The State Health Department is doing its part to increae awareness of the dangers of stroke. Karen Connell, with the Department’s Heart Disease and Stroke Prevenion Program, says the number of Missourians whose deaths are attributed to strokes is quite high – about 3,900 each year. In addition to the stroke-related deaths, stroke survivors often continue to suffer disabilities. Connell says several things can be done to prevent stroke. People should be active, avoid smoking, and avoid binge drinking.