The demographics of Indian health. The aboriginal peoples of America -- Health conditions before Columbus : the paleopathology of native North Americans -- Selected demographic characteristics of Indians. The political and administrative bases of Indian health. The relation of Indian nations to the U.S. government -- The history and organization of Indian health services and systems -- Data sources and subsets of the Indian population. Major diseases and health conditions affecting Indians. Health status and clinical indicators -- Genetic polymorphism and American Indian origins, affinities, and health -- Maternal, child, and youth health -- The rise of cardiovascular diseases -- Cancer among American Indians and Alaska Natives -- Nutritional health and diet-related conditions -- Diabetes mellitus and its complications -- Unintentional injuries and trauma -- Suicide among American Indians and Alaska Natives -- Alcoholism and substance abuse -- Tobacco use -- Mental health and mental disorders -- Diseases of the immune and collagen vascular systems -- Infectious diseases -- Oral health -- Environmental health and construction programs. Special cultural and ethical considerations. Traditional Indian and modern Western medicine -- Cultural considerations in providing care to American Indians -- Research ethics and the American Indian -- The future of Indian health.