilt University combed through more than 3million medical records and found while the drug made a notable difference for women, there was no effect in men with migraines. 

Scientists believe migraines lead to spasms in the brain's arteries and, over time, these block blood flow to the brain, increasing the risk of blood clots and strokes.

It's thought propranolol prevents blood vessels from dilating and causing spasms.

The findings, therefore, suggest using propranolol, which costs less than a dollar per pill, to treat migraine in women may lower their risk of stroke.

Stroke is one of America's leading causes of death, striking 800,000 Americans each year, or one every 40 seconds. About 160,000 people die from a stroke every year. 

Dr Mulubrhan Mogos, lead study author and assistant professor at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, said: 'Migraine is an often-ignored risk factor for cardiovascular issues. Until recently, preventive treatments for people who have migraines were not available.' 

Dr Mogos continued: 'Many women suffer from migraines, and it’s important to note that propranolol may be beneficial for these women... This is an important discovery for those dealing with migraines.' 

About 28million adult women in the US - one in six  - are thought to deal with regular migraines. 

Propranolol is a beta blocker, a type of drug typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure and irregular heart rhythms. 

It has also been shown to stop the effects of anxiety, such as shaky hands and a wobbly voice, which is why doctors also prescribe it for performance anxiety.  

It works by relaxing blood vessels and slowing heart rate, which improves blood flow and lowers blood pressure. 

This allows blood to flow to the brain more easily, preventing clots and strokes.  

In the new study, which will be presented at the upcoming International Stroke Conference next week, researchers reviewed 3million electronic health records spanning 15 years from two large databases.

The study included men and women with migraine who were divided into two groups: those who had suffered a stroke after their first migraine and those who did not have a stroke.

The team then looked at if the patients were treated with propranolol for migraine. 

The team found propranolol lowered the risk of ischemic stroke in women with migraine by 52 percent in one analysis and 39 percent in the other.

However, the medication made no difference for men. 

There are multiple types of stroke, but the most common is ischemic stroke, which occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery in the brain, cutting off blood supply and depriving brain cells of oxygen, causing them to die. 

The team said it's possible no effect was seen in men because migraine has been more closely associated with stroke in women than men, though the exact mechanism for the difference is unclear. 

Women are between two to four times more likely than men to have migraine. One 2023 study found 43 percent of women and 18 percent of men have had at least one. 

The researchers said propranolol's low cost - around $10 to $20 for a month's supply - could provide a more accessible solution for treating migraines and, in the long term, stroke.

Dr Mogos said: 'Our findings indicate that women and health care professionals should discuss the advantages of preventive migraine interventions. 

'For under-resourced individuals who bear a greater burden from this condition and may lack access to new treatments, we must ensure these treatments are available to them. This approach can help reduce health disparities.'

The study findings could be significant given the number of people, especially young people, having strokes has surged in the last several years.

There has been about an eight percent increase overall in strokes, with a 15 percent increase in people 18 to 44 years old.  

While propranolol may prevent strokes, additional research suggests other common medications like blood thinners, anti-psychotics, and opioids could increase the risk of stroke. 

Anti-psychotic medications like clozapine and haloperidol, taken by 3.8million adults in the US, have been shown to cause weight gain, which in turn can raise blood pressure and lead to the narrowing of arteries, increasing stroke risk. 

Additionally, blood thinners like warfarin - taken by 8million Americans - reduce the blood's ability to clot. However, blood being too thin can lead to hemorrhages in the brain, another form of stroke. 

Source: Myawady Web Portal

As I am a master student attending the Yangon University of Foreign Languages, I always find myself confined to the classroom on week days. But, last Monday, a cultural show was staged at the university. So, the class was dismissed earlier. When I arrived at the gate of the university, it was just 1 p.m. I decided to wend my way to Inya Lake, on whose bunds I had not set my foot for some days.   

The vehicles coming from the direction of Hledan was held up by the traffic light. So, I crossed University Avenue hurriedly and turned into Inya Road. I saw the Inya Hostel on the left and tall shady trees on the right. Many vehicles of different sizes, shapes and colours are streaming along the road. As I walked along the road with the brisk steps, I came to the western bund of Inya Lake after twenty minutes. I found a row of stalls along the bank selling various snacks. Opposite it, I found “Minlam” Monhti (Rakhine traditional rice vermicelli ) stall packed with the customers .To my joy , the immediate environs of the Lake was so pleasant .Ornament coconut palms were standing on either side of the concrete foot-path at the foot of the western bund. Near them were the plants with the colourful flowers. When I walked along the footpath beside the green grass. I felt that the atmosphere was laden with the sweet fragrance of the flowers. The butterflies were flitting to and fro among the flowers and the plants. Suddenly, I heard some calls of a cuckoo from afar. There were many trees near the car parking.

These green trees afforded a welcome shade for the visitors. Along the bund were the roofed benches built with the sponsorship of a company. Some youths who seemed university students were sitting relaxingly on them. When I threw my look towards the vast extent of the water, I saw some ripples rising on the surface. Some birds were riding on the water. Some were wheeling about in the sky. Some were swooping down upon the fish bobbing up to the surface of water. I espied the University Boat Club established in the 1920s, which stood on the headland jutting out into the lake. When I looked eastwards across the lake, I sighted some skyscrapers against the skyline.

While gazing at the wooded island on the water surface, I thought of the history of the lake. It was formerly called “Kamarwat” in Mon meaning "Lake of Jewel". The village near it was named “Kamaryut” after it. It developed gradually to a town in subsequent times. In ancient times, the lake was connected with Hlaing River by a creek. So it was affected by tide. However, when it came to 1882, the British built Pyay Road  by damming this lake with embankments . Since then, it turned into a land-locked lake .It is said that before the British occupied Myanmar , it was called “Kokaing Lake” after the  village near it .When Myanmar fell into the hand of the British, its name was changed into “Victoria Lake” after their queen. Only after Myanmar had restored her independence, it was called  “Inya Lake” .It is  learnt that there was a British military camp some distance on the south of it during the Second World War , where some Japanese war prisoners were kept .Today, there are embassies, diplomatic residences, well-known politicians' residences, monastery along the bank of  the south. There are wooded islets huddling together in the south-eastern corner of the lake. While thinking of the history of Inya Lake and its well-known places, I got down the bund and took a bus to Kabar Aye, where my house was Located.       

In conclusion, Inya Lake is a large body. So it can help regulate the climate. Besides, greening and beauty of its environment can make the visitors fresh, happy and free from the anxieties. So it can serve them as a good place of recreation and relaxation. Therefore, I think that it is necessary to conserve this lake in pristine purity. Anyho, my visit to Inya Lake that day was indeed an exhilarating one for me.