1. Head first
Good health starts with your brain. It’s one of the most vital body organs, and it needs care and maintenance.

2. Take brain health to heart
Heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and stroke can increase your risk of Alzheimer’s.

3. Your numbers count
Keep your body weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels within recommended ranges.

4. Feed your brain
Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet that features dark-skinned vegetables and fruits; foods rich in antioxidants; vitamins E, C and B-12; folate; and omega-3 fatty acids.

5. Work your body
Physical exercise keeps the blood flowing and encourages new brain cells. It doesn’t have to be strenuous activity. Do what you can – like walking 30 minutes a day – to keep both body and mind active.

6. Jog your mind
Keeping your brain active and engaged increases its vitality and builds reserves of brain cells and connections. Read, write, play games, do crossword puzzles.

7. Connect with others
Leisure activities that combine physical, mental and social elements may be most likely to prevent dementia.

8. Heads up! Protect your brain
Take precautions against injuries. Use your car seat belts; unclutter your house to avoid falls; wear a helmet when cycling.

9. Use your head
Avoid unhealthy habits. Don’t smoke, drink excessive alcohol or use street drugs.

10. Think ahead – start today!M
You can do something today to help protect tomorrow.