Green stool is very common -- so much so that it's one of my most-read topics. So, why do so many people come to the Internet looking for information on the cause of green stools? Newborns pass green stools, which may account for a lot of the interest, and green stools in a baby are often normal. Small children may also pass green bowel movements on occasion, especially after they've eaten something with food coloring -- the same is true for adults. In these examples, green stool is not a cause for concern.

There are occasions, however, when green stool can indicate a problem. The key is being able to tell the difference between a harmless and temporary condition, and a chronic problem that is not likely to resolve on its own. Learn more about the causes of green stools.

• What Can Cause Green Stool?
• What Are The Causes Of Mucus In The Stool?
• Normal Bowel Movements

The Restroom Access bill is being voted on in the New York State Senate. If you live in New York, call or write to your senators to let them know that you want this legislation to pass. The bill is S.7153 sponsored by Senator McDonald, and you can find a list of New York senators here. The members of the health committee are listed here.

The Restroom Access Act has been passed in 12 states, and provides for the use of employee restrooms by patrons who are in need. It is an important piece of legislation for anyone with IBD, digestive disease, or even with small children.

Do you ever have dreams about not being able to find a bathroom when you need one? Perhaps you dream about finding a bathroom but it is horribly unclean or somehow unusable? I have these types of dreams all the time, usually when I am under some kind of stress. And, truthfully, it has happened often enough in real life that I encounter a bathroom that is less than perfect. This is why I have tissue, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer in my car and in my purse at all times.

Dreaming about toilets isn't at all unusual for people with IBD. People who have a chronic health condition commonly have dreams closely related to their illness or sometimes even dream about death. The bigger problem is that these dreams can disturb your sleep. How do you deal with sleep problems?

More about sleep:

• Dreaming of Toilets
• Does IBD Keep You Up At Night?
• How Do You Get Better Sleep When Your IBD is Flaring?
• IBD and Night Sweats

_{Photo © Stuart Miles}

Every so often I read a news report that refers to someone with Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis as being a "sufferer" or as "suffering" with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). And it kind of ticks me off.

Now, I'm not saying we don't suffer all manner of pain, indignities, social stigma, isolation, and economic hardships. All of these and more come along with a chronic digestive disease. What I object to is being referred to as a "sufferer." Or worse -- "victim." Yes, my life has been adversely and unalterably affected by ulcerative colitis, but I certainly don't think of myself as one who has been victimized. These words imply that one has given up, has been beaten down, has given in to their hardships. And if I know anything about people with IBD, I know this: we are certainly not beaten down and we absolutely do not give up.

As a medical writer, I've been taught to refer to patients in a more inclusive way, such as "people who have IBD" or "patients with diabetes." In the early days of my writing career I may have also used the more negative terms, because that's what I saw other writers doing and just copied suit. I now realize that how we refer to ourselves and how others refer to us is very important in defining how we see ourselves, and how society perceives us.

What do you think? Are you a "sufferer?" Click on "Comments" below and tell me about it, or tweet me at @AboutIBD

_{Photo © Ohmega1982}