Mutual support groups whose members are individuals who wish to recover from their dependence on nicotine and give up cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, snuff or other substances containing nicotine. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; provide emotional support, information and resources to help participants come to terms with their addiction; and may include faith-based and secular 12-step groups as well as non-12 step groups.

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have experienced a loss such as the death of a loved one, divorce or separation and are trying to cope with their grief as a result. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and focus on helping participants accept their loss, express their grief, move through the bereavement process and put their lives back together.

Mutual support groups whose members are people who have a disability, illness or other health condition, their families and friends. The groups meet in-person, by telephone or via the Internet; and provide an opportunity for participants to share information, resources, practical tips for daily living and encouragement about issues related to the disability or health problem.

Any of a broad group of malignant neoplasms which are either carcinomas which have their origin in epithelial tissues or sarcomas which develop from connective tissues and those structures which had their origin in mesodermal tissues (the muscular, skeletal, circulatory, lymphatic and urogenital systems and the linings of body cavities). Cancer is invasive and tends to metastasize to new sites spreading directly into surrounding tissues or through the lymphatic or circulatory systems.

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.

Any of a number of pathological conditions that affect the heart and the blood vessels of the heart.

Any of a variety of disorders of the lungs, pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, trachea, upper respiratory tract or the associated nerves and muscles that are responsible for breathing. Included are obstructive pulmonary diseases such as emphysema and asthma that involve narrowing or blockage of the airways which carry oxygen and other gases into and out of the lungs; restrictive lung diseases such as sarcoidosis and asbestosis that result in incomplete lung expansion and a reduction in the ability of the lungs to take up oxygen and release carbon dioxide; upper and lower respiratory tract infections; benign and malignant tumors affecting the lungs and associated tissue; and pulmonary vascular diseases such as pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary edema that affect pulmonary circulation.

A disorder that is characterized by use of tobacco, snuff or other substances containing nicotine which generally produces central nervous system stimulation, but in high doses can also have depressant effects. The general physical effects of nicotine use include irritation of lung tissues, constriction of blood vessels, and increased blood pressure and heart rate. Health risks include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, stroke, heart disease and cancers of the lungs, mouth, throat and esophagus.

Individuals who have experienced a loss, such as the death of a loved one or pet, divorce or separation, estrangement from a family member or any other kind of significant loss whose own patterns of personal, social and familial coping have been significantly affected as a result.