American Stroke Foundation

Our popular Facebook Live Q&As are BACK, starting August 15th! Join us at 11 AM CST right here for an insightful discussion about “Caring for Caregivers,” and the chance to get your questions answered in real-time.

We’ll be live the 3rd Thursday of each month, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!
Do you have stroke-related questions? Email them before Aug. 15 to [email protected] (indicating your questions are for the “Caring for Caregivers” Facebook Live discussion).

Whether you’re a stroke survivor, a caregiver, or just someone interested in learning more, our Q&As are packed with valuable information and support. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with our amazing community!

✨ Save the date, email your questions ahead of time (see above), and get ready to dive into a fantastic conversation. See you there!

📚✏️ Back-to-school season is here! But this month, we’re switching it up—it’s time for Stroke Awareness School!

Get ready for a month of fun and informative posts as we brush up on the basics of stroke awareness. No textbooks needed, just a curiosity to learn how to BE FAST and spot the signs of a stroke.

Stay tuned for your crash course in Stroke 101. Trust us, this is one class you don’t want to skip!

Approximately 25% to 43% of stroke survivors will experience spasticity within the first year. The timing of spasticity can vary, occurring either shortly after the stroke or more than a year later. Treatment options include:

- Physical exercise and stretching: Helps maintain full range of motion and prevents permanent muscle shortening.
- Braces and splints: Helps hold the muscle in place and prevent it from contracting.
- Injections of botulinum toxin: Targets spastic muscles.
- Oral medications

Your doctor will recommend the best treatment based on the severity of your spasticity.

Kindness creates a powerful legacy. Every act of goodness leaves a lasting impact, inspiring hope and resilience in those around us. Together, we can build a supportive community where every small act of compassion makes a big difference. Let's continue to uplift and empower each other on this journey of recovery and strength.

Caregivers, journaling can help manage stress, track progress, and reflect on your experiences. It provides an outlet for emotions, keeps you organized, and offers insights into your loved one’s recovery. Start journaling today to support your well-being and caregiving journey.

After a stroke, your brain has an amazing superpower: neuroplasticity. This process allows healthy areas around the damaged tissue to compensate and develop new functions. Through this rewiring and reorganizing, you can regain lost abilities and continue your recovery journey. Keep pushing forward—your brain is working hard to support you.

Exciting news! We've created seven brand new t-shirts (with uplifting, empowering messages) to raise funds for the American Stroke Foundation! Each purchase not only adds a splash of style to your wardrobe but also supports our crucial programs. Get yours today and join the movement! Order directly from the website and your shirt will ship straight to you. We even have a special option for caregivers, and a few coffee mugs. Check them out here: https://www.bonfire.com/store/american-stroke-foundation/

Front Page - American Stroke Foundation Tools and tips for stroke survivors. Visit Our Blog 2024 Walk ‘n Roll Saturday, September 7, 2024 Register Here Words to live by Life after stroke After a stroke, there is still a lot of quality life ahead. We give you the tools to go beyond what you might have ever thought possible. Check out [.....

Remember, the stronger your 'why,' the easier the 'how' becomes. Knowing why you're fighting makes the journey clearer and more manageable. Keep focusing on your 'why' and stay strong. Every small step counts, and you are not alone in this journey.

Caregivers, take care of yourselves, too. Regular exercise improves mobility, boosts mood, and reduces stress for both you and your loved one. Integrate simple, consistent physical activities into your daily routine to support a healthier and more positive caregiving journey.

Know what accommodations you can request at work after a stroke. You might be eligible for assistive tech, workstation modifications, job restructuring, or flexible breaks. Reassignment is also an option if needed. Talk to your employer to ensure a supportive environment. The ADA defines disability as an impairment limiting major life activities.

Understanding Aphasia: Aphasia is a language disorder caused by brain injuries affecting speech and communication. When speaking with someone with aphasia, please remember these tips:

- Allow extra time for responses.
- Reduce background noise.
- Encourage and praise their efforts to communicate.
- Respect their unique communication style; they are just as intelligent as before developing aphasia.

Life after stroke has its challenges, but just like roses with thorns, each day brings opportunities for growth and strength. Let's face the tough moments head-on and celebrate our progress together. You're not alone in this journey.

Did you know that about 65% of stroke survivors experience vision problems? These changes can impact daily activities like reading, moving around, or recognizing people and objects.

Ophthalmologists, orthoptists, doctors, and occupational therapists can provide guidance on managing and treating vision changes after a stroke. By learning scanning techniques and participating in therapy, stroke survivors can maximize their existing vision and improve their quality of life.

The American Stroke Foundation’s popular Walk ‘n Roll Event is back. We hope you’ll join us for a day to celebrate and honor stroke survivors and their families everywhere. Join a team or create your own. Registration starts at 8 a.m. Breakfast, music, and vendor booths open at 8:30 and the walk starts at 9:30. Register today and help us meet our fundraising goal. https://walknroll.americanstroke.org/

Meet Ruth, an inspiring participant from the American Stroke Foundation. Her message to fellow stroke survivors is simple yet powerful: “Never give up. Keep going.” Ruth believes this advice applies to everyone, not just stroke survivors. Her resilience and determination remind us all to keep striving toward our goals.

Every act of support and kindness we offer to others strengthens us too. Whether it's sharing your story, offering words of encouragement, or simply listening to a fellow survivor, these moments of connection make a world of difference. Please share the kindnesses you’ve been shown, or the ways in which you’ve helped someone else in their recovery.

Today, we celebrate independence—not only our nation's independence, but also the strength and determination of stroke survivors on their journey toward greater independence. Keep striving, keep believing, and remember that each small victory is a step toward increased freedom.

Getting in and out of the car can be a challenge after a stroke, but we're here to help! Check out our video demonstrating safe and effective car transfer techniques, then subscribe to our YouTube channel for more helpful content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBbFsOHTJ_8&t=73s

Here are some quick car transfer tips:
- Use Assistive Devices: Transfer boards or swivel seat cushions can make a big difference.
- Proper Positioning: Adjust the car seat to a height and angle that's comfortable for you.
- Take It Slow: Don’t rush. Move slowly and carefully.
- Ask for Help: It's okay to ask for assistance from a friend, family member, or caregiver.

Every step toward independence is a triumph. Keep going, keep practicing—you’ve got this!

There’s no “user’s manual” for caregiving, but following these tips will help ensure you and your loved one are supported during the recovery process:

1. Offer help, but encourage your loved one to do tasks themselves.
2. Modify your home environment: install grab bars in the bathroom, tape down rugs, clear walkways of clutter/loose cords, and use bed rails.
3. Ensure your loved one is sitting with good posture and body alignment. Make sure they’re not leaning or slumping in their chair and their affected side is supported.
4. Make sure they take their medications on time as prescribed by their doctor.
5. Encourage them to stand and walk around, even if only for a short period.
6. Take time for yourself! Engage in activities that bring you joy and peace.

Therapy putty is an excellent tool for stroke survivors. Just 10 minutes of use can provide proprioceptive input, pressure to joints, and fine motor work. This helps improve hand strength, coordination, and sensory awareness. Here’s how to make your own:
- Empty a bottle of school glue into a glass bowl.
- Add baking soda and mix thoroughly.
- Add a drop of gel food color and mix until combined.
- Optional: Add glitter to the mixture.
- Mix in 1/2 cup of corn starch, then add contact lens solution.
- Stir until the mixture separates from the bowl and sticks together.
- Knead the putty until it's no longer sticky, adding more cornstarch if needed.
- Store the putty in airtight glass jars.

Enjoy the therapeutic benefits of therapy putty to enhance your recovery journey. Check out our video on YouTube and subscribe to our channel for more helpful content: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zj-pnfvz-wA&t=45s

Did you know: 1 in 5 women will experience a stroke in their lifetime? Each year, 55,000 more women than men have a stroke in the U.S., making it the 3rd leading cause of death among women. Black women have the highest prevalence of stroke among all women.

To reduce stroke risk, women should:

- Consult their healthcare provider for the safest medication if pregnant with high blood pressure.
- Discuss low-dose aspirin guidelines starting in the second trimester to lower preeclampsia risk.
- Get their blood pressure checked before taking birth control pills and monitor it every six months.
- Avoid hormone replacement therapy to prevent stroke if postmenopausal.
- Quit smoking if they have migraines with aura.
- Get screened for atrial fibrillation if over age 75.

Stay informed and proactive about your health to reduce your risk of stroke.

After a stroke, it's normal for daily life to change. However, staying engaged in activities that bring you joy and meaning is crucial for both mental and physical well-being. Keep doing what you love to support your recovery and happiness.

Sleep is an important self-care activity for both stroke survivors and caregivers. When you sleep, your brain recharges itself for optimal function. A good night’s sleep can help improve brain performance, mood, overall health, and mental well-being. Most adults should get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. By implementing a sleep schedule and nighttime routine, you can develop healthy sleep habits. Relaxation techniques—such as meditation, deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness—can help calm your body and mind before bed.

After a stroke, you might become very sensitive to sound, known as auditory overload. This happens when your brain can't keep up with sensory information, causing difficulty concentrating, fidgeting, impulsiveness, and repeating tasks. Auditory overload is more common during social gatherings. To manage it:

- Distance yourself from noise
- Rest well before events
- Avoid excessive alcohol
- Ask the host to lower or turn off background music
- Wear earplugs to reduce noise

For more help, talk to your healthcare professional.

American Stroke Foundation The ASF empowers stroke survivors and their families to overcome the challenges of life after stroke.

This Juneteenth, let's raise awareness about a critical health issue affecting Black Americans. The Black community faces higher rates of stroke and stroke-related deaths than any other racial group. Younger people with diabetes are especially at risk, and Black stroke survivors often receive less treatment for complications.

Chronic discrimination and stress contribute to this increased risk, highlighting the need for proactive prevention. Simple lifestyle changes—like eating healthier, exercising, quitting smoking, managing stress, and visiting the doctor regularly—can make a big difference.

Let's prioritize our health and take action to reduce stroke disparities in our community. Together, we can make a positive impact.

Changing the way you think is often the first step in recovery. By practicing positive self-talk, you can create meaningful change within yourself. Believe in your ability to heal and grow.

With their strength, love, and dedication, caregivers make a world of difference every day. Let’s take a moment to appreciate these everyday heroes who hide their capes under normal clothes. Thank you for all you do!