For residents looking to kick off the year by improving their mental fitness, The Woodlands Family YMCA hosts a lecture on how to better care for their brains. Dr. Joe Bates, creator of Braincardio and author of "Making Your Brain Hum: 12 Weeks to a Smarter You," hosts this event Jan. 8 using a series of game exercises to build brain cognition and create new neural connections, according to a release. The event is free and open to the public. The Woodlands Family YMCA at Branch Crossing, 8100 Ashlane Way, The Woodlands. 281-367-9622. www.ymcahouston.org