As much as we’d like to think that all medical procedures end with a mantle full of get well soon cards, it isn’t always the case. Surgery, however routine, is dangerous business. Knives, rubber gloves, face masks, blood … it’s not for the faint of heart.

All those crises! All those sirens! All that panic! Not to mention the miraculous, life-and-death rush, and heroics (just before the commercial break, of course) of all those TV nurses and doctors. Usually decked-out in full or partial scrubs, they sure look like real nurses and doctors, don’t they? And, despite the frequent techno-jargon, they seem to have the buzz down properly.

Mental health is a real hot button issue these days. It’s pervasive, mysterious and confusing – and it’s received a ton of media attention. Awareness is always a good thing, especially when it feels as if you’re all alone.

After a devastating diagnosis and when facing a grim prognosis, it’s important to keep one’s spirits up. Although we may not ultimately overcome the long medical odds put before us, we still might. As any gambler will tell you, even the longest odds will sometimes pay off!

Medical mistakes not only injure more people than you think, they can be deadly. Recent research shows that—after heart disease and cancer—medical mistakes are the third leading cause of death in the US. More than accidents, strokes, lung disease and Alzheimer’s.

For most of us, checking in to a hospital means surrendering to the professional efficiency of legions of white-coated doctors and nurses. We calm our nervous fears by assuring ourselves that the doctors have had years of training, and know exactly what they’re doing.