A pill that mimics the effect of a gastric bypass has been touted as the latest weight loss miracle – and may even be more effective than fat jabs in the long term. 

The capsules produce a temporary coating in the gut that prevents food from being absorbed, forcing it into the lower intestine and triggering hormones that make you feel full. 

Its manufacturers say it may have advantages over weight-loss injections such as Ozempic and Mounjaro, including having fewer side effects and being easier to take. 

It is also far safer and less invasive than actual gastric bypass surgery. 

Rahul Dhanda, chief executive of Syntis Bio, makers of the pill, said: The problem is [fat jabs] are not very tolerable and patients want to come off them. 

By binding to the mucous membrane lining of the duodenum - the top of the intestine near the stomach - the pills create a barrier that stops calories being absorbed. 

It forces food directly into the lower part of the digestive system, the pills set off a ‘cascade’ of hormones including GLP-1, the same chemical mimicked by semaglutide jab Wegovy. 

It also causes the body to stop producing ghrelin, which makes you feel hungry, and start producing leptin, which makes you feel satisfied. 

The person taking the pill feels full more quickly and stops eating. 

The coating created by the pill sheds naturally after about 24 hours, leaving no trace.

The effect is similar to gastric bypass, in which surgeons make the stomach smaller and shorten the small intestine, changing how the body absorbs food and leaving people feeling fuller after eating less. 

In rats, the drug caused the animals to lose 1 percent of their bodyweight per week while preserving 100 percent of their lean muscle mass. 

Trials in humans have not studied weight loss but found the pills cause no harmful side effects. 

If they prove effective in further trials, the pills could help patients maintain a healthy weight after intensive weightloss with jabs, or replace the injections entirely. 

Dr Louis Aronne of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City told the conference that a ‘golden age’ of treatment had begun with these new drugs. 

Mail Online

“World Meditation Day” is observed on 21 December each year, a date declared by the United Nations Assembly to promote awareness of meditation and its benefits for mental and physical well-being.

Since my life of public service as an editor to chief editor, I learned and practised daily with the insight meditation of the Theravada Buddhism because of knowing how to escape from suffering, old age, sickness and death. (Anicca= အနိစ္စ “Anatta”= အနတ္တ I often went to the insight-meditation centre of “Ledi Sayadaw”, “Mogok Sayadaw”, “Mahasi Sayadaw” and “Sayagyi U Ba Khin” in Yangon.

Theravada Buddhism teaches two kinds of Meditation:

(1) Samatha-bhavana(သမထဘာ၀နာ) = Concentration Meditation

(2) Vipassana-bhavana (ဝိပဿနာဘာဝနာ) = Insight Meditation

Samatha-bharvana aims at gaining concentration or one-pointedness of Mind, and Vippasana-bhavana enables the practitioner to purify their Minds and acquire an insight into the real nature of all phenomena.

Technically speaking, concentration is the basis of insight. It is developed by fixing one’s mind on a chaser object, say, a Buddha image, candlelight, a circular disc pointed in a particular colour or on breathing. Buddhist commentaries elaborate on forty varieties of such meditation objects, but the list may be extended indefinitely.

Insight meditation, on the other hand, is practised through the application of one’s mind to the nature of things to be constantly mindful of one’s physical and mental activities, so one may be able to penetrate deeply into the real nature of existence and do away with own mental impurities. In short, insight meditation is the direct purification method to cleanse one’s mind of evils.

Both concentration and insight meditation can be developed side by side, and the development of one helps in the cultivation of the other. But ultimately, it is only insight meditation that, when perfected, leads man to the highest wisdom and cleanses his mind of all impurities, once and for all.

Both kinds of meditation can be practised and applied in our daily lives. Both are of immense benefit to traction. Of all the many aspects of the Buddhist religion, meditation occupies a very important place of interest, especially in the west countries. In several Asian nations, like Myanmar, Japan, Thailand and Sri Lanka, where Buddhism is still very much a living force, it enjoys a long and uninterrupted tradition, receiving in more recent years even wider recognition among the populace.

As science and technology become increasingly developed, people have more and more cause to realize the relevance and significance of Buddhist meditation to life.

Meditation is a means of mental development. In Buddhism, the mind is the most important component of the entire human entity. Meditation is the training of the mind, and because the mind is the most important factor that manipulates and controls our actions and speech, the practice of meditation can bring infinite benefits to us in life. Below are the best advantages of meditation:

(1) Meditation helps to calm the mind and get it better organized.

(2) Meditation strengthens our willpower and enables us to face all problems

and difficulties with confidence.

(3) Meditation makes us think positively.

(4) It improves our efficiency at work by helping us to concentrate better and by sharpening our mental faculties.

(5) It frees us from worries, restless ness, etc.

(6) Meditation increases our mental health and therefore has a positive effect, to a large extent, on our physical health.

(7) It cleanses our mind of defilements.

(Kilesa = ကိလေသာ)

Let me roughly describe the “Defilement” as follows, according to the noble Theravada Buddhism.

The “Defilement” means mind-defiling factor, impurity. There are ten kinds of mind-defiling factors have been enumerated as:

(a) Greed (Lobha = ‌လောဘ = လိုချင်တက်မက်ခြင်း)

(b) Hatred (Dosa = ဒေါသ = အမျက်ထွက်ခြင်း)

(c) Bewildment (Moha = မောဟ = တွေဝေခြင်း)

(d) Conceit (Mona = မာန = ထောင်လွှားခြင်း)

(e) Doubt (Vicikiecha = ဝိစိကိစ္ဆာ= ယုံမှားခြင်း၊ မဆုံးဖြတ်ခြင်ခြင်း)

(f) Mental Torpor = (Htina =ထိန = ထိုင်းမှိုင်းခြင်း)

(g) Restlessness = (Uddhacc = ဥဒ္ဒစ္စ = မတည်ငြိမ်ခြင်း၊ ပျံ့လွင့်ခြင်း)

(h) Shamelessness = (To do evil = အဟိရိက = Aheika= မကောင်းမပြုလုပ်ရမည်ကိုမရှက်ခြင်း)

(i) Not fearing to evil = (Anottappa = မကောင်းမပြုရမည်ကိုမကြောက်မ့ခြင်း)

Because of attaching firmly, the “Defilement” (Kilasa = ကိလေသာ) men and women cannot escape from “suffering” (ဒုက္ခ) or Sansayar (သံသရာ) or life=circle (ဘဝသံသရာ).

 (8) Meditation creates in us virtuous qualities like kindness, inner peace, humbleness (as opposed to arrogance), a realistic attitude toward life, and prevents us from being influenced by such elements as passion, selfishness, hatred, jealousy or greed.

(9) An untrained person is often dominated by delusion (Avijja) and his own preconceptions, which prevent him from having proper insight into reality. Meditation helps to remove such disadvantages. Meditation should, however, be borne in mind that the degree of benefits a man can derive from such practice depends entirely on the degree of achievement he makes and on how far he can apply meditation to real life. Several factors are important for the success of the practice, for example, a proper atmosphere.

Spiritual preparedness, proper frame of mind, self-confidence, frequency and regularity in practice, and so on.

Mind fullness according to the discourse, four objects may be taken for the practice namely “Body”, “Sensation”, “Mind” and “Mental Objects” (1. Body = Insight Meditation of Body = ကာယာနုပဿနာသတိပဌာန်) (2. Sensation = Insight Meditation of Venda = ဝေဒနာနုပဿနာသတိပဌာန်) (3. Mind = Insight Meditation of Citta = စိနုပဿနာသတိပဌာန်) (4. Mental Objects = Insight Meditation of Dhamma = ဓမ္မာနုပဿနာသတိပဌာန်). Mindfulness is the key insight of meditation. When practising this type of meditation, one should endeavour to be mindful at all times of one’s activities, mental and physical. Mindfulness should be developed to such an extent that it becomes natural and automatic. When that stage is reached, one can be said to dwell constantly in mindfulness. This is the way to spiritual purification.

Because of regularly practising insight meditation. I often get many good advantages for my life. For example, I fell seriously with a disease called prostate cancer and heart disease, near death, three years ago. However, I fortunately recovered from chronic sickness on account of the good medical treatment and insight meditation. Now I serve daily as a member of the Eaindawya Pagoda trustee as a retired person. Besides with help of guidance from the famous experienced monks of insight meditation, I can explain a conversational demonstration in insight meditation, which is always held every Sunday evening at the Eaindawya Pagoda, Yangon. The Theravada Buddhists always believe in the method of liberation from desire. (Sufferings)

References:

 (1) The Buddhamama Meditation Centre by Sayadaw Dr Phra Sunthorn Plaminsr, USA

(2) Dictionary of Buddhist Terms (Religious Affairs, Yangon, Myanmar)

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Western rowing as a sport traces its origins back to ancient Egypt and Rome, where boats were used for warfare, trade, and transportation. However, its evolution into the competitive sport we know today began in England during the 17th and 18th centuries. On the River Thames in London, races between watermen and boatmen emerged, drawing public spectators and sparking betting. The Doggett’s Coat and Badge race, first held in 1715, is recorded as the earliest formal rowing competition in the West, marking the sport’s official beginnings.
By the 19th century, rowing had become more structured and gained widespread popularity. The annual race between Oxford and Cambridge universities, starting in 1829, brought global attention to the sport. These events elevated rowing to a prestigious activity, leading to the formation of clubs and associations, particularly in Europe and America. Rowing was included in the modern Olympics in 1896, further solidifying its global appeal and establishing standardized regulations.
Western-style rowing was introduced to Myanmar during the British colonial period in the 19th century, primarily through the influence of British administrators, merchants, and missionaries. As Burma (as Myanmar was then known) became a key part of the British Empire after the annexation in 1826, Western recreational activities, including rowing, were brought to the colonial elite in cities like Rangoon (then Yangon). The British established social clubs and sporting facilities along the Yangon River and Inya Lake, where rowing boats were used for leisure and informal races, laying the groundwork for the sport’s entry into the country.
The sport initially remained exclusive to the colonial community and a small number of affluent locals who interacted with British circles. Rowing events were often organized as part of regattas hosted by clubs like the Rangoon Rowing Club, founded in the late 19th century, which catered to European expatriates. These gatherings mimicked the rowing culture of England, with races drawing spectators from the colonial elite. However, the sport’s reach was limited, as traditional Burmese boat racing, rooted in cultural festivals and royal traditions, dominated local water-based activities, overshadowing the Western version.
In the early 20th century, rowing began to gain a modest foothold among Myanmar’s emerging educated class, particularly through schools and universities influenced by British systems. Mission schools and institutions like Rangoon University introduced rowing as a competitive sport, though it remained a niche activity compared to soccer or athletics. After independence in 1948, Western rowing struggled to maintain prominence due to a focus on nation-building and limited resources for non-traditional sports. Despite this, small rowing clubs persisted in Yangon, and over time, the sport saw sporadic revival through international exchanges and regional competitions, though it never rivalled the cultural significance of Myanmar’s indigenous boat racing traditions.
In the early 1970s, Western-style rowing was introduced to Pathein College, taking root at the sprawling three-tiered lake, known as Kan Thone Sint, located in front of the college’s main building. This expansive body of water provided an ideal setting for the sport, and experienced faculty members, inspired by urban educational trends and possibly prior exposure to rowing in Yangon, initiated training sessions for students. Under their guidance, the sport began as a structured activity, fostering discipline and teamwork, though it remained a modest endeavour within the college’s extracurricular landscape.
In my second year at Pathein College, I became a member of the rowing team, a vibrant group led by our chairman, U Minn Than Thaung, the head of the Physics Department. In the photograph, he’s the one seated on the pontoon beside the rowers, dressed in civilian clothes and wearing glasses. The team in the boat included U Soe Myint as coxswain, U Tun Hyke at a stroke, followed by U Thein Win, and U Thet Oo behind him. Standing at the back were our female team members, all dedicated tutors, though I only clearly recall Daw Cherry on the far right. Under U Minn Than Thaung’s supervision, they were all training diligently at Kan Thone Sint Lake to guide and instruct student members like me, shaping us into a cohesive and disciplined team.
When I joined the rowing team, I quickly realized that Western-style rowing was far more challenging than I had imagined, a truth that dawned on me only as training progressed. We didn’t start on the boat right away. First came warm-up exercises, followed by practice on a stationary “fixed staff” boat on the shore. Here, we learned proper body posture: gripping the oar, securing our feet firmly in the footrest straps, and sliding smoothly on the movable seat beneath our hips. The technique involved pulling the oar with the forearms initially, drawing it toward the chest, and then locking the arms and oar in place while using leg power to push back. Next, we tilted our torsos slightly backwards, extended the oar forward, and simultaneously used leg strength to slide the seat forward again – all in a controlled, repetitive motion. The training wasn’t open-ended; with other trainees waiting, each of us got only about 15 minutes per session. If time allows, we could wait for another turn. Every minute was logged, and only after accumulating a set number of training hours were we permitted to step onto an actual boat.
Once four trainees completed their required time on the fixed staff, they were allowed to board a real boat, guided by an experienced coxswain, a skilled tutor. The first couple of days on the water were far from smooth, with beginners struggling to row in sync. From boarding to disembarking, the coxswain issued commands solely in English, such as “Stand by crew”, “Hands across”, “One foot in”, and “In together”, creating a disciplined rhythm. Initially, we practised the “touching” technique, where the oar lightly brushed the water’s surface during the recovery phase. As we grew more proficient, we advanced to “row”, a method where the oar cleared the water entirely during recovery, allowing the boat to glide swiftly. The command “Next stroke … Row” electrified us, igniting excitement among the rowers. Another thrilling order was “Harder,” used during races to push us to overtake rival boats with every ounce of strength, driving us to row with fierce determination.
Rowing on the water looks effortlessly stylish from the shore, with rowers in crisp white shirts, trousers, socks, and canvas shoes, powering a boat that glides rhythmically across the surface — an inspiring sight. Yet, during intense rowing, a single misstep can disrupt everything. If a rower mistimes the oar’s recovery and the blade catches the water awkwardly while the boat is moving, the oar’s handle can jam against them, halting their ability to continue. In a race, this almost guarantees a loss. The rower also risks injury from the sudden resistance. I’ve experienced this myself and seen it happen to others often, especially during the high-energy “Row” command when we’re rowing with full passion. Precision in our movement is critical; one person’s mistake can throw the entire boat into chaos.
Under the dedicated guidance of U Minn Than Thaung and the entire team of tutors and demonstrators, I mastered the art of Western-style rowing, a skill I cherish deeply. Their selfless commitment to teaching left an indelible mark on me, and even now, I remain profoundly grateful for their kindness. For someone like me, a farm-bred from the countryside, the idea of rowing in the Western style was beyond imagination — something I could hardly dream of achieving. Their patience and expertise transformed that distant possibility into reality, and I owe them an immense debt of gratitude for shaping my journey.
Attending Pathein College opened doors I never thought possible, and meeting these remarkable teachers was a turning point. Without spending a single kyat, I gained access to a valuable skill that enriched my life. The opportunity to learn rowing under their mentorship was not just an education but a rare privilege, one that bridged the gap between my humble roots and a world of new experiences. The discipline, teamwork, and confidence I developed through rowing remain with me, a testament to the transformative power of their instruction.
This experience was a once-in-a-lifetime chance, one I consider extraordinarily fortunate to have received. The tutors’ encouragement went beyond technique; they instilled a sense of pride and possibility in all of us. For a rural student like me, mastering such a sophisticated sport was a profound achievement, made possible only through the college’s environment and the generosity of teachers who believed in us. I carry the lessons from Kan Thone Sint Lake with me always, a reminder of how education and opportunity can change the course of a life.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

When I was young, I learned about liquor’s misdeeds from my parents, elders, and from books I read. I accumulated general knowledge, including the disadvantages of alcohol, through these sources. As I thought more about liquor, a series of thoughts came to my mind, and I ended up writing down everything that came to me.
It’s not necessarily a good thing that young people no longer frequent bars these days. The places where alcohol is served, such as restaurants and hotels, are not just places where anyone can sit and drink; it’s something that even those with decent finances have to think about. It’s the kind of place that only those who have the money to spend go to. So what I want to say is that due to the rising cost of goods, people may start avoiding bars and pubs.
There are some good aspects. Since drinkers can’t sit at a bar or have become unable to, they have controlled the cost of meals. However, they do not taste meals while drinking liquor. Although they do not sit at the bars to drink, bars are now popping up everywhere like mushrooms, so people still drink at home. However, it’s undeniable that the cost of meals to be eaten in the sapping bar has reduced significantly. While I’m not referring to every drinker, in general, the cost reduction for drinking has led many people to spend even more on alcohol. A good thing about the rising prices is that, when sitting at a bar, people tend to pay attention to their behaviour and become more careful not to cause trouble. So, they miss chances to commit quarrels. Bars are also less populated now, and it’s rare to find someone taking up a whole space along the route to their homes by themselves. People can only make noise at home, and they’re allowed to make only limited disturbances in the surrounding area.
Everybody knows alcohol is not good. No matter what people say, whether they quote any scriptures or say this or that, if you ask why alcohol is being produced, how would you answer? If someone asks why bars are being opened, questions will arise. If you talk about the beginning of things, like the first chicken egg or the hen, it won’t hurt anyone. But thinking about how alcohol, bars, liquor stores, and alcohol consumers could be discussed in a way that might affect or harm others, well… let’s just leave it at that.
From the beginning, I want to refer to the fact that young people drink alcohol, just like how it has been discussed before. I’ve encountered many alcohol users, but if we’re talking about my friend, there are those who drink while embracing life. Such situations are common. However, because they are just similar experiences, I don’t feel like talking about them. Nevertheless, I can’t stay silent anymore, and I want to speak up. This is not a created story, but a heartfelt experience. I want to talk about a dear friend I had the pleasure of knowing and share this with you.
Once upon a time, there were three friends, including me. Although we met and became close when we were over 30, we built a fraternity among us deeply, with mutual understanding and affection. It was unbelievable for all that to the extent that, when one of us started to speak, we all knew what would be said and how it would end. When one person looked at another, we could understand why they were looking, and what they wanted to say, without needing any explanation. We were so close that we understood each other without words.
When the time came, everyone went to their separate places, but they still kept in touch with each other, either through phone or letters. Two of them were in Yangon, and a Yangonite was in Mandalay. Back then, whenever someone arrived in Mandalay, they would greet each other just like before, with a warm welcome. Likewise, whenever someone from Mandalay came to Yangon, the remaining two would always arrange to meet up.
Out of these three, the character I’m about to talk about doesn’t even seem like someone who would drink alcohol, let alone be a heavy drinker. I think they would even walk down to the river and get called for it. They don’t seem to get drunk either. They can drink without even knowing how much they’ve had. Whether you call them a liquor lover, a drinker, an alcoholic, a heavy drinker, or even something more colourful, no matter how you address them, they would still act the same. That’s why I almost want to call them the king of alcohol.
In Mandalay, one person drinks when they encounter it. If they don’t encounter it, they search for it to drink. If they can live, they just live. Drinking when they encounter it means they never bear the full cost with their own money. They drink with others’ money. Drinking with others’ money has never been a burden, but his talk of boasting may be mounted like Mandalay Hill. Those who have fought with him over alcohol or beer have not only suffered but also had to pay the debts of their lifetime. At that time, his salary was at the scale of a deputy staff officer. Despite that, he still drank with others’ money.”
The other person is from Yangon. Until the age of thirty, he had never drunk alcohol, smoked cigarettes, chewed betel nuts, or had a romantic partner. He lived in a very disciplined way, but this kind of person tends to become an idiot in some way. This writer is someone who has written in their mind alone and thinks that no one else can match them. I am a civilian who has not yet married and works as a gazette officer, but his salary was not so low that you wouldn’t expect him to be able enough of himself. At that time, with the price of goods and the books he used, he was struggling to get by. He contributed his salary to his home and then asked for it back.
Among those three, the one with the best income is the alcohol king. He is a government employee and is also working a second job at a private business in the evenings, so he’s the busiest. However, when you look at him, he always seems to be in a dishevelled state. He’s constantly draining his money on alcohol. But no matter where you look, he never lets go of his cigarette.
Since the time the three friends first met, it’s been about fifteen years. During this period, the “alcohol king” has risen to one rank in his job. He has become quite skilled in his work and is very good at speaking to the point where others can be overwhelmed by his words. His ability to judge people is also quite impressive. Although he doesn’t have a degree and is a heavy drinker, his superiors promoted him to a higher position, so he was content with his job. He no longer expected further promotions. His income was steady, and as long as he could drink properly, he was satisfied.
What I mean is that the king of alcohol’s friend passed away in 2019. It is known to be from a liver disease. Before he passed, he had completely deteriorated. It’s quite sad. Unfortunately, I couldn’t attend the funeral due to various reasons. Before he passed, I heard news about him from his colleagues. He was constantly drunk and no longer thought about anything. Alcohol took over him, and the king of alcohol no longer had control over his life, ultimately leading to a drastic change in his life.
The big friend passed away with age and alcohol, and while reflecting on that, I thought about how in the old days, people used to write at the bottom of letters, like legal texts, that they didn’t want to publish. The wife of the big friend had already passed away for many years before the friend even passed. Now that she’s gone, only their little daughter remains in this world with a lack of chance to rely on her parents. The end of a family member is always saddening. But the friend just went where he needed to go. It’s nothing unusual. Just as he left in his own way, isn’t it true that those left behind will leave in their own ways too?
Currently, the two remaining friends have earned the positions they deserve in their respective professions and have reached their expected goals. However, it can be seen that the big friend with the nickname “the king of alcohol’ may still be wandering in the circle of life dubbed the Samsara in Pali aimlessly. Since the big friend would be alone, feeling bored, he might tell the remaining two friends to quickly follow him, perhaps to places with many people. In the past, he was luckier than the other two, so he might be holding a cigarette in his hand, still enjoying the alcohol he likes, without caring about anything.
Whatever it may be, alcohol has been killing most of the drinkers since its emergence. My friend lost his life at a workable age. It is believable that alcohol will continue to separate the bonds and affection between friends.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

Twenty-Seven Es for disease prevention and control activities are a set of essential strategies that focus on various aspects of public health interventions aimed at preventing and controlling diseases. While there may be variations in the lists of these 27 Es, they generally revolve around elements like education, environment, and engagement in health practices.
The 27 Es for disease prevention and control activities expand on the principles involved in managing public health issues. These ideologies cover a wide range of strategies, from education to environmental control. The following is an expanded list that reflects key actions for effective disease prevention and control:
1. Education – Raise awareness and educate communities about healthy practices and disease prevention.
2. Early Detection – Detect diseases early through screenings and monitoring to prevent further spread.
3. Environmental Health – Improve environmental conditions (clean water, sanitation) to reduce disease risk.
4. Empowerment – Empower individuals and communities with the tools and knowledge needed for self-care.
5. Epidemiology – Collect and analyze data on the spread and causes of diseases to guide prevention efforts.
6. Engagement – Engage communities in disease control measures through participation and collaboration.
7. Equity – Ensure equal access to health services, information, and resources for all groups.
8. Evidence-Based Practices – Use scientific research and data to develop effective disease prevention strategies.
9. Enforcement – Enforce laws and policies that protect public health (e.g., vaccination requirements).
10. Emergency Response – Prepare for and respond quickly to outbreaks, natural disasters, or health emergencies.
11. Evaluation – Continuously assess and evaluate the effectiveness of prevention programs and interventions.
12. Efficacy – Ensure that disease control measures are proven to be effective in reducing health risks.
13. Ecosystem Protection – Preserve and protect ecosystems, which contribute to overall human health.
14. Economic Support – Provide financial resources for public health initiatives to control and prevent disease.
15. Examination – Regular medical examinations to detect diseases early and prevent complications.
16. Aetiology – Study the causes and origins of diseases to better prevent and treat them.
17. Exclusion – Prevent the movement of infected individuals or contaminated goods to limit disease spread.
18. Ethical Practices – Maintain ethical standards in health interventions, respecting human rights and dignity.
19. Extrapolation – Apply lessons learned from one community or disease to other situations or regions.
20. Experience Sharing – Share successful disease control strategies and lessons learned from previous outbreaks.
21. Elimination – Work towards the complete obliteration of diseases in certain areas.
22. Enhancement – Enhance health systems with better resources, training, and infrastructure for disease control.
23. Evaluation of Interventions – Continuously monitor and adjust disease prevention strategies to ensure their effectiveness.
24. Emergency Preparedness – Develop and implement plans to address and mitigate public health emergencies.
25. Epidemic Control – Use effective strategies to contain and control epidemics quickly, minimizing damage.
26. Eradication – Actively works to completely abolish certain diseases from the population (e.g., smallpox).
27. Evaluation of Outcomes – Measure and assess the long-term impacts of disease control efforts on public health.
In addition, these 27 Es cover an inclusive, multi-layered approach to public health, with an emphasis on preparedness, scientific evaluation, community engagement, and ethical standards.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

A discussion is a situation in which students or students and a teacher converse to share information, ideas, opinions, or work to resolve a problem. But it is not a situation in which a teacher asks a question, a student or students answer it, and then the teacher asks another question. This question-answer-question format is called recitation, and its main purpose is to quiz students to determine what they know or understand.
However, a discussion can serve several purposes. One purpose is to review and extend what students have learnt to ensure their mastery of a subject. First, students see, hear or read something. Then, they discuss what they have seen and heard. Among other things, they pay attention to terms and concepts that need explanation, the major ideas presented, and the main message. The next purpose is to have students examine their ideas or opinions. After studying something, students could be asked to share their views about its appropriateness. The third purpose is to solve a problem. Herein, students are presented with political, economic or social problems to discuss and resolve. Sometimes the last purpose is to improve students’ face-to-face or interpersonal communication skills so they become better at being good contributors and active listeners, making a point, handling disagreements and conflicts, overcoming fear of speaking in public and so forth.
Discussions can be considered based on such attributes and characteristics as the interaction pattern, the teacher’s role, group size and composition, and group arrangement. Interaction during discussion is less formal as well as more conversational. Besides, the conversation can occur not only among students but also between students and teachers. In most likely discussions, everyone should be an active participant. The whole class can engage in a common discussion or it can be divided into small groups that are preferable since these allow more potential for student participation. The composition of a group will also be similar (homogenous) or dissimilar (heterogenous). Participants should be face-to-face. Thus, arranging discussion participants in a circle is most common. On occasions, a panel discussion makes sense. If the interaction is strictly among students, the teacher will have to serve as an observer, recorder and perhaps arbitrator. As a facilitator and moderator, the teacher is to enable students to reflect critically on their experiences, explore different perspectives and consider how knowledge is then rooted in personal experiences, according to circumstances like the purpose of discussion, the maturity and experience of the students.
Good discussion leaders believe that students want and need to get involved with purposeful talk; they should be asked to review and use information, explore issues and resolve problems; they are capable of thinking and doing for themselves; and they can be helped to develop via discussion. The leaders can control their talk, get students thinking, serve as skilful facilitators, human relation experts, clarifiers or summarizers and excel at teaching communication skills.
When being prepared, good discussions establish the general purpose, set specific learner objectives, consider the readiness of the class and individuals for discussion, decide what role the leader will play, the class grouping, physical arrangements, time allowance and plan the discussion. When being overseen, good discussions get students’ attention, ensure that participants understand and see the value in the purpose or goal, relate the goal and task to previous knowledge and future work, set out the specific questions or statements to be discussed, remind participants of discussion rules, monitor to ensure on-task behaviour, balanced participation and understanding, encourage participants and elevate the level of course. When being closed, the good discussions do so at the most appropriate time rather than at a specific time, summarize progress towards the goal(s), tie new learning to previous knowledge and establish what participants might next want to know or be able to do.
As discussion guidelines for students, all students should have an equal opportunity to contribute. They encourage their classmates to join in. They ensure that everyone contributes by waiting his or her turn and taking part about as much as everyone else. They listen carefully to what others say and feel. Also, they work to understand and whenever possible, to support others’ saying and feeling. They like to understand that their knowledge and ideas may not always be right. They stay on target and help others do the same. Finally, they must be gracious and have to avoid attacking or belittling their peers.
Discussions are probably attractive to teachers who have personal needs for construction, play, affiliation and student success or to those who may want to avoid giving a presentation for the reason that they do not know the subject well enough. The discussions are advantageous for students who have strong needs for acquisition, affiliation, deference, dominance, exhibition, exposition, play, recognition, sibilance and succorance. They tend to capture and maintain students’ interest, help them develop communication and social-psychological strengths or help them learn through rehearsal. But when they are not well conducted, discussions can be purposeless, rambling, confrontational, wasteful of time, inefficient and unpleasant.
So, when on earth should the discussion method be used? Discussion is used when any of its purposes coincide with the goal. Consequently, students are engaged in the discussion when the goal is to review information, examine ideas or opinions, solve problems and improve oral communication skills. When the teacher is more interested in long-term memory, higher-order thinking, motivation, attitude change or moral reasoning, discussion can be used, to best meet students’ social and psychological needs. After all, discussion is given to be effective when students have been mostly inactive listeners, when a more relaxed atmosphere is warranted and when it would be beneficial to enhance student-to-student friendships or affiliation.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

IN TODAY’S fast-paced world, where information is constantly being generated and disseminated through a variety of platforms, reading daily newspapers remains an essential habit for many reasons.
Despite the rise of digital media, the value of reading a physical or digital newspaper every day cannot be overstated. It provides
numerous benefits, including staying informed about current events, fostering critical thinking, improving language skills, and keeping readers engaged in global issues.
Newspaper readership still holds a great amount of value to citizens in an increasingly digital-dominated landscape. On top of keeping us up-to-date with the latest stories, print and digital newspapers provide readers with many of the benefits associated with reading overall.
Reading different newspapers can aid our learning and personal development, increasing language skills, critical thinking and even civic engagement.
On the whole, it is considered a timeless hobby that can allow individuals of different ages and backgrounds to feel knowledgeable, inspired and empowered.
The biggest advantage of reading a newspaper is that it adds value to you and your personality. It improves your English or any other language in which you are reading it; it enhances your confidence and it makes lives easier as you are updated with the current issues, achievements, facts, discoveries, research, laws, events, ideologies, politics, movements, historical facts and what not? It also improves your memory to a certain extent and increases your reading skills and indirectly writing skills, as well.
Newspapers, since their circulation beginning in the early 17th century, have become a part and parcel of our lives. Without them, our mornings seem to be incomplete. For some, it is not just the paper but a vital link to the outside world. Newspaper reading has become an essential part of our life. Reading it every morning, we get to learn new things and amuse ourselves with the engaging information contained within the pages.
Reading newspapers daily is a habit that every student should cultivate as there are multitudes of benefits of reading newspapers that help a student become an all-rounder, advance in academics & career, and achieve excellence in life. It becomes their means to update themselves with everything ongoing in their city, state, country, and the world.
It is said that knowledge is power and that is exactly what the newspaper brings to your door –information about the current happenings of the world so that you can form your opinion, take your stance, and have the power with you to choose the correct course of action. The following are several persuasive reasons why we should make reading newspapers daily as part of our daily routine.
Staying Informed About Current Events
One of the most significant reasons to read daily newspapers is to stay informed about current events. News stories, whether they pertain to politics, economics, international relations, or social issues, can have a profound impact on our lives. Reading newspapers allows us to keep up with the latest developments, ensuring that we are knowledgeable about what’s happening in our community, country, and the world. Being informed not only helps us make better decisions but also enhances our ability to participate in conversations, debates, and discussions on important topics.
Fostering Critical Thinking and Awareness
Reading daily newspapers also encourages critical thinking. As you navigate through various articles, you’re exposed to different perspectives, opinions, and analyses of the same event. This encourages you to think critically, question assumptions, and develop your informed viewpoint.
For instance, a political article may present multiple angles on a policy issue, and as a reader, you must evaluate the facts, consider the implications, and form an independent opinion. Newspapers often provide in-depth reporting, giving readers a chance to think about the long-term consequences of decisions made by governments or corporations. This cultivates a deeper understanding of complex issues, fostering a more aware and informed citizenry.
Improving Language and Communication Skills
Another often overlooked benefit of reading newspapers is the improvement of language and communication skills. Daily newspapers are filled with rich vocabulary, complex sentence structures, and varied writing styles. By reading these articles regularly, readers can significantly improve their reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing abilities. Newspapers also offer diverse content, including feature stories, editorials, interviews, and more, allowing readers to gain exposure to various writing techniques and tones. Moreover, frequent exposure to formal, well-structured language can help individuals become more articulate and effective communicators, both in writing and in speech. These enhanced communication skills are invaluable in personal and professional contexts.
Access to Diverse Opinions and Perspectives
One of the unique features of newspapers is their ability to present a wide range of opinions. From editorials and columns to letters to the editor, newspapers often include diverse viewpoints on various issues. This exposure to differing opinions is essential in a democracy, as it broadens our understanding of the world and challenges our preconceived notions. By reading a variety of perspectives, readers can develop empathy and a more balanced view of the issues that shape our society. Furthermore, newspapers often cover local, national, and international news, offering a comprehensive look at global events and trends. This helps readers become more globally aware and appreciative of the diversity of cultures and experiences around the world.
Promoting Civic Engagement
Reading daily newspapers is also an excellent way to engage in civic life. Newspapers play a vital role in informing the public about local government activities, elections, public policies, and social issues. By staying informed, citizens are better equipped to make their voices heard and take action on issues that matter to them. Whether it’s voting in elections, participating in community events, or advocating for social justice, a well-informed citizenry is the backbone of a healthy democracy. Moreover, many newspapers offer opportunities for readers to interact with the content, such as submitting letters to the editor or participating in online discussions. These avenues of engagement allow readers to take an active role in shaping the dialogue on important matters.
Establishing a Daily Routine and Mindful Consumption of Information
Reading a daily newspaper helps establish a healthy routine of mindful information consumption. In contrast to the instant and often overwhelming nature of social media, newspapers provide a curated selection of news, offering a more structured and balanced approach to staying informed. Newspapers filter out the noise, allowing readers to focus on the most important stories of
the day. This disciplined approach to consuming news encourages readers to take their time, reflect on the information, and avoid falling into the trap of sensationalism or misinformation. In addition, reading daily newspapers offers a range of benefits that contribute to both personal and societal well-being. It keeps readers informed about current events, encourages critical thinking, enhances language skills, and promotes civic engagement.
Furthermore, it exposes readers to diverse viewpoints, making them more empathetic and understanding of global issues. In an era where information is abundant, reading daily newspapers remains an invaluable tool for cultivating an informed, thoughtful, and active person.
References
- https://wordsrated.com/benefits-of-reading-the-newspaper
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- https://jbms.in/10-benefits-of-reading-newspaper-for-students

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

AT OUR house, a cute little bird is kept in a beautiful birdcage. My grandfather, grandmother, nephews, nieces, younger brothers, and sisters regularly feed it grains of rice, and they are very happy to have such a lovely bird at home.
One day, my little bird refused to eat anything we offered. I wondered why it was refusing food. Finally, I realized that I wanted to fly outside the cage and meet new bird friends in a new environment.
So, I immediately set it free. As soon as I released it, the bird flew quickly and happily into the blue sky. It continued flying toward the southern part of our village, where a large banyan tree stands. The bird stopped flying and rested when it reached the tree. Although the tree and the new green surroundings were unfamiliar, the bird seemed very happy.
After a while, a group of young boys with guns (*Laygwa*) approached the tree. I was so worried about my dear bird that I couldn’t stay silent. I ran as fast as I could to the banyan tree where the bird was resting. The entire time, I kept thinking about whether my bird was in danger.
When I reached the tree, I was exhausted. But I felt relieved when I saw my bird sitting on a branch. I greeted it with a sweet smile and asked it to come down, but it didn’t respond. It seemed worried that I might capture it again. So, I explained, “I’m not here to take you back. I came to warn you that your enemies are coming to harm you. Please, fly away!”
Even after I spoke, the bird didn’t seem to hear me. Still, I didn’t give up because I was worried and didn’t want to regret staying. I continued talking until the bird finally looked at me. I decided to keep speaking until it understood or accepted my words. So, I said: “My dear bird, fly away quickly! They are coming. I’m speaking for your safety, not for my benefit. I won’t be happy if they catch you. Rest is good for health, but too much rest can be harmful.
If you’re tired, rest for a while, and then fly toward the beautiful hills and mountains. You can do it. You can fly even in bad situations or in harsh weather. I know flying for hours, days, months, or even years can be exhausting.
But remember, every bird faces difficulties and challenges before reaching its oasis or goal. If we give in to boredom or laziness, we’ll never reach a better place in life. Please, take my words to heart.”
“My dear bird, you bring joy to me and others. But those boys from the village won’t appreciate your beauty or your sweet voice. To them, you won’t be as valuable as a cup of curry. Believe me, or you’ll regret it. Your life will be safer and more peaceful if you find a place among those who love and value you – like the palace of a king or the homes of the wealthy. So, start flying now, my dear. Don’t be lazy or hesitate to make an effort!”
“You know, my love, everyone who cares about you will be proud and delighted when you reach a better stage in life. You’ll also find satisfaction and happiness. Keep flying every second, minute, and hour. You’re not under anyone’s control, and you have countless opportunities to build your life and create your future.
You can move to any place you like – where there are beautiful sceneries, big lakes, long rivers, blue oceans, and unique wonders
of the world. Don’t forget to fly and make an effort if you want to see and experience these great things. You’ll have the chance to meet new friends, enjoy the best fruits and vegetables, and travel safely wherever you wish.” “Think carefully about your new life, which will improve once you make a true effort. Imagine how your life will change. Of course, your thoughts will evolve, and even the views of those boys from the village will change.
They’ll realize you’re more valuable than many cups of curry.” “Moreover, many people will appreciate you because you’ve not only changed yourself but also their perspectives. If you can change your attitude and personality, you’ll be able to transform your surroundings – your place, town, city, country, and even the world – into a better place.”
(This essay is dedicated to everyone willing to take the next step towards improving their life.)

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

The present era is the age of knowledge. Everything is accomplished through knowledge. Knowledge has the power to create anything. Since childhood, I have earnestly pursued learning and knowledge. Now, as I approach the age of 62, while serving the country, I continue to seek knowledge, attend classes, pursue degrees, and remain a student. To this day, I approach exams not as a burdensome duty but as an enjoyable experience, feeling as though I’m transported into a delightful world for just a few hours.
I have earned a Bachelor’s in Science, an honour’s degree, a Master’s degree, and advanced degrees in Chemistry. Knowledge is like a teacher that is passed down. I strive to both earn this heritage of knowledge worthily and to pass it along to others with dedication.
As the saying goes, “There is no light equal to knowledge.” In human life, knowledge is extremely important. Only by becoming knowledgeable can one be a good person and clearly distinguish between right and wrong, good and bad, as well as think critically and develop thoughtful discernment.
After completing my doctorate, I attended various courses and earned diplomas both domestically and abroad. While serving in my current role, I successfully completed an online course in Russian (Basic Level I & II) from the University of Foreign Languages. Additionally, I won first-place honours in Postgraduate Diplomas in Law (PGDL), Tourism (PGDGT), and Business (PGDB) from the Yangon Distance Education Programme.
Without considering age, I continue to immerse myself in lifelong learning. As our great nation evolves and advances, all scholars will find joy in meeting on this online platform for learning.
With this article, I pay heartfelt respect to my parents and all my teachers, treasuring their legacy of knowledge with deep gratitude and reverence.

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar

UNIVERSAL health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship. It covers the full continuum of essential health services, from health promotion to prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care.
Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing, and responding to infectious diseases. Overall, public health is concerned with protecting the health of entire populations. These populations can be as small as a local neighbourhood or as big as a whole country or region.
Public health education refers to the educational process that provides students with knowledge and skills related to various aspects of public health, including biology, environmental factors, communication, data management, epidemiology, health policy, and emergency management. It aims to prepare students for cross-disciplinary roles and to promote a better world by expanding their focus to account for health factors in their future careers.
Public health education plays a critical role in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by promoting health literacy, preventative care, and fostering healthier behaviours within populations. The following are a few key points on how public health education contributes to UHC: 

• Raising Awareness about Health Issues

  Public health education helps raise awareness about common health conditions, preventive measures, and available healthcare services. When people are well-informed about health risks, such as the dangers of smoking, unhealthy diet, or lack of exercise, they are more likely to make healthy lifestyle choices, which can reduce the burden on healthcare systems.

• Promoting Preventive Healthcare
  By educating communities about preventive measures, such as vaccination, screening for diseases (e.g., cancer, diabetes), and safe hygiene practices, public health education helps in reducing the incidence of preventable diseases. This not only improves health outcomes but also helps reduce healthcare costs in the long term, aligning with UHC goals of providing equitable and affordable healthcare.

• Empowering Communities
  Public health education empowers individuals and communities to take responsibility for their health. When people understand their rights to healthcare and know how to navigate the healthcare system, they are better able to access services, adhere to medical treatments, and avoid delays in seeking care.

• Addressing Health Inequalities
  Public health education can address health disparities by targeting vulnerable populations, including those in rural areas, low-income groups, and marginalized communities. By providing information tailored to their needs, education can break down barriers to accessing healthcare and ensure that undeserved populations are not left behind in achieving UHC.

• Improving Health Behaviours
  Health education encourages individuals to adopt healthier behaviors, such as quitting smoking, reducing alcohol consumption, engaging in physical activity, and managing stress. These behavioural changes contribute to a reduction in the prevalence of chronic diseases, which can strain healthcare systems and impede UHC efforts.

• Supporting Mental Health Awareness
  Mental health is a critical component of UHC, and public health education can reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Educating the public about mental health can help people seek the necessary support, reducing the burden on emergency and acute care services while promoting mental well-being for all.

• Promoting for Programme Changes
  Educating the public can foster an environment where people promote necessary programme changes that support UHC, such as the expansion of healthcare coverage, improved health infrastructure, and equitable distribution of healthcare resources.

• Improving Health Literacy
  Health literacy is essential for individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Public health education improves people’s ability to understand medical information, which is necessary for following treatment plans, understanding prescription instructions, and making health decisions that are aligned with the resources available in their healthcare system.
  In summary, public health education serves as a foundation for achieving UHC by promoting informed, health-conscious populations, reducing preventable health issues, and empowering individuals to take control of their health. It creates a more equitable healthcare system and also takes the opportunity to promote a healthy life.

References
- https://www.who.int/health-topics.universal-health-coverage 

- https://www.cdcfoundation.org/what-public-health

- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/public-health-education

Source: The Global New Light of Myanmar