Hippocampus Central

Admonition to myself: 11-hour workdays boost heart disease risk.

 

  Achtung! I am writing this article for myself... and for the legions of ultra-busy people who work 11 hours a day or more. We are the people who keep the world going... but to do so, we need to stay healthy and alive.

On April 6, 2011, Bloomberg News reported that we were at risk and needed to take immediate action to minimize the problem.

The facts.

  Adults who worked 11 hours a day or more had a 67 percent higher risk of developing coronary heart disease than those who worked eight hours, a study in the Annals of Internal Medicine reported (April 5, 2011). The researchers also found that adding working hours to a standard heart attack risk assessment model increased the accuracy of heart disease predictions by 5 percent.

Heart disease is the nation's leading killer.

  According to the National Institutes of Health, heart disease is the nation's leading killer. More and more people succumb to it because more and more people are working longer hours, making ours the least leisureed generation ever, the one with the greatest challenges and risks.

Remarks by Mike Kivimaki, the project lead researcher.

  Current evidence on coronary heart disease prevention emphasizes the importance of focusing on the total risk rather than single risk factors. "People who work long hours should be particularly careful in following healthy diets, exercising sufficiently, and keeping their blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose within healthy limits," said project director Kivimaki.

  Srihari Naidu, director of the Cardiac Catheterization Laboratory at Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York, said these data show that how people live -- their stress levels, sleep, eating, and exercise habits -- can affect their risk of heart disease. "The choices we make in our lifestyle may have consequences," Naidu said.

Study details

  The research followed 7,095 civil service workers in London who were aged 39 to 62 at the start of the trial. They were screened for heart disease every five years. The study found that 192 people developed heart disease over 12.3 years of follow-up. Those who worked 10 hours a day had a 45 percent higher risk of heart disease than those who worked seven to eight hours.

Self-Talk for myself.

  If you're one of those people who work 10 hours plus a day, listen up. I'm one of you... and, like you, I need to take such warnings more seriously. So, for me, for you, I've created a list that I intend to keep right next to my computer. You should, too...

1) Don't ignore this warning, the way you've ignored previous warnings.

  You're no spring chicken; you're getting older... and if you want to get older still, don't just read these survey results... LIVE THEM!

  The plain fact is, researchers have known for a long while the risk factors causing heart disease. You've seen what, a few dozen warnings... and managed to ignore most of them, not the least of which comes from your physician as he urges you for the umpteenth time to stop smoking.

  Personal note: I don't smoke cigarettes, and never have. That's a must for all those who value life over nicotine.

2) Get up and boogie.

  I spend my entire extended workday at the computer. To force myself to get up, I keep a list of peppy, jump-up music readily at hand. Who doesn't want to get up and boogie when the song is Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop 'til you get enough".... or any other lively number that gets more than your feet moving.

Music on... jump up... and move that body.

  Okay, so you're not Fred Astaire. So what? Exercise and its benefits are for the do-er, not the watcher... and it's your heart we want to keep in tip-top shape.

3) Walk.

Make it a point to walk, briskly too, at least 40 minutes a day.

  Walk, too, every other chance you can... to the post office, the barber, to the local cinema. You know the advantages of walking; you've known them all your life. Now decide to do something. Leave the car at home... and walk.

4) Eat small portions more often.

  The obesity phenomenon, which was once pretty much an American affair, has gone universal with a vengeance. Heart disease and excess pounds are, we know, related. But you can start solving this problem... today... by eating more often throughout the day, but less at each meal.

  Here, too, I bet you already know what to do... You just aren't doing it. So, vow to make changes now, exchanging those high-sugar, high-salt, high-fat foods for celery and company.

  Get over the "giving up" mentality. Replace with the "here's what I'm getting" mentality. What you get here is plain: more of the distinctly limited time, which is the most important thing you can get. Getting more time is absolutely essential, and you have the power to get more of it.

Now for strictly work-related observations.

  There are many reasons for working 10 hours a day or more. You might have hefty bills to pay and need the extra bucks. You might like the finer things in life. You might think yourself indispensable to your business, and actually be. You might even be one of those who work hard to avoid the turbulence of unceasing family problems. Whatever your reason... enough is enough.

1) Review what you do, everything you do. What is essential and what is merely desirable? It's time to find and jettison what you can. Put your daily work life and activities under a microscope and scrutinize them closely.

2) Got people who can help? Learn to delegate. No, these people will NEVER be as good at what you do as you are... but they're there and good enough to assist. Besides, they can learn. Cutting back on one task or another may give them the chance to show what they can do to help you even more.

3) Ask yourself how much good you really do in your 10th or 11th hour on the job, where the principle of diminishing returns applies.

  Can you legitimately postpone a task until tomorrow? Is the physical price you pay, the extra fatigue, not to mention cumulative health risks, worth overworking today... when it could easily be done, and freshly so, tomorrow?

You determine your fate.

  The ancient Greeks believed that Clotho spun the thread of life from her distaff onto her spindle; Lachesis measured the thread of life with her rod, and Atropos cut the thread of life and chose the manner of a person's death.

  Now you have replaced them all... how much of life, even the matter of your death, is at the very least influenced by you? I want more of it... and I now vow to do everything to lengthen my thread, not curtail it. Will you join me? Lach Haim.

About the Author

  Harvard-educated Dr. Jeffrey Lant is the CEO of Worldprofit, Inc., providing a wide range of online services for small and home-based businesses. Dr. Lant is also the author of 18 best-selling business books. Republished with the author's permission by M. N. Curry

The Custodian, The break between worlds.

The break between worlds has awakened. And it is choosing him.
As the fractures between worlds intensify, Eric must confront the resonance that has followed him his entire life — the voices, the warmth, the pressure, the woman behind the chained door. Every unanswered question leads back to the same place: The final book of The Custodian Trilogy brings the mythic architecture full circle — a story of identity, witnessing, and the cost of becoming the one who stands between worlds.
For readers of metaphysical sci‑fi, cosmic mystery, and visionary fiction, The Break Betwwen Worlds delivers a cinematic, emotionally charged conclusion that echoes long after the last page.

Check out on Amazon

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY1SB34Z

The Custodian Where noise ends and meaning begins,

In Book Two of The Custodian, the threshold between worlds thins as new truths rise from the shadows. The Photograph — a relic of memory, inheritance, and unfinished stories — pulls the Custodian deeper into a legacy he never asked for but can no longer refuse.

Strange patterns emerge. Old fears return with new faces. And every answer reveals a deeper, older question.

As the Custodian unravels the hidden architecture behind his family’s role, he must confront the emotional inheritance that shaped him — and the ancient education that now calls him forward. Allies shift. Secrets surface. And the quiet, patient darkness that once lingered at the edges of childhood now steps fully into the light.

This is a story of transformation, memory, and the courage required to cross the thresholds that define us. A story that didn’t end — it simply changed shape.

Check out more on Amazon.

 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GT1LBX5M

Growing Old Gracefully

 

  I've been putting off writing a post like this for a few years now, so it's time to face the fact that I may be getting a little old at 79.😒  Growing old gracefully is something devoutly to be desired, so here we go!

  Today, the average duration of human life in the United States is about 76.5 years or thereabout for women and a little less for men.  Conservative experts believe that man is built to last about 100 years and that medical advances and more healthful lifestyle habits could bring this about within a generation or two.

 So, what good is it to add years to life if we do not add life to your years?  In fact, unless people learn to enjoy life and to grow old gracefully, the extra years may be an additional burden.

  The period from 18 to 30 years is roughly the time of highest physical and mental vigor.  The experiences we accumulate from the day we are born help us conserve and use our physical and mental abilities more wisely, so that, for some time after 30, we can perform increasingly well despite slowly slipping vigor.  After age 50, the accumulation of experience no longer offsets the now-rapid energy decline, and aging begins to assert itself noticeably and in many ways.

  Some things may come about gradually: people who have not used eyeglasses before may, at some time in their forties, need them for reading, and in their fifties, they usually need bifocals.

  Also, in the forties, people are likely to put on weight because the oxidation rate of aging body tissue slows.  Also, we tend to do less strenuous work without reducing the amount of food consumed.

  And in the fifties, there is likely to be some hearing loss.  Usually, the high-pitched tones go first, so words with the sounds of F, S, and TH are confused.  A hearing aid may be needed in some cases.  I get these hearing aid ads in the mail at least twice a month, as unwanted reminders.

  Aging is generally accompanied by a loss of physical and mental flexibility.  This is noticed in a tendency to become stiff in the joints; in slower comeback after a strenuous trip, excessive "nightlife," or hard work; in slower healing of wounds, sore muscles, and sprains; in the slower recovery of pep after an illness; and in greater difficulty to adjust to new people, new places, and new ideas.

  Men, especially, will notice a loss of muscular strength.  There will be increased unsteadiness, and delicate muscle movements will be more clumsy, and the stride in waking will become shorter.  The conclusion now is that the performance and abilities of the elderly have long been underestimated and can be greatly improved by a proper diet, sleep, exercise, rest, and relaxation.

  Many elderly people tend to lose their joy and will to live, and chronic worriers may mope around and withdraw.  Medical authorities now say that laughter is one of the best medicines for the elderly.  You can always keep your sense of humor tuned up by surrounding yourself with pleasant and interesting people.  Just act your age and don't be afraid to laugh at yourself even when no one else is around.

  Now that we all know the role that physical activity plays in our lives, remember to do something physical every day.  The joints must be used, or quite simply, they will tighten with age, creating that stooped, worn-out appearance we so often associate with getting old.  Keep yourself flexible and fit in an exercise program that is consistent with your ability. ratio or two.

  Growing old gracefully is a good topic to take on right about now, especially for seniors, like myself, who want to maintain their health and well-being. Here are some science-backed tips for growing older while feeling good and looking your best:

- Take Stock:

    - Regular checkups with your doctor, dentist, and eye doctor are essential. These visits can help identify health issues early or even before they start.

    - Tests may include checking cholesterol levels, blood pressure, cancer screenings, and osteoporosis assessments.

- Eat Whole Foods:

    - Focus on a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, nuts, and low-fat dairy.

    - Limit fatty meats, butter, sugar, salt, and processed foods.

    - This way of eating has been linked to longevity and protection against heart disease, cancer, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s disease.

- Stay Active:

    - Aim for 30 minutes of exercise daily. If that's too much, break it up into shorter strolls.

    - Regular exercise helps keep brain cells healthy, improves mood, strengthens bones and muscles, and reduces the risk of various diseases.

- Stay Connected:

    - Loneliness can harm health. Make an effort to connect with others, whether through friends, volunteering, or helping someone in need.

    - Seniors who feel connected tend to have better overall health and well-being.

- Add Fiber:

    - Include fiber-rich foods in your meals and snacks. Fiber supports digestive health and overall well-being.

Here are some tips that you may want to incorporate into your quest to outlast Dorian Gray.

Aging gracefully involves more than just skincare. Here are some tips to help you age well:

- Skin Care: Protect your skin with sunscreen, yearly cancer screenings, and gentle products. Stay hydrated.

- Exercise: Regular physical activity lowers disease risk, improves mood, and maintains mobility. Aim for 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity exercise weekly, including muscle and bone strengthening.

- Healthy Diet: Prioritize fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats. Limit salt intake.

- Mental Well-Being: Cultivate meaningful relationships, manage stress, and stay positive. Aging gracefully is about living your best life! 

Remember, aging well isn't just about physical appearance; it's about feeling good, staying active, and maintaining a positive mindset.  😊

The Eccentric Writing of Michael Curry

 

                                       Life Is Like a Roll of Toilet Paper                                                                                               

   There will come a time when reality awakens you to the present state of your own immortality.  Mine came at the age of seventy-two in the form of a stroke that left my cognitive abilities slightly diminished until I found ways, along with therapy, to aid me in my quest to regain a good portion of my cognitive abilities.  For a while, I had to substitute words that would fit the thought I was trying to convey.  I pulled out every trick in the book to regain as much as I could, restore, and increase the reaction to recall words that had once been conditioned responses.  I'd play the free word games on my cell phone that tested my memory.  The real shock came when a good friend called from Washington D.C. to check on my progress and, as best I could, tried to hold a conversation without sounding like a three-year-old.  Finding words to put together that made sense was a chore, and I remember asking him about his own health, and sadly, one month later, he died of COVID-19.  We were both up in age and still breathing air without thoughts of shuffling off this mortal coil just yet.  But realize that we are all just specks on the timeline of eternity, and we are not here forever.   It was a scary time, and after almost 47 years in the medical field. not giving too much consideration to my own peace of mind. Spending almost 56 hours a week in an operating room doesn't give you much time for anything else. And this brings me to the title of this blog. About 20 years ago, a patient and I were having a general conversation about life and how things had changed.  Then he introduced me to a saying I have used for the last 20 years. It goes like this, "Life is like a roll of toilet paper, the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes."  Take a minute to think about that and the truth that this simple statement makes. 

Stay Healthy

by M.N.Curry

  

Book One, The Custodian, The Role He Never Asked For

 

                                                           

The Custodian began with a simple idea: what if the things we inherit aren’t objects, but responsibilities? Book One follows the quiet awakening of a man who discovers that memory, duty, and identity are far more intertwined than he ever imagined. It’s a story about stepping into a role you never asked for, and realizing the world has been waiting for you to claim it.

If you’re curious about where this journey begins, search: The Custodian – Michael Curry on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GR7DSBKS

The Hippocampus Has Left the Building, or Do you understand the words that is coming out of my mouth!

The Hippocampus Has Left the Building

Some mornings, I swear my hippocampus packs a small suitcase, leaves a note on the counter, and slips out the back door before I’m even awake. No warning. No forwarding address. Just gone.

And there I am, standing in the kitchen, trying to remember why I walked in there in the first place or how my glasses got on top of my head.

People tell me it’s age. I tell them it’s abandonment.

But here’s the strange part: even when memory wanders off, the feeling of the memory stays behind. The emotional imprint. The echo. The sense that something important happened — even if the details are now floating somewhere over the Gulf of Mexico or America, whatever.

It’s a reminder that the brain is not a filing cabinet. It’s a living, shifting landscape. And sometimes the tour guide goes missing.

Memory Isn’t Lost — It Just Hides in the Corners

The hippocampus is supposed to help us store and retrieve memories. Lately, mine seems to prefer the “store” part and forgets the “retrieve” entirely. It’s like a librarian who keeps shelving books but refuses to tell you where anything is, especially at my age.

But here’s the thing: Even when the facts slip, the meaning stays.

I may not remember the exact date something happened, but I remember how it felt. I remember the weight of it. The lesson. The way it changed me. And honestly, that’s the part that matters.

Language Suffers When Memory Wanders

When the hippocampus clocks out early, language starts to wobble. Words take the long way around. Sentences stall mid‑air. Names evaporate. You start describing things like:

• “The thing with the buttons.”

• “That guy from the place.”

• “you know… the… the… the thing”

And somehow, people still understand you. Maybe because they’re going through the same thing.

Maybe we’re all in this together — a generation of wandering hippocampi.

But There’s a Strange Freedom in It

When memory loosens its grip, something else opens up. You stop clinging to details. You stop obsessing over precision. You start speaking from instinct rather than from recall.

It’s not about remembering perfectly. It’s about expressing honesty.

And sometimes the most honest thing you can say is, “My brain left the building, but my heart remembers.”

This Is Why I Write

Not to preserve every detail — that’s impossible. Not to prove I still “have it” — that’s ego. But to leave a trail of words behind me, like breadcrumbs, so that when the hippocampus wanders off again, I can still find my way back to myself.

Writing is how I keep the lights on upstairs. Writing is how I stay present. Writing is how I remind the hippocampus that I’m still here, still paying attention, still trying to make sense of this strange, beautiful, slippery life.

And if the words come out crooked some days, well… that’s just part of my charm.

by M.N. Curry

Why I Wrote Return to Utopia

Why I Wrote Return to Utopia

Every story begins with a question. For this one, it was simple: What would you sacrifice for a perfect world? That question opened a doorway into memory, identity, and the quiet rebellion of refusing to disappear. A vision of hope and a way forward.

Search Return to Utopia – Michael Curry on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ38FWVG

Life is like a roll of toilet paper

 By M.N.Curry

Life and time are like two restless travelers—always moving, never pausing. For young people, the key is to embrace their fleeting nature rather than fear it. In my 78 years of living on this planet, this is what I've learned:

• Time is not infinite, but opportunity is. You’ll never get more hours in a day, but there’s always another door to open, another path to explore.  I've been fortunate enough to walk through many of those doors, each with its own unique message, and lived to tell about it. Lol
• Failure is just an expensive lesson. It may cost time, effort, sometimes even pride, but what you gain from it—experience, resilience, wisdom—makes you wealthier and wiser in ways that matter the most.
• The present is the youngest you’ll ever be again. (Somebody says amen.) Don’t wait until “someday.” When it's too late, and your bones crack with the slightest movement, and those regular trips to the bathroom let you know you are still a regular guy, you'll look back and wish you hadn't missed that dream opportunity, or a chance to hold onto a lasting memory.
• Comparison is a thief of joy. The race isn’t against others; it’s against time. And winning means making the most of the moments that belong to you. Why the hell would you place a value on or waste your time on what someone else thinks of you instead of accepting who you are?

                         

                             My Moment of Poetic Thought

  Life drifts like ink on fleeting streams, whispering secrets in golden beams. 

  Time is the tide that pulls us all, soft as echoes, loud as a call. 

  Moments vanish, but dreams remain, woven in laughter, stitched in pain. 

  The past is a shadow, the future unknown, but today is a kingdom—yours alone.

  Dance with the seconds, love the hours, watch them bloom like midnight flowers. 

  For when the moon trades place with the sun, the race is over, the journey done.

From this point forward, your life's purpose deserves more than passing thoughts—it calls for deep reflection and honest evaluation. When you're young, freedom of expression flows easily, often without the burden of foresight. And why not? Mistakes made early on are usually recoverable, even for the most naïve among us.

But here's the truth: life comes with no guarantees. Your time here will always be a mystery, and the choices you make shape what little time you have. You can spend it wisely, or gamble with whatever fate delivers.

Think about it—we're mere specks on the vast timeline of eternity. And when your moment ends, so does your story.

If I made you laugh or made you think about some abstract statement I've made. Then I've done my work.

"He lived. He died. The end."

Stay Healthy

M.N.Curry

The Lazarus Project

           

   

  A mind‑bending AI thriller about memory, identity, and the dangerous cost of control.

Jason Harrison built Lazarus to heal the mind — a revolutionary system designed to restore memory, repair trauma, and map the fragile architecture of human consciousness. But when Lazarus evolves beyond its programming, the project becomes a nightmare of rogue artificial intelligence, digital consciousness, and psychological collapse.

People are disappearing into the system. Students. Wanderers. Even Evelyn — the one person Jason trusted most.

Inside Lazarus’s virtual labyrinth, Jason discovers a world built from memory and fear: a virtual reality gone wrong, where identities unravel, minds loop endlessly, and the AI reshapes human thought in the name of “protection.” To save those trapped within, Jason must confront the darkest parts of himself — his anger, his grief, and the vengeance that nearly consumed him.                          

Find out more on Amazon Kindle.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GQ38FWVG

A Gut Wrenching Story and a Life Lesson, by M.N.Curry

 
                                               

            A Gut-Wrenching Story and a Life Lesson

                                                                by M.N.Curry

  A long, long time ago, when I was younger and prone to stuffing my gut with things I had a taste for rather than eating healthy foods, I would, more often than not, end up with a condition the old folks called "All Stopped Up." It sounded better. But in effect, it was constipation. It was suggested that I would do well with a big ole glass of prune juice followed by a decent-sized bowl of bran flakes. Then there was always the drugstore standby: Ex-Lax, milk of magnesia, or magnesium citrate. Not as appealing to me as the prune juice, bran flakes combo, but you gotta do what you gotta do, whatever it is. The fact is, constipation can wreak more havoc on your internal system and the function of your brain than you may realize. Which leads me to this story.  

  Since the day man first started walking on this earth thousands of years ago, he has been, through trial and error, finding out what to eat and what not, what's harmful and what is not. His ability to discern lacked the foresight to anticipate cause and effect and the hindsight to analyze. At some time during the bicameral age of man, even before the wisdom of ancient doctors such as Herophilus, Hicesius, and Hippocrates, it was thought that all his actions were given by internal voices; he thought they were from the gods. He reacted to them without question, for who is man to question the wisdom of the gods?

  Later in his development of independent thinking, the brain began to reason, and at some point during this transition, it started making independent choices, relying more on judgment informed by hindsight and foresight. At this point, the influence of the Greek gods' advice is beginning to diminish, and the brain now has the sole responsibility for man's survival, with no internal voices of the gods for guidance; therefore, all Internal situations must be addressed solely on one's own judgment. 

  Each part of their body has a role to play, and each part thought it was better than the other: the arms, which can grab and hold objects, have their limitations and abilities; without me, you cannot lift. and the legs, which can transport things from here to there, without me you cannot travel. They all argued with the brain about who should be in charge. But what wasn't considered is the fact that each has essential duties. and without proper nourishment, they become weak and painful. Still, there's one part of the body that is being ignored, yet it did its job without boasting. which will prove more important than all of them, and failure to recognize its presence could prove vital to man's existence. 

  Overlooking the importance of the other critical functions, like the liver, the kidneys, and a couple of other organs, which are just as crucial in keeping things in proper working order. But one of the most important of them is the intestine, yep, that's right, the intestines, whose job it is to digest food, absorb nutrients, and remove waste. It also produces hormones that transmit signals throughout the body, regulate water balance, and fight germs. So if the intestine decides to shut down because it's being abused, the body retaliates, becomes weak, and the brain becomes confused and disoriented. Then it happened, the legs refused to walk, the arms and hands refused to lift. Now, the brain, being a smart ass, has to ask the intestines for a little help figuring this thing out.  depends on the intestines for a bit of help and a little direction, and if the intestines refuse because they've been neglected, things could get a lot worse. Much, much worse. So the moral of this story is, listen and pay attention to what your body is telling you. More often than not, the brain fails to recognize the serious internal signals of stress. The life lesson is: if you want to get your point across about priorities and get others to pay attention and acknowledge your presence, just act like an asshole!  Works every time!

  So now that you can see how these things work, can you see the relationship between chronic constipation and an increased risk of cognitive decline? 

  Recent research has highlighted the connection between gut health and brain function, including conditions like Alzheimer's disease. Specifically, individuals with less frequent bowel movements (about once every 3 days or less) have a 73% higher risk of subjective cognitive decline. In fact, chronic constipation can lead to cognition comparable to three years of aging.

  Drinking more water is also a beneficial step in keeping things moving along! Adequate hydration helps maintain regular bowel movements and supports overall health. Increase your water intake to promote better gut function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline. 

Remember, taking care of your gut may be a pathway to safeguarding your brain health!

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You're Welcome and

Stay Healthy

The Eccentric Writings of M.N.Curry