As soon as they reach the age of majority, everyone should take their health into their own hands. Whether that means switching from gummy vitamins to a real adult daily multivitamin, or just preparing thoroughly for your annual checkup, it’s important to feel like you’re in control of your health.

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.