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Learn more from the Rodale.com news archive:

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Chewing Gum Speeds Surgery Recovery

What you can do: If you're pregnant and must give birth by C-section, ask if chewing gum after delivery would aid in your recovery.

Specialized Docs Guide You through the Healthcare Maze

What you can do: If you or someone you love is living with a serious illness, consider bringing in a palliative health care team to help you navigate the confusing health care system.

How to Choose the Best Get-Well Flowers

What you can do: Pick flowers that won't trigger sneezes, or need their water changed frequently.

How to Lower Your Risk of Getting Sick in the Hospital

What you can do: Check a facility's infection rates; ask doctors and nurses if they use the bundle system.

Do This for a Fast Exit from the ICU

What you can do: To improve hospital recovery time, talk to doctors and nurses about patient exercise once your loved one's vital signs have stabilized.

A Hospital's Religious Affiliation Affects Patient Care

What you can do: Find out what your doctor's and your hospital's philosophies are on controversial topics like reproductive rights and end-of-life care.

Protect Your Electronic Health Records

What you can do: Read the find print before signing up for commercial personal health records—you may be sharing info with insurance companies.

Avoid the July Effect: Don't Let a New Med Student Kill You

What you can do: Learn how to be a patient advocate for a loved one who is admitted into the hospital.

Read This Before Your Next Hospital Stay

What you can do: Think of ways that your illness may impact your daily life, then write it down so you can ask your doctor about it.

"Hey Doc…Weren't You Supposed to Take Out the LEFT Kidney?"

What you can do: Ask the right questions to protect yourself from hospital errors and surgery mistakes.