Programs that protect and improve the health of the community through the use of public health nurses whose services are available through departments of public health, schools and voluntary agencies, typically in connection with medical programs supervised by physicians. Activities may include home visits to provide nursing under medical supervision for acutely ill patients and people who are chronically ill; outreach to populations who may not seek out health care through a traditional medical facility; support for physicians in public health clinics and disease detection programs; first aid and screening programs for school children; nutrition counseling; family planning information and a wide range of health education and prevention programs for the community at large which deal with personal health practices that can help to prevent illness.

Routine examinations conducted on an annual basis to assess the general physical condition of an individual and detect abnormalities. General physicals vary, but most involve a discussion of any concerns the patient may be having; checking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate and respiration rate), weight and general appearance; heart and lung exams using a stethoscope; a head and neck exam that looks at the throat, teeth and gums, ears, sinuses, eyes, lymph nodes, thyroid and carotid arteries; an abdominal exam that uses palpation to detect liver size, the presence of abdominal fluid or tenderness; a visual examination of the extremities; and breast and pelvic exams for women, testicular and prostate exams for men. The annual physical exam also provides an opportunity to refocus attention on prevention and screening and routine laboratory tests may be suggested.

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.

Individuals whose ethnic background and ancestry are that of the tribal, aboriginal peoples who originated in what is now the United States. Included are Native Americans who are living on or off reservations in rural and urban areas.

Individuals and families of Native American descent who have needs and interests in common based on living in areas recognized by the federal or a state government as being set aside for the use of Native Americans and governed by Native Americans.