Worried about shots.

I have to get a special shot. Do you have some tips to make me worry less?

James C., California

One of our editors, Kim Griswell, says that when she was a kid, she was terrified of shots. She would fight to keep from getting one.

Then one day a friend went with her when she had to get a shot. She didn't want her friend to see her acting scared, so she just sat still and let the nurse give her the shot. Kim realized that the shot didn't hurt much at all. She felt a bit silly for all those years of fighting against something that was being done for her own good. Now she just takes a deep breath, looks away, and tries to relax. She doesn't mind getting shots anymore.

Trying some of these ideas might work for you, too.