PHA Workshop: Health Literacy

Session 3 of 6: Collaboration Project with Paducah Housing Authority

Objectives

- Understand when to use different levels of care (home care, primary care, urgent care, emergency department) to treat symptoms appropriately and manage medical costs.

- Identify practical nutrition and physical activity habits that reduce the risk of diabetes and assist in ongoing blood sugar management.

- Schedule essential preventive healthcare appointments and access clinical services offered through the local health department.

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Recognize current tobacco and nicotine trends and connect with free or low-cost smoking cessation programs and resources.

Key Concepts

- Level-of-Care Triage: Differentiating between home care (minor colds, basic first aid), primary care doctors (routine physicals, managing chronic conditions), Urgent Care (same-day non-life-threatening issues like sprains or minor cuts), and Emergency Departments (immediate life- or limb-threatening emergencies such as chest pain or stroke symptoms).

- Diabetes Prevention & Management (Nutrition & Physical Activity): Using balanced dietary habits (such as the Plate Method and reducing added sugars) alongside accessible physical activity (like daily 10–15 minute walks) to naturally regulate blood glucose and lower chronic disease risk.

- Preventive Health & Health Department Services: Proactively scheduling annual wellness exams, routine dental cleanings, and immunizations, as well as utilizing local health department clinical offerings (vaccines, dental care, STI/STD testing, breast exams, and WIC) regardless of insurance status.

- Tobacco Prevention & Cessation Resources: Understanding the health impacts of modern tobacco and nicotine trends (including e-cigarettes and vapes) and navigating local cessation classes, counseling services, and free nicotine replacement therapy options.