Millions of people suffer from colon and colon related health problems, ranging from occasional , mild discomfort to painful, serious, chronic conditions. So, in the name of health, don't poo-poo the subject or flush a viable, diagnostic stool down the drain without, at least, a fleeting glimpse and understanding.

If you are eating right and exercising, drink sufficient water and have a healthy colon, your stool is typically colored a medium brown, well formed, 1-1 1/2" in diameter, several inches long, almost odorless and moves through the anal passage without strain. Great if you're a kid, you say, but most adults, due to excess stress, poor diet, lack of exercise and genetics aren't always up to snuff. Well, you are right.

So take a look-see at the guidelines, offered by Carl Lemke, C.H.T., for typical causes of less than healthy stool types:

Stools rock hard? This is usually the result of insufficient dietary roughage, sitting around or ignoring the "I gotta go!" signals.

Poorly formed stools can mean diarrhea, excess roughage, laxed colon muscle tone, food allergies or poor food combinations.

Spasms, an enlarged prostate, or obstruction (a possible growth) any place from the descending colon to the anal passage, or a tightly coiled sigmoid colon, can produce thin or ribbon stools.

Floating stools say, high fat diet, poorly absorbed or digested fats, or a high mucous condition.

Food sensitivities, allergies, diets high in milk, cheese or mucous producing foods, possibly ulcerative colitis (chronic inflammation/ulceration of colon and rectal linings, usually accompanied by bloody diarrhea) cause mucous stools.

Foul smelling stools say poor digestion, unwise food combinations or inappropriate bacteria in the colon.

Bloody stools (red) can warn of lower intestinal bleeding or hemorrhoids. But beet or berry juice can also cause brilliant, bright red stools.

Black stools might mean too much iron, bismuth, beets or berries, possible bleeding in the stomach or small intestine.

Green can say too much chlorophyll or bile problems.

While light colored stools may signal gall bladder obstruction or insufficient bile production. Experience any of the above? Consult your medical practitioner