Keep a detailed log of treatments, drugs, services and supplies so you can later compare it with your itemized bill to ensure you’re not being overcharged. If you’re unable to maintain the log, ask a friend or family member to do it.

also: The log lets the staff know that you intend to keep informed of your situation.

common mistakes found on hospital bills: Same supplies billed by more than one department, unrequested personal supplies—such as toothpaste—and charges for services not rendered, such as hours of physical therapy.

As Dr. Dean Ornish and other researchers have shown, a low-fat diet (10% of calories from fat) can slow the progress of atherosclerosis—and in some cases reverse it. This approach is very effective when combined with cholesterol-lowering drugs called statins.

drawback: The low-fat diet doesn’t always work. And such a diet is hard to follow. Only about 15% of patients are motivated enough to stick with it.

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