Stroke Awareness Foundation

03/20/2026

While a stroke is often seen as a condition affecting the elderly, new research shows younger survivors are navigating a silent crisis of mental health and cognitive struggle.

About 15% of strokes occur in people under 50.

While younger patients often have an easier time walking or climbing stairs than their older counterparts, they were twice as likely to report struggles with basic tasks like running errands, remembering information or staying focused.

Recovery for a younger person is not just about moving muscles; it is often about rebuilding a mind and a career.

The study showed that younger survivors had nearly twice the number of poor mental health days per month compared to those over 50.

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03/18/2026

Register for the 15th Annual Fight Stroke Walk. The Fight Stroke Walk is a 5K (3-mile) event uniting stroke survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers to raise essential funds for public education and awareness. Support stroke awareness and education. Together, we can save lives!

This family friendly event features live music, face-painting, and a tribute tower to honor stroke survivors and remember those we've lost.

Register Here:
https://thestrokeawarenessfoundation.ticketspice.com/2026-fight-stroke-walk

03/16/2026

Drinking sweetened carbonated beverages is linked with a 22% increased risk of stroke. Limit drinks with caffeine, added or artificial sugars to lower risk.
Choose water, tea or naturally sweetened beverages more often to reduce risk.

A study collected data from almost 27,000 individuals all around the world and found that folks who reported drinking carbonated drinks, both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened ones, had a 22% higher risk of stroke. And the risk was even higher for people consuming two or more fizzy drinks per day.

Remember, strokes can happen to adults of any age, so there’s no better time than now to prioritize your health.

Research suggests that your favorite fizzy drinks, even artificially sweetened ones, may increase your risk of having a stroke. Experts explain why.

03/13/2026

Recreational drugs can more than double the risk of stroke, with some of the most concerning impacts seen among younger people, a major review suggests.

Scientists analysed medical data from more than 100 million people and found that the risk of stroke was 122% higher for amphetamine users and 96% higher for co***ne users compared with those who did not take the drugs.

Cannabis users were also at greater risk, suffering 37% more strokes than non-users, the review found, though researchers saw no evidence that opioids, a highly addictive painkiller, added to a person’s risk of stroke.


https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/mar/08/recreational-drugs-can-more-than-double-the-risk-of-stroke-study-suggests

03/11/2026

Short-term surges in air pollution in New Jersey from the 2023 Canadian wildfires were associated with a higher stroke rate and more serious strokes, according to a preliminary study.

During heavy wildfire smoke days, researchers found more people had strokes and those strokes tended to be more severe. The study does not prove that wildfires cause or worsen stroke. It only shows an association.

After adjusting for factors like age, s*x, race, and cause of stroke, researchers found higher average ozone days were associated with a 0.32 higher incidence of stroke per day.

They also found for strokes on above average ozone days, there was a higher proportion of bleeding strokes and more large artery atherosclerosis, plaque buildup in major arteries.


https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1118395

03/09/2026

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke, and an increasing number of these stroke victims are millennials. Stroke is the second leading cause of death globally and is the leading cause of long-term physical and cognitive disability in adults. The average age at stroke onset is decreasing.

Stroke in young adults — roughly ages 18 to 50 — is rising due to increased rates of obesity, hypertension, diabetes and lifestyle factors. While representing only 10 percent to 15 percent of cases, they face significant, long-term disability, including cognitive, psychological and social challenges. Common causes include arterial dissection, congenital heart defects or underlying vascular risk factors.

Learn stroke symptoms at : https://www.strokeinfo.org/signs/en/


https://labortribune.com/too-young-for-a-stroke-think-again/

03/08/2026

Join us for the 15th Annual Fight Stroke Walk on May 3rd. Come together to celebrate the courage of stroke survivors, their families and caregivers, and remember those we've lost. This family friendly 5K walk features live music from First Call Band, tribute towers, and free face painting. Help support stroke awareness in our community.

Register today! https://thestrokeawarenessfoundation.ticketspice.com/2026-fight-stroke-walk







https://conta.cc/4lhPEKc

Email from Stroke Awareness Foundation 5K walk at the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden 5/3/26. Join us in the Fight Against Stroke and Help Save Lives.   Come together to celebrate the courage of stroke

03/06/2026

Join us on Sunday May 3rd for the 15th Annual Fight Stroke Walk. The Fight Stroke Walk is a 5K (3-mile) event uniting stroke survivors, their families, friends, and caregivers to raise essential funds for public education and awareness. Walk with us to:

Celebrate the courage of stroke survivors and their families.

Remember those we've lost.

Raise awareness on stroke prevention and recognition to ensure timely treatment, improving outcomes and saving lives.

Together, we save lives and improve the quality of life right here in Santa Clara County!

Register Today: https://thestrokeawarenessfoundation.ticketspice.com/2026-fight-stroke-walk

03/04/2026

Risk factors for stroke that are specific to women:
Endometriosis
Early or premature menopause
Pregnancy, in particular complications from pregnancy, such as preeclampsia (sudden high blood pressure during pregnancy or postpartum)

Women with endometriosis or early onset menopause should monitor these risk factors regularly with their primary care physician.

Strokes require immediate medical attention. BE FAST is an acronym to help people identify stroke symptoms with sudden onset:

Balance loss

Eyesight changes

Face drooping

Arm weakness

Speech difficulty

Time to call 911 immediately.

Stroke Prevention- Life's Essential 8: Here is what you can do to lower you risk of stroke:

Good nutrition
Exercise
Not smoking
Healthy sleep
Managing weight
Controlling cholesterol
Managing blood sugar
Managing blood pressure

Updated AHA stroke guidelines highlight that women with endometriosis and those with early-onset menopause face higher stroke risk. Learn what this means for prevention, screening, symptoms to watch (BE FAST) and how to partner with specialists to lower risk.

03/02/2026

Eating too many added sugars may harm heart health and increase stroke risk. They do this by increasing inflammation and blood sugar, which can damage blood vessels. Dietitians recommend eating less added sugar and sodium and more fiber and omega-3 fats.

We often talk about our brain and heart health separately. Yet, the two are closely related. Your brain depends on the oxygenated blood from your heart to carry out all its functions. However, when a stroke occurs, an artery leading to or within the brain becomes blocked or ruptured. As a result, that part of the brain cannot get the oxygen it needs, and those brain cells die, leading to life-changing effects.

Adopting a heart-healthy diet is one of the most powerful steps you can take to reduce your risk of stroke. Focus on high fiber, less sodium, and eating foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids and high potassium.

Added sugars can increase stroke risk by increasing inflammation, blood sugar and more. Learn why, plus dietitian-approved stroke prevention tips.

02/25/2026

In March 2022, Hailey Bieber (29 years old) was admitted to the hospital with stroke-like symptoms caused by a blood clot in her brain. Upon her hospitalization, tests revealed that she had suffered a TIA – a Transient Ischemic Attack, often called a mini-stroke.

She was then diagnosed with a patent foramen ovale or PFO, a small opening in the heart that didn't close the way it should have after birth. She underwent surgery to close the PFO.

At the time, Hailey revealed that she had PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder] in the aftermath of the mini-stroke, sharing that it was “very triggering” returning to Palm Springs, where she was at during her health scare.

Stroke can happen to anyone at any age. It's important to recognize the signs of stroke and B.E.F.A.S.T.

Learn the signs of stroke here: https://www.strokeinfo.org/signs/en/

https://people.com/hailey-bieber-more-nervous-about-her-health-after-mini-stroke-11909662

Hailey Bieber reflected on how her perspective has changed since suffering a mini-stroke in 2022. The model, 29, admitted that she’s 'more nervous' about her health and 'hyper-aware' of her body.