Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with trips, slips and falls by older adults and others in and around their homes and the measures that can be taken prevent their occurrence. Delivery formats may include fact sheets, safety check lists or other informational materials; individual or group educational sessions which may include strength and balance exercises; and general media campaigns. The programs may address illnesses and other physical conditions that affect mobility and balance; "high-risk" medications or medication combinations that may cause drowsiness; lack or improper use of needed mobility aids; proper versus improper footwear; environmental safety hazards such as unsafe or unlighted stairways, uneven or slippery walking surfaces, obstacles such as throw rugs and exposed cords or wires, unsteady furniture or lack of grab bars and handrails; and other similar factors.

Health care programs that provide multidisciplinary education, training and support regarding recommended therapeutic regimens, medical procedures and self-care for adults, adolescents and/or children who have undergone surgery or who have chronic conditions (such as diabetes, asthma/COPD, kidney disease/ESRD, heart disease/hypertension and AIDS) that require ongoing management, and/or for family members who may be involved in their care or affected by their condition. The objective of these programs is to empower patients to manage their own chronic conditions in partnership with their health care providers. Chronic disease self management assistance may be provided in a variety of settings including classes/workshops, individual counseling sessions and as home-based services, particularly in situations where conditions in the home have an impact on the individual's illness. Chronic diseases are illnesses that are prolonged, do not resolve spontaneously, and are rarely cured completely.

Programs that provide opportunities for people of all ages to learn, become competitive in and practice T'ai Chi Ch'uan, a Chinese form of meditation and exercise that is based on 13 basic movements which can be used for self defense or relaxation or to develop physical fitness.

An inflammatory condition affecting the joints which is usually accompanied by pain and, frequently, by changes in bone and muscle positioning.

A disorder in which the pancreas produces too little insulin with the result that the body is unable to adequately metabolize sugar. Principal symptoms are elevated blood sugar, sugar in the urine, excessive urine production and increased food intake. Complications of diabetes if left untreated include low resistance to infections leading to a susceptibility to gangrene, cardiovascular and kidney disorders, disturbances in the electrolyte balance and eye disorders, some of which may lead to blindness.

A condition in which an individual experiences pain which persists beyond the expected time required for healing of an injury or after the expected course of an acute illness, usually with a duration of greater than six months. Chronic pain arises from a number of causes including invasion or compression syndromes due to cancer, neurological disorders such as neuralgia, phantom limb pain, nerve entrapment syndromes, spinal cord damage, muscular inflammation syndromes, and syndromes involving lesions in the thalamus.

Individuals who have serious medical conditions that have persisted over a long period of time or are subject to frequent recurrences, are treatable but rarely cured completely and require persistent self-management behaviors. Chronic illnesses may be life-long in duration and/or progressive in nature; and many are marked by sudden flare-ups that can be caused by stress or other factors. Medicine and other treatments can often help people with chronic illness lead a normal life, although many require long-term care.

Individuals whose ethnic background and cultural ancestry identify them as part of the Hmong community. The Hmong live in a region within southern China, northern Vietnam and Laos. Their language is Hmong.

Individuals who reside in Karen State in southern and southeastern Myanmar (Burma), or who identify themselves as part of the Karen community. The term "Karen" is an umbrella term that refers to a heterogeneous lot of Sino-Tibetan speaking ethnic groups that do not share a common language, culture, religion or material characteristics. The Karen constitute the third largest ethnic population in Myanmar.

Individuals who are either citizens of Laos or who identify themselves as part of the Laotian community. Laos is a country in southeast Asia. The official language is Lao.

Individuals who are either citizens of Vietnam or who identify themselves as part of the Vietnamese community. Vietnam is a country in southeast Asia. The official language is Vietnamese.