Madsen et al.1 reported that only the male cohort in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Stroke Study had a reduction in ischemic stroke incidence over time. This conclusion has relevant implications for health policy, because ischemic stroke is preventable when vascular risk factors are screened for,2 regularly monitored, and prescribed therapy regimens strictly followed.2,3 As seen in clinical practice, patients lacking a figure who continuously shadows their lifestyle and physical well-being often do not adhere to one or more of these indications. Women are more likely to be living alone throughout life, making them less likely to be screened for vascular risk factors.4 Moreover, some physicians consider vascular diseases to be male diseases, therein influencing how they counsel their female patients. In fact, only 22% of primary care physicians and 42% of cardiologists felt well-prepared to assess cardiovascular risk in women.5 In addition, only 16% of primary care physicians and 22% of cardiologists fully implemented guidelines for risk assessment. Therefore, women must be educated early in life that their overall lifetime health status depends on maintaining strong social bonds, having economic means, and seeking out vascular screening throughout life.