Chronic Disease Prevention and Risk Reduction
Major conditions
Know the risk factors and prevention basics for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and common cancers. Understand modifiable risk factors (tobacco, diet, inactivity, alcohol, weight, blood pressure) versus non-modifiable ones (age, family history, genetics). A frequent trap is implying that non-modifiable risk can be eliminated through lifestyle change.
Screening and management support
Know that blood pressure checks, blood glucose and A1c monitoring, cholesterol screening, and cancer screenings (colon, breast, cervical) are core prevention tools. CHWs support self-management: medication adherence, symptom tracking, appointment keeping, and goal setting. Understand adherence barriers (cost, side effects, complexity, health literacy) and address them with the client.
Tobacco and substance use
Know brief intervention basics and referral to cessation resources. Avoid shaming; use motivational approaches.
Worked example
A client with prediabetes says, "My parent had diabetes, so there's nothing I can do." The best response acknowledges family history as a non-modifiable factor while emphasizing that modifiable factors - activity, diet, weight - meaningfully lower risk. The wrong answer agrees that risk is fixed or promises prevention is guaranteed.
Traps to watch
Confusing screening with diagnosis; assuming a single risk factor determines outcome; overlooking medication cost as a reason for non-adherence.