Problem: Article: Exchanging saliva with a carrier of H. pylori can be a way to become infected with the bacterium. Don’t share water bottles or other drink containers with someone who carries the bacterium. If your romantic partner has an ulcer, have them ask their doctor if they think it would be safe for them to kiss you. These things can carry saliva on them, which can transfer H. pylori. If you know a friend or family member has an ulcer, don’t eat food they’re eating or use the same utensil as them. Fecal matter has been connected with transmission of H. pylori. If you have to touch fecal matter, wear protective, disposable gloves. You can purchase latex gloves from most grocery stores and drug stores. Don’t drink tap water in areas where the water commonly carries bacteria. If you’re travelling, research your destination to find out if it has clean water. Bring bottles of water with you if you’re ever going to a place that doesn’t have clean tap water. Run your hands under hot water and lather them with antibacterial soap. This can help clean away H. pylori and other bacteria. Wash your hands when you get them dirty, when you use the bathroom, and right before you eat. Some studies show that stress can increase your chances of getting an H. pylori infection. When you feel yourself getting stressed, take a few deep breaths and try to relax. Avoid putting yourself in highly stressful situations. The outsides of fruits and vegetables can carry dirt and bacteria. Rinse them with hot water and scrub them with a scrubbing brush to get them clean. If you want to dry them before eating, be sure to use a clean towel. If you want to be extra careful, cooking vegetables can also rid them of bacteria.
Summary: Avoid kissing or sharing saliva with a person who has a stomach ulcer. Avoid sharing utensils or food with someone who has an ulcer. Avoid touching human fecal matter. Drink water only from clean sources. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly, especially before eating. Learn to manage your stress. Wash your fruits and vegetables before eating them.

Problem: Article: Many health professionals will recommend core strengthening exercises like the plank to help alleviate pain.  Stronger core muscles help to support and relieve your back. They also help keep your pelvis in a neutral alignment, decreasing compression of the nerves.  Lie face-down on a soft surface, such as an exercise mat.  Prop yourself off the ground by using your forearms and toes to support the body. The elbows should be directly under the shoulder. Make a double chin and keep the shoulder blades back and down to maintain proper spinal alignment. Tighten the abdomen as if you are about to be punched in the gut. Tuck your hips under and squeeze your glutes, keeping your entire body in a straight, rigid line. Try to make yourself as long and as strong as you can from the crown of your head out through your heels. Maintain this position for 10 seconds or until you begin to wobble. Breathe normally throughout the plank. Do three sets with 30 second rests in between. Work your way up until you can do 30 second holds with good form. These muscles protect the spine against sudden twisting movements and provide additional support to your back.  Start by laying on your left side on a soft surface like an exercise mat. Lift your body off the surface by supporting your weight with the left elbow and outer side of the left foot.  Your left shoulder should be tracking straight over your left elbow. Maintain an erect posture as if you are standing tall. Look straight, brace your abdomen, keep the shoulders back and down, and squeeze your butt. You should maintain this position for 10 seconds by continuously engaging your left oblique muscles (the muscles at the side of your belly). This can be a very challenging move. If you are struggling, try staggering the feet for more support, or performing with the left knee down. Do three sets of 10 second holds. Work your way up to 30-second holds with proper form.  Switch sides and repeat. Leg lifts will help strengthen your lower abdominal muscles and remove the strain from your lower back and sciatic nerve.  Start by lying down on the floor on your back either on an exercise mat or on the carpet.  Press your lower back down to the floor and pull your bellybutton in toward the floor. Your pelvic alignment is essential to getting this exercise right an not causing further harm. It may be necessary for you to put your hands under your lower back for support, or put a slight bend in your knees. Keeping both legs straight (if you can), slowly raise your left leg off the floor while keeping your knee straight.  Hold for five seconds, and return back to the original pose. Then do the same with your other leg.  Repeat the alternation five times or as many times as you are able. This exercise helps strengthen the back of your legs, buttocks, and lower back.  Lay down on the floor on your back with both knees bent and the soles of your feet flat on the floor. Then, push up using your buttocks while your back is straight.  Your body should form a straight line declining from your knees to your head. Hold for five seconds to 10, and relax.  Repeat this exercise five times if able. This exercise is similar to a traditional crunch.  It strengthens the abs and the upper rectus to help relieve pressure from the lower back.  Begin by laying flat on your back on an exercise mat or carpet.  Fold your arms across your chest. Slowly roll and lift your head up off the ground followed by your shoulders.  You should feel your entire core become tight and engaged. Hold this position for two to four seconds or as long as you're able.  Slowly lower your shoulders and head back down to the starting position. Continue with this exercise until you can complete two sets of 10 curls.
Summary: Try the plank exercise. Perform side planks to engage the oblique muscles. Do lying leg lifts. Try bridge exercises. Try curl ups.

Problem: Article: Identify your feelings and reasons for wanting to end the friendship. Write down your reasons on a sheet of paper. When you are writing down your reasons, make sure to use “I” statements, instead of “you” statements.  Changing or wanting to move in a new direction with your life could be legitimate reasons for breaking up the friendship. Feeling like you have been taken advantage of for a very long time is another legitimate reason to end the friendship. Not being able to trust your friend because they have lied to you on numerous occasions could also be a reason to end the friendship. Having incompatible or conflicting interests, morals, or ideals could also be reasons for ending a lifelong friendship. Having outgrown one another. You don’t have anything in common anymore. Put yourself in your friend’s shoes. Your friend may be totally surprised by the conversation, or feel saddened and start to cry.  Or perhaps they will become frustrated, defensive, or hostile. Understanding how your friend will react will help you frame the conversation.  For example, try to start the conversation on a positive note or start with cheery small talk if you think your friend may cry or become defensive. If you think your friend may get angry, then start out by telling them how much you respect them as a person. But only tell them this if you mean it. If they have broken your trust or taken advantage of you, then you may not respect them anymore. Write down a paragraph or two of what you would like to say and how you would like to say it. Rehearse what you want to say in front of a mirror. Practicing in front of the mirror will help you feel and sound confident about your reasons for ending the friendship. If you have a trusted partner or family member, use them as a sounding board. Pretend as if they are your friend and rehearse what you will say. They will be able to tell you how you sound and if your message is coming across the way you want it to.
Summary:
Identify and write down your reasons. Anticipate your friend’s reaction. Rehearse the conversation.