Patrick Swayze Dies From Pancreatic Cancer

I'm saddened to hear of the news that On Monday, September 14, 2009 57 year old "Ghost" and "Dirty Dancing" star Patrick Swayze had passed away after his battle with pancreatic cancer. Rest in peace Patrick. You'll be missed.

The pancreas is a tubed shaped organ that sits behind the stomach. It produces digestive juices that helps breaks down food in the intestine and it also produces insulin.

Pancreatic cancer is often called the silent disease as there are no symptoms in the early stages. It's not until the cancer has spread and causes pain before it is known. Some of symptoms include jaundice, pain in the upper abdomen, nausea, loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue.

Smoking (causes many types of cancer) and diabetes are both factors for increased risk of developing pancreatic cancer. After 45 years of age may also be a contributing factor as well as chronic pancreatitis, cirrhosis, obesity, family history of pancreatic cancer, high fat diet and lack of exercise.

Pancreatic cancer can only be detected through an ultrasound or CT scan. Surgery can cure cancer, but it depends on how big the tumour is and if it has spread to other organs such as the liver. Unfortunately being named the "silent killer", by the time pancreatic cancer is diagnosed, the cancer will have spread.

The normal course of treatment usually involves these two types of treatments using both or one or the other: radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

Radiation treatment uses high-powered radiation to shrink and kill cancer cells while chemotherapy uses drugs injected in the vein or taken orally to destroy and stop cancer cells from multiplying.

I would also look into alternative medicine and another option may be immunotherapy by boosting the immune system.

Like any cancer there's no way to prevent it, but to eat healthy, stop smoking, eliminate a high fat diet and get regular exercise.

5 Tips To Staying Healthy During The Flu Season

After the Labour Day weekend the kids are back in school. With cooler days and fall approaching it seems for some people it's a shock to their immune systems. It could be the added stress of getting the kids and yourself in a back to school routine.

This is a good time to remind the kids about swine flu, H1N1 and other flu or cold illnesses. The swine flu should be treated with the same precautionary measures as with any viral illnesses.

Here are 5 important reminder tips to take and share with your kids for the upcoming flu season.

1. Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water. If soap and water is not available, use a hand sanitizer or wipe. It's a good idea to pack these in their backpacks.

I know it can be difficult when the kids are in school. Sometimes they just don't get the chance to wash their hands before eating their snack or lunch. If that's the case, tell your child to pick up their sandwich with a napkin or use the wrapper the sandwich was wrapped in.

Remind your child when they wash their hands to wash between the fingers, on top of the hand and up to their wrists. Have them sing the alphabet or Happy Birthday song and then rinse well.

2. Cough or sneeze into your elbow. Avoid touching the face - eyes, nose and mouth.

3. Stay away from people who are sick. I know this is difficult for kids in school whose desks can be close together. Sick children and adults should remain at home.

4. Boost their and your immune system. Get plenty of rest and keep stress at a minimum. Exercise regularly and kids should play outside at recess and lunch hours. Send your child to school with weather appropriate clothes or accessories like a hat and or umbrella.

Avoid giving your children sugary snacks and foods. Pack more fresh vegetables and fruits in their lunch box.

For adults: Echinacea works, but it's also a herb and it should be taken with caution as it's not suitable for everyone.

For children: A vitamin supplement is beneficial.

5. Disinfect hard surfaces with household disinfectants. Viruses remain on door handles, countertops, chairs, tables, toys, computer mouse, textbooks, pens, pencils, calculators, backpacks, lunch boxes, etc.