Having rights also means having responsibilities. For you, this means the "job" of being an active partner in your health care. Active partners do more learning, listening, speaking, and decision-making than people who let their doctor or care team do it all for them.

Your payoff is much bigger when you are an active partner:

• You'll be less afraid of health problems, because you're always learning about new ways to take care of yourself

• Your health may be better

• You'll feel more in control of your life—because you are the one deciding

• You will have more hope for the future