It is important to take control of your thinking and reduce negative thinking about the situation. This limits the likelihood of you feeling excessively embarrassment; this is due the idea that our thoughts directly influence our feelings.  Think thoughts such as, “I can do this; it isn't that bad!” Look for the humor in the situation. Isn't is funny that in society we buy these items in front of other people? Remember that the cashiers at these stores ring up the same items all of the time. You're probably not the first person to buy this item at their register, and you most likely won't be the last. Think something like, “This person is probably not thinking negatively about me, they deal with this sort of thing all the time!” Unfortunately, embarrassment when buying sexual contraceptives such as condoms can lead to unsafe sex and possible pregnancy. Thus, reducing embarrassment or coping with it is crucial to maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regard to your sex life.  Think about the consequences of not buying the product; could it lead to pregnancy, an STD, or uncomfortable sex? Some people may steal in order to get personal items to reduce embarrassment. Know that this behavior could get you arrested.

Summary: Think positively about the situation and your embarrassment. Remind yourself that the employees deal with this on a regular basis. Identify the risks of avoidance.


Many states provide Living Will forms. You can use one of these forms, but you are not required to do so. If the form does not properly fit within your circumstances, you may consider not using the form and drafting your own Living Will.  To look for forms in your state, perform an online search for “living will forms in [the state where you live].”  Illinois has a sample form here. If you choose to complete your own Living Will document, you will need to follow a certain formula. This will ensure that it has all of the necessary information and it will be legally binding. There are 8 sections that need to be included in your Living Will, each covering a specific stipulation for your care. Section 1 discusses the health care agent.  This section includes your name as the creator of the Living Will, and the full name, address, and telephone number of the person who you appoint as your agent. Section 2 names your alternate agent. Make sure to include any alternate agents that you want to name. In section 3 of your Living Will, you need to state the date from which your Living Will will be effective. Typically, statements such as “if and when the writer cannot make health care decisions” are used to describe the date when the Will goes into effect. In this case, a doctor will determine when this happens unless you state otherwise.  You can have an alternative start date for your Living Will if you desire. You can also state that the agent’s power will end at some later date or after an event other than your death. For example, one doctor might make the determination of incapacity, but you can specify in the Living Will that you would like two doctors to make this decision for you. In section 4, you need to define what specific powers you want to grant to your agent. The grant of power to your agent in a Living Will should be as broad as possible. If you set specific limits, your agent will not have the authority to make any decision that you could make to continue or stop any type of health care. However, even under this broad grant of power, the agent still must follow your wishes and directions that are set out in sections 5 and 6. In section 5, you need to describe the specific guideline for how you want your medical treatment to be handled. You can give general or specific instructions about your wishes for end of life care. You should include particular instructions about issues such as blood transfusions, electroconvulsive therapy, amputation, certain types of surgery, and resuscitation. For example, you may instruct your agent to refuse any specific types of treatment that are against your religious beliefs, such as a blood transfusion or life support, or anything that is unacceptable to you for any other reason. In section 6, you need to explain any other health care instructions that do not deal specifically with end-of-life matters that might arise while you are unable to help yourself. You also need to discuss any limitations on the agent’s power. For example, you may want to include your wishes about medical treatments that might be suggested but that are not required to keep you live. You can also explain if you want your agent to agree to your admission to a nursing home. In section 7, you should lay out any protection given to third parties who follow your agent's decisions. In most states, health care providers cannot be forced to follow the instructions of your agent if they object to them for any reason. However, most states also require providers to transfer you to another provider who is willing to honor the Living Will.  You should include this section to encourage doctor compliance with the Living Will without the fear of being held liable civilly. For example, if you state in your Living Will that “no person who relies in good faith on any representations by my Agent shall be liable to me, my estate, or my heirs for recognizing the Agent’s authority,” the doctor might feel more comfortable following whatever wishes you state in section 5 and 6. In section 8, you need to specify if you want to donate your organs at the time of your death. If you would like to donate your organs, you should put this in your Living Will. If you are already an organ donor, you do not have to specify this unless you want to make sure your wishes get followed. Once you have a completed your Living Will document, you must sign and date the document for it to go into effect. You should also get the document signed in the presence of a notary to prevent any future problems. Some states also require you to have the document witnessed, so check your state to ensure your Will will be legally sound. If you are required to have witnesses, choose people who know you personally and who will be able to declare that you appear to be competent and are not acting because of undue influence.

Summary: Get the appropriate form. Prepare your own document. Write sections 1 and 2. State the effective date and durability. Define the agent’s powers. Describe the instructions for end-of-life treatment. Explain limitations or additional instructions. Input protections for third parties. Specify organ donation options. Sign your Living Will.


Kinks and knots can throw off the level and result in an incorrect reading. Slide your hand over the entire length of the tube before you use it so you can be sure there are no kinks or knots. A tube that is old or worn may be more prone to knots and kinks so you may want to replace it over time. Leaving water in the tube for a long period of time can allow air bubbles to form, which can then throw off the water levels in the tube. You should also empty and refill the water level before you use it to ensure the measurements are correct. Exposure to heat and direct sunlight can cause the tube to get too hot, causing the liquid to expand once it touches the tube. This can then throw off your water levels and result in an incorrect reading. Store the tube for the water level in a cool spot indoors in your garage or home so it does not overheat.
Summary: Make sure there are no kinks or knots in the tubing. Empty the water level after each use to prevent air bubbles. Keep the water level in a shaded, cool spot to prevent liquid expansion.