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To get the most out of your health care, take an active role. This means thinking of every doctor as a partner in your care. Here are things you can do to help that partnership go smoothly.

Dealing with health and medical issues can be stressful and confusing. It can be a good idea to ask friends and family for support. They can listen to what the doctors tell you, ask questions, and help make sure that things go smoothly. And they can help you get the care you need.

When medicines are taken as directed, they can greatly improve your health. But if they are not taken as instructed, they may not work. To help make sure that your treatment remains effective and safe, understand your medicines and how to take them.

Do you find that you make an appointment with your health care provider, only to forget half your questions once you’re in the exam room? Preparing for a health care provider visit can help you get the most out of your health care. Below are tips for helping you prepare.

An aortic angiogram is a test that takes pictures of the aorta. This is the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. The test can show problems with your aorta, such as a blockage or an aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge in the wall of the aorta).

An arterial line is a thin tube put into an artery. It lets your blood pressure be easily checked at all times. Here's what to expect with this procedure.

Breast implant surgery (also called breast augmentation) is a cosmetic procedure that changes the size of your breasts. Breast implants are put in above or below the chest muscle to make the breasts larger.

Breast lift and breast implants are cosmetic surgeries. A breast lift helps reshape breasts that sag or have lost their firmness. Implants are placed on top of or behind the chest muscle to make the breasts larger. This sheet tells you more about these surgeries and what to expect.

Abdominoplasty ("tummy tuck") and breast augmentation (implants) are two cosmetic surgeries that may be done together.