Stay Active After Stroke

Staying active is an important part of your recovery journey. Physical activity can help improve daily function, muscle strength, brain health and quality of life. Check out these examples and safety tips to improve overall health after stroke.
Learn about benefits of physical activity after a stroke (PDF)
A senior woman is stretching upward with classmates in a yoga studio.
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From stroke to half-marathon

Whitney Sheffield and her husband are standing in front of Brigham City Community Hospital's emergency entrance (photo credit: HCA Healthcare)At age 24, Whitney never imagined the dizziness she felt was the start of a life-threatening stroke. Thanks to her husband’s quick actions and coordinated care by the health care team, she made a remarkable recovery.

Read Whitney’s Story

Kick Off 2026 with 2X the Life-Saving Impact!

Husband and wife embracing in the kitchen

Stroke is still one of the leading causes of death in America. Start the year strong with a gift that DOUBLES to help give families more time together.

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For Patients and Caregivers:

Stroke Warning Signs

Recognize the warning signs and call 9-1-1 immediately. This can make the difference between a strong recovery and disability or even death. 
Learn the stroke warning signs

Stroke Prevention

Whole body wellness can help you feel stronger, healthier and mentally sharp – and it can also reduce your stroke risk.

Take charge of your health

Stroke Recovery

There is life – and hope – after stroke. With time, new routines will become second nature. Rehabilitation can build your strength, capability and confidence.
Get started after stroke

For Healthcare Professionals:

Cryptogenic Stroke

Our updated Healthcare Professional Guide can help diagnose the underlying reason for cryptogenic stroke and tailor prevention plans for your patients.
Get the Cryptogenic Stroke Guide

EMS Routing

Consensus recommendations can help ensure acute stroke patients are triaged to the facility.
Learn more about EMS routing

Secondary Prevention

Our May 2021 Guideline provides clinicians with the latest evidence-based recommendations for preventing another stroke.
Learn more about secondary stroke prevention
The International Stroke Conference provides the best brain health and stroke science of the year. Join us Feb. 4-6. Register for ISC

By learning the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.

Learn more about the symptoms of stroke
Letter F

Face Drooping

Does one side of the face droop or is it numb?
Ask the person to smile. Is the person's smile uneven?
letter A

Arm Weakness

Is one arm weak or numb?
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
letter S

Speech 

Is speech slurred?
Is the person unable to speak or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence, like "The sky is blue."
Letter t

Time to Call 9-1-1

Check the time so you'll know when the first symptoms appeared.

In the News

The latest in stroke and brain health news
Read more stroke related news

Aphasia and Stroke

This common post-stroke language disorder affects the ability to communicate, causing frustration and confusion. Treatment and strategies can help – check out our fact sheets, tips and other resources.
Learn about treatment and strategies

Stroke Support Groups

Connect with others with similar experiences, learn helpful information and help ease the depression and isolation that’s common after stroke. Use our support group finder for a list of groups near you.
Find a support group
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CycleNation

Energizing a nation to get brain and heart healthy through the power of the bicycle.
Register Now!

Be a stroke hero. Donate today.

Your gift contributes to breakthrough research, advocacy, and more lives saved from heart disease and stroke!
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Stroke Video Gallery

  • Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T. | Actresses Susan Lucci and Jennie Garth, NBA player Paul George, and NFL player Bobby Wagner share their personal connection to stroke. Honor someone you love by learning the stroke warning signs with F.A.S.T.

  • Managing Spasticity Post-Stroke | This poorly understood post-stroke condition causes stiff or rigid muscles, negatively impacting daily activities and quality of life. Talk to your health care professional about treatment and management options.

  • F.A.S.T. Can Save Lives | A stroke can happen at any age. Learn how to spot a stroke F.A.S.T. – if you see Face drooping, Arm weakness, or Speech difficulty, it’s Time to call 911.

  • Stroke Survivor - Michael Johnson | The Olympian sprinter shares his stroke survivor journey.

  • Recognize Stroke F.A.S.T. | Anyone can have a stroke and everyone should be prepared. It’s a matter of knowing what to do, taking action and spreading the word. By learning and sharing the F.A.S.T. warning signs, you just might save a life from stroke.

  • F.A.S.T. Song - Stroke Signs | Hip Hop Artist Dee-1 and Tha Hip Hop Doc Rani Whitfield, M.D., collaborated on a song for the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for World Stroke Day 2015, to teach the warning signs of stroke.