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By Mayo Clinic Staff

At about 3 pounds, the brain isn't very large. But it is powerful. It stores your memories, shapes your personality, and controls your thoughts, feelings, and movements.

Billions of nerve cells in your brain make it all possible. Called neurons, these brain cells send information to the rest of your body. If your brain cells aren't working properly, your muscles may not move smoothly. You might lose feeling in parts of your body. Your thinking could slow.

The brain doesn't replace neurons that are damaged or destroyed. So it's important to take care of them. Head injuries, drug use, and health conditions such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease can cause brain cell damage or loss.

Building healthy habits for your brain is important. This means staying safe and keeping your mind active and involved in different activities. Try these brain-health tips: