According to Dr. Oz, 100,000 people die each year from medical mistakes. If you have to go the hospital for any reason, you should always take a proactive stance in your process.

Educate yourself about your situation, diagnosis, protocol, etc before hand. Have a thorough understanding yourself of what will be taking place, so you can recognize anything that may not be necessary or out of the ordinary. Ask questions, speak up and make sure everyone who will be involved in your procedure is clear on what you will and will not be having done.

Insist that anyone coming in contact with you wash their hands. Ask your doctor to remove his tie – it contains an abundance of harmful bacteria and viruses because they are never washed.

Always get a second or third opinion. Do not trust blindly. Be an active participant in your health care, not a quiet bystander.