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Ladies, it’s Time to Own the Throne!

June 5, 2015 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Disclaimer: This is not my bathroom. If it was, I’d be blogging from there. #bathroomblogging
throneI truly believe there’s a general shift in attitudes when it comes to girls and “toilet talk”, and it goes something like this:

Ages 6-12: The Funny Phase. This is when it’s okay to laugh at your older brother’s crude jokes, talk about semi-gross things with your friends, and giggle unabashedly at potty humour in g-rated comedies. Poops and toots followed by LOLs. Because it’s funny.

Ages 13-19: The “It Wasn’t Me” Phase. Also known as the phase you wouldn’t be caught dead discussing tummy troubles or owning up to them, even in a comical way. I mean, come on, the teenage years are awkward enough without putting a spotlight on bathroom behaviour – especially topics like constipation, yikes!

Ages 20-29: The “I Don’t Even Use the Bathroom” Phase. You’ve likely moved in with a certain someone or spend increased amounts of time “coupling”. And if you have your way, he’ll never, ever, ever consider the fact that you even use the bathroom. Shh!! Don’t talk about it. Wait until he’s left for work or falls asleep. Be stealth and he’ll never catch on. Move back home for a few days in times of tummy trouble. (<< I actually did that. I swear.) 

Ages 30+: The Whatever I’ve Seen it All Phase. So maybe you’ve had a kid or two and have actually been peed on while changing a diaper. Or perhaps you’ve been with the boyfriend from phase 3 long enough that he’s cottoned on to the fact that your body does go through a process of digestion. And most likely, you’ve matured and realize that tummy troubles are not a taboo subject! In fact, you may even find yourself beginning conversations like this: “I haven’t pooped in three days! THREE DAYS! For the love of God I just want to poop.” And if you’re not there yet, trust me – it’s never too late to own the throne.
toiletLadies, it’s time to open the bathroom door wide open. You don’t need to feel alone with bowel health issues and should feel empowered to take control! But if you feel uneasy chatting about it, you’re not alone: according to the Dulcolax® Bowel Health Poll, seven in ten Canadians feel comfortable discussing their bowel movements with their doctor, but only two in five feel comfortable discussing the subject with their partner, and even fewer would discuss it with a close friend, parent or co-worker.

In fact, nearly three quarters of Canadians actively avoid ‘going’ in public places – proof that it’s not something we’re comfortable with even though everyone does it, and most Canadians think bowel health is important.

The stigma around bathroom habits needs to be addressed.

Canadians who do experience difficulty or delays when it comes to bowel movements are looking for predictable relief. The Dulcolax® Bowel Health Poll indicates that half of Canadians say that having control around, or predictability with their bowel movements, is important to them. The following three steps can help Canadians maintain regular bowel movements so they can own the throne:

• Open Up: Canadians need to speak up when it comes to bowel movements because not only is it something we all experience, but it can be a good indicator for overall health.

• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: One in six Canadians feels their bowel movements are inconsistent and one in nine feel their bowel movements are uncomfortable. When you are constipated, you may feel bloated and not like yourself. To promote good bowel health, it’s important to get regular exercise, have plenty of water and caffeine-free fluids and always drink alcohol and caffeine in moderation. In addition, eating a diet rich in fibre is helpful.

• Don’t Delay Relief: Treatment options exist – but you need to make the right choice to get the relief you need. For example, for occasional constipation, a product like Dulcolax® Laxative tablets can be taken at bedtime and will produce a bowel movement the next morning in the comfort of your own home. It provides gentle, predictable relief, something the vast majority of Canadians are looking for.

Are you ready to own the throne? Join @besthealthmag for the #BHOwnTheThrone Twitter Chat on June 18th from 1-2pm EDT. Dulcolax is giving away six prizes, including one grand prize!

And in the meantime, enter to win a Dulcolax prize pack, valued at $100, here! The prize pack includes product coupons, an “Own the Throne” branded t-shirt and notebook, plus an in-shower speaker and water bottle. Simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck!

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Filed Under: Lifestyle Tagged With: bowel health, Dulcolax, GI Health, Own the Throne

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Isabel Topps

    June 5, 2015 at 10:01 am

    Not taboo, everybody does it :)

  2. Sarah Forrester

    June 5, 2015 at 10:06 am

    I think it is normal to talk about bowel movements. Because of colon cancer etc we need to create dialogue. It may save someone’s life.

  3. kathy downey

    June 5, 2015 at 10:19 am

    Everyone has bowel movements human or animal and we need to be more open and talk about it.

  4. Marissa

    June 5, 2015 at 10:27 am

    Colon health is important for our well being and the more we talk about bowel movements openly, the better educated we’ll be.

  5. Alayne Langford

    June 5, 2015 at 10:30 am

    I’ve been talking toilet my whole life, why stop now? Plus I can’t wait to talk about BM’s on Twitter! :) “What happens in the toilet, stays in the toilet” ;)

  6. Judy Cowan

    June 5, 2015 at 10:35 am

    It is a normal thing and we should talk about it. We all do it and it shouldn’t be a taboo subject.

  7. Susan Stirling

    June 5, 2015 at 10:45 am

    As a survivor of Stage 4 colon cancer, the biggest lesson I learned from my oncologist is that we need to talk about cancer and our bowels so that people don’t die from ’embarassment’! BTW — I discovered Dulcolax in my recovery stage (when things were just starting to work right again) and for any tough periods, I go back to it! Truly is gentle overnight relief!

  8. Rachel

    June 5, 2015 at 10:49 am

    Its something nobody talks about. But it’s not taboo.

  9. Michelle

    June 5, 2015 at 10:57 am

    Not “taboo.” but not everything needs to be talked about with friends and coworkers.

  10. Melinda

    June 5, 2015 at 11:01 am

    It’s not taboo, most people do talk about it.

  11. Michelle

    June 5, 2015 at 11:21 am

    Not “taboo.” but not everything needs to be discussed with friends and coworkers.

  12. Caelin W

    June 5, 2015 at 11:26 am

    My husband definitely wants to talk about it more than I do!

  13. Gizele Farris

    June 5, 2015 at 11:49 am

    Not taboo, but it can be a personal thing for some people.

  14. Angie In My 30s (@My30sAndItsTime)

    June 5, 2015 at 1:22 pm

    HAHAHAHA this had me in stitches. I was TOTALLY that “I don’t even use the bathroom” girl until I got sick on our honeymoon and trust me, Mister and I have now discussed it all. We could both relay the other’s full digestive issues to the doctor if need be.
    Meh… such is life. He’s my hubby and he’s stuck with me!

    BUT for the record, princess do not toot – and don’t you dare say the “other-4-letter-F-word” around me. Nay nay!

  15. Sherry K

    June 5, 2015 at 2:00 pm

    Not taboo, but not discussed enough.

  16. Chris Stockford

    June 5, 2015 at 2:01 pm

    It is a normal thing and we should talk about it. We all do it and it shouldn’t be a taboo subject.

  17. sarah sar

    June 5, 2015 at 2:44 pm

    I don’t think it’s so much a taboo subject anymore but it used to be in my household. It’s just not talked about enough though.

  18. Jennifer Lo

    June 5, 2015 at 2:52 pm

    No, we all have to go!

  19. Stephanie LaPlante

    June 5, 2015 at 7:15 pm

    I thought it was taboo in high school but now as an adult I’m completely opposite. Now I’m an extremely open person. Everybody does it…even the queen.

  20. melissa marie

    June 5, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Once I had a child it was no longer taboo! We are very open lol

  21. erin feran

    June 5, 2015 at 8:08 pm

    the bathroom was my last hope for a sanctuary, but even that the kids have penetrated…they have no qualms about barging in on my moms private toilet time even my husband does it…but they dont like the favour repaid lol

  22. Dianne

    June 5, 2015 at 8:13 pm

    I don’t think it is taboo like it used to be. You have to know your audience and if it seems to make them uncomfortable. As a mom you get used to talking about bathroom habits with your children as you are concerned about all aspects of their health.

  23. Karine

    June 5, 2015 at 8:22 pm

    I try not to talk about it but if I talk about it with you, it means we are good friends haha

  24. Carolle H

    June 5, 2015 at 9:13 pm

    Its not something that I really talk about ,but its not taboo

  25. Athena

    June 5, 2015 at 10:01 pm

    It’s not taboo, but definitely not a favourite topic of conversation

  26. Peter Tusa

    June 5, 2015 at 10:04 pm

    It’s not taboo because colon health is very important.

  27. Josie Tusa

    June 5, 2015 at 10:10 pm

    Definitely not taboo. Everybody goes.

  28. heidi c.

    June 5, 2015 at 10:31 pm

    Nothing taboo about it. As the children’s book is titled, “Everyone Poops” :).

  29. CL Chin

    June 6, 2015 at 2:08 pm

    It’s not taboo to talk about within my own home and family but it’s still a sensitive topic that is not widely discussex among co-workers and friends.

  30. cheryl hodgkins

    June 6, 2015 at 9:40 pm

    I dont think its taboo but aside from talking to your doctor about any issues you may have, I dont openly discuss these matters with just anyone..family and close friends are ok

  31. Kelly Baker

    June 7, 2015 at 12:23 am

    Definitely not taboo. Everyone has to go! lol

  32. Brandee H

    June 7, 2015 at 10:36 am

    In I don’t think it’s a taboo topic for me. This comes from age, spending way too much time in hospitals (nurses are obsessed with your BMs) and having a child!! But I do remember my 20s and yes, you nailed it! :-)

  33. Treen Goodwin

    June 7, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Not a Taboo subject , when you gotta go you gotta go , we all say we need to poop lol , my kids still tell me they need to poop lol , i guess we brain washed then to tell us when they had to go pee for poop , hahaha … :)

  34. Victoria Ess

    June 7, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    It’s definitely not taboo for me, and I don’t feel uncomfortable talking about it.

  35. JaimeeM

    June 8, 2015 at 10:11 am

    I think its taboo because noone wants to talk about ‘dirty’ things, that are completely natural.

  36. josee Carpentier

    June 8, 2015 at 7:47 pm

    No, i dont think we talk a lot about that

  37. Julie Bolduc

    June 9, 2015 at 8:01 pm

    I think if you want to talk about it then go ahead everyone foes it after all

  38. Florence C

    June 11, 2015 at 6:26 am

    Definitely not taboo. I just spent a month(mother’s day visit that got extended) with my 85 year old mom who never went in 5 days. Need I not say more.

  39. Jan

    June 11, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    It should not be taboo

  40. Cheryl

    June 11, 2015 at 2:18 pm

    I think it’s an uncomfortable topic for everyone but it shouldn’t be!

  41. Andrea

    June 11, 2015 at 4:33 pm

    I don’t think it’s taboo, but it can be an “awkward” subject/topic.

  42. Tanis

    June 11, 2015 at 5:17 pm

    I think it’s perfectly fine!

  43. Wanda Tracey

    June 11, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I don’t think it’s taboo but I am not really comfortable with this subject.

  44. Shirley OFlynn

    June 11, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    I don’t think it’s taboo at all.

  45. Carole Dube

    June 11, 2015 at 11:07 pm

    Not taboo! It’s a natural thing!

  46. catherine brown

    June 11, 2015 at 11:18 pm

    No, it’s fine.

  47. Ei Leen

    June 12, 2015 at 3:01 am

    Taboo…some things I don’t need to know!

  48. Carol Denny

    June 12, 2015 at 7:27 am

    Not taboo. Everyone has to go.

  49. Brenda Lacourciere

    June 12, 2015 at 7:44 am

    I don’t think it is taboo because it is a natural process but I do think there is a time and place for the discussion.

  50. Doris Calvert

    June 12, 2015 at 10:21 am

    No not taboo but it depends on what your discussing!

  51. lori b

    June 12, 2015 at 11:33 am

    it is not taboo, bowel health is important

  52. Silvia D

    June 12, 2015 at 11:58 am

    It is not Taboo in my opinion, i feel comfortable talking about it. It is something everyone does!

  53. Jonnie

    June 12, 2015 at 3:57 pm

    I have had a major illness that required tons of hospital time. After the first few days of having complete strangers ask about my bowel movements several times a day, I got over any awkwardness about the subject. Everybody poops!

  54. wendy hutton

    June 12, 2015 at 4:01 pm

    not taboo, I feel comfortable talking about it but some don’t

  55. Kelley Moore

    June 12, 2015 at 7:37 pm

    It is a normal thing and we should talk about it.

  56. Gillian Morgan

    June 12, 2015 at 7:43 pm

    Its not taboo because everyone does it. Its a normal bodily function.

  57. Amy C

    June 13, 2015 at 12:09 am

    I think it’s a subject that should be talked about more.

  58. doris humber

    June 13, 2015 at 10:13 pm

    I think it’s uncomfortable for many to talk about, but it really shouldn’t be….it’s a normal function. Wish more people would be open to discuss.

  59. Joan G.

    June 14, 2015 at 4:23 am

    Not taboo but there’s a time and place and only certain people I would discuss it with.

  60. Carole B.

    June 15, 2015 at 6:20 pm

    No it’s not taboo here

  61. SueSueper

    June 15, 2015 at 6:40 pm

    It certainly isn’t taboo for me, but it is for others in this house. Oh well.

  62. Melanie B

    June 16, 2015 at 10:07 am

    Not taboo here..

  63. Nicole

    June 17, 2015 at 4:37 pm

    Not taboo but best not at the dinner table : )

  64. M

    June 17, 2015 at 6:11 pm

    Not taboo, as everyone does this although probably not good to discuss when eating a meal.

  65. Amber Y

    June 17, 2015 at 6:59 pm

    I think it depends who you’re talking to, but on the whole I think it’s just fine!

  66. Caroline B.

    June 17, 2015 at 7:07 pm

    It’s not something I really talk about.

    BTW, this is such a great post – so well-written and made me laugh!

  67. Betty S

    June 18, 2015 at 6:54 am

    Toilet talk is not taboo, its a way of life, you are what you eat

  68. Jennpup (@jennpup)

    June 18, 2015 at 3:02 pm

    Toilet talk is not just for 4th grade boys, but it is the height of hilarity for 4th grade boys… ;-)

  69. mary mary

    June 18, 2015 at 3:24 pm

    not really a taboo topic like it used to be when I was a kid but something people are uncomfortable to talk openly about for the most part!

  70. Elena

    June 18, 2015 at 9:46 pm

    Probably not something I’d bring up at a dinner party, but we all gotta go!

  71. MOHAMMAD ANJUM

    June 19, 2015 at 7:24 pm

    No it’s not taboo

  72. Darlene Schuller

    June 22, 2015 at 7:46 am

    Depends on who I’m with…and who we’re talking about lol if it’s about me, I’d obviously be having a problem of some sort.. if it’s about a child, nah Mom’s do that.

  73. Emily C

    June 22, 2015 at 8:00 am

    It isn’t taboo for me.

  74. Pearl Saban

    June 22, 2015 at 9:28 am

    Depends where and when you’re having that conversation! Hopefully not during mealtime. :)

  75. Kim Stenner

    June 22, 2015 at 2:31 pm

    I think it depends on who I am talking to and where I am whether or not it is taboo.

  76. Jennifer P.

    June 23, 2015 at 2:02 am

    I do think it tends to be a taboo subject because it’s very personal, and kinda gross…

  77. leanne

    June 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Not taboo, but it can be something people don’t talk about.

  78. Bernice Mckay

    June 23, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    nope, i always have toilet talks with my sisters lol

  79. Marla

    June 23, 2015 at 3:11 pm

    Nope because everyone goes

  80. Debbie W

    June 23, 2015 at 10:41 pm

    I’m a nurse, so talking about a good poop is normal for me.

  81. l p

    June 23, 2015 at 11:52 pm

    depends on the company, environment; normal function of our bodies – should be discussed if there’s something to discuss. thanks

  82. maria

    June 24, 2015 at 5:00 pm

    Depends where and with who it’s being discussed. Some ppl may not want to hear about it.

  83. Sarah K. A.

    June 27, 2015 at 6:30 pm

    “toilet talk” is so normal in this house. Gotta keep it real, no fauxpas or else people develop shame “issues”

  84. David

    June 27, 2015 at 8:46 pm

    It is a normal thing and we should talk about it

  85. Juliee Fitze

    June 28, 2015 at 7:57 pm

    It depends on where you are, don’t talk about it at the dinner table.

  86. Lori Bazan

    June 29, 2015 at 7:36 am

    It is normal to talk about but there is a proper time and place!

  87. Alison Kwong

    June 30, 2015 at 6:07 pm

    I don’t think “toilet talk” is a taboo subject but more of an embarrassing topic of conversation especially when discussed in an appropriate setting.

  88. Jodi Mitrovic

    June 30, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    It’s taboo in the sense that I don’t want to talk about it to total strangers nor do I want them to talk to me. Thank you Lena.

  89. Autumn Reid

    June 30, 2015 at 8:26 pm

    I think it depends who you are talking too…it’s probably not something you’d want to share with just anyone, but I dont think it is a taboo subject, especially with GI health conditions being so common these days.

  90. lori n.

    June 30, 2015 at 11:23 pm

    Not taboo but not dinner table talk either!

  91. Debbie White Beattie

    November 17, 2016 at 11:13 pm

    Great post Lena, I laughed like crazy. It’s funny how women don’t want to talk about something that’s the most natural and everyone does it.

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Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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