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10 Ways to Maintain Your Brain®

Head First: Good health starts with your brain so don't take it for granted. It's one of the most important body organs and needs care and maintenance.
Take Brain Health To Heart: Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke can increase your risk of Alzheimer's.
Your Numbers Count: Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.
Feed Your Brain: Eat a low-fat, low cholesterol diet that features dark-skinned vegetables and fruits, foods rich in antioxidants. Vitamins E and C, B12, foliate and Omega-3 fatty acids.
Work Your Body: Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and encourages new brain cells. It's doesn't have to be a strenuous activity. Do what you can - walking 30 minutes a day - to keep both body and mind active.
Jog Your Mind: Keeping you brain active and engaged increases it vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles.
Connect With Others: Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements are most likely to prevent dementia. Be social, converse, volunteer, join.
Heads Up! Protect Your Brain: Take precautions against injuries. Use your car seat belts, unclutter your house to avoid falls, and wear a helmet when cycling.
Use Your Head: Avoid unhealthy habits. Don't smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs.
Think Ahead - Start Today!: You can do something today to protect your tomorrow.

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Updated: October 20, 2005