TO GO WITH FEATURE STORY HEALTH NATIVES, 2001-06-26 (photo)

His body showing the ravages of diabetes Paul Rooks, 49, lies on an easy chair while receiving dialysis in the Porcupine Clinic on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. It's a monotonous routine that Mr. Rooks endures three times a week, and one that is becoming necessary for an increasing number of Native Americans across the rural United States. A ongoing report by the Strong Heart Study, funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, says that more than 50 percent of Native Americans over the age of 45 are diabetic. A year ago, Mr Rooks began noticing small black ulcers on his toes, the early signs of what is one of the ugliest side effects of diabetes, poor circulation leading to amputation. His big toe was the first to go, and in less than a year, he has lost both legs just below the knee and eight of his 10 fingers. Photo taken June 26, 2001. AC