Public health is the establishment and maintenance of healthful living conditions for the general population. This goal requires organized effort from all levels of government. Underlying the current concerns in public health are three principle aims of public health efforts. First is the assessment and monitoring of populations, from the community level to the national level, to identify populations who are at risk for whatever health problem is being considered. For example, public health efforts have shown that aboriginals in Canada are especially prone to developing diabetes. The second "plank" of public health is the formulation of policies to deal with the significant problems. Returning to the example, policies and strategies for action are now being formulated to reverse the trend. The third core public health function is to assure that everyone is able to receive adequate and affordable care and disease...