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Organ Lessons: The Pancreas

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:47:02 PST

It's time to take some organ lessons, but not the musical kind. I'm going to teach you about your internal organs, starting with the pancreas.

November is National Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month, devoted to educating people about the disease that took the life of Patrick Swayze earlier this year. If you're like most people, you probably don't know exactly what the pancreas does, so read on to learn more.

Patrick Swayze Remaining Positive But Realistic About Cancer

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:00 PST

Dirty Dancing star, Patrick Swayze, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer last year. Though he's outlived his early bleak prognosis, Swayze refuses to give up. Patrick realizes his days are running out but hopes he has at least two years left and is hoping that doctors will find a cure in that time frame. Although admittedly scared, he's living "moment to moment," and Swayze continues the battle saying, "So far, I've got potential for a lot of quality of life."

Patrick hasn't spoken much about his condition since being diagnosed; this changes tonight. This evening on 20/20, he answers questions and talks candidly about his experience in an interview with Barbara Walters, in a special called Patrick Swayze: The Truth.

To see a clip of the interview

read more. We are rooting for Patrick, and with him, we are hoping for the best. Source

Healthy Gums May Prevent Pancreatic Cancer

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 13:15:00 PST

All cancer is bad news, but what makes pancreatic cancer so awful is that only 5% of people diagnosed with it will live another 5 years.

There are no recommended screening tests, early warning signs or symptoms to alert a person or their doctor that they have pancreatic cancer.

Some risk factors that could make you more susceptible to pancreatic cancer include cigarette smoking and possibly diabetes and obesity.

Oddly enough, periodontal disease (gum inflammation) and tooth loss may also be associated in some way with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

The connection it seems is that over time, the bacterial infection that causes gum disease can also cause loss of the bone that anchors the teeth. The inflammation from the infection may set the stage for other serious diseases, like pancreatic cancer.

There has also been recent interest in a possible link between gum disease and coronary artery disease, based on the theory that gum disease may lead to increased levels of inflammation throughout our bodies.

Fit's Tips: So take care of your teeth and gums people. Get regular dental cleanings twice a year, and whatever you do - don't forget to floss.

4 Toxic Foods That Should Never Cross Your Lips

Prevention — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 03:37:36 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

Is your food loaded with toxins and chemicals? Here, simple swaps to protect yourself
By Anne Underwood

Clean eating means choosing fruits, vegetables, and meats that are raised, grown, and sold with minimal processing.

Often they're organic, and rarely (if ever) should they contain additives. But in some cases, the methods of today's food producers are neither clean nor sustainable. The result is damage to our health, the environment, or both. So we decided to take a fresh look at food through the eyes of the people who spend their lives uncovering what's safe - or not - to eat. We asked them a simple question: "What foods do you avoid?" Their answers don't necessarily make up a "banned foods" list. But reaching for the suggested alternatives might bring you better health - and peace of mind.

The Best Packaged Foods to Shop For

1. Canned Tomatoes

Fredrick Vom Saal, PhD, an endocrinologist at the University of Missouri who studies bisphenol-A, gives us the scoop:

The problem: The resin linings of tin cans contain bisphenol-A, a synthetic estrogen that has been linked to ailments ranging from reproductive problems to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. Unfortunately, acidity (a prominent characteristic of tomatoes) causes BPA to leach into your food. Studies show that the BPA in most people's body exceeds the amount that suppresses sperm production or causes chromosomal damage to the eggs of animals. "You can get 50 mcg of BPA per liter out of a tomato can, and that's a level that is going to impact people, particularly the young," says vom Saal. "I won't go near canned tomatoes."

The solution: Choose tomatoes in glass bottles (which do not need resin linings), such as the brands Bionaturae and Coluccio. You can also get several types in Tetra Pak boxes, like Trader Joe's and Pomi.

Budget tip: If your recipe allows, substitute bottled pasta sauce for canned tomatoes. Look for pasta sauces with low sodium and few added ingredients, or you may have to adjust the recipe.

Low-Sodium Alternative Dinner Options

Keep reading to three more foods to avoid.

Steve Jobs Has Passed Away

Kristy Korcz — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:41:16 PDT

Sad news today: after a long battle with pancreatic cancer and just months after stepping down as CEO of Apple, Inc., Steve Jobs has passed away. Apple's board of directors has released a statement:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Steve Jobs passed away today. Steve’s brilliance, passion, and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.

His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts.

Our thoughts are with Steve's family, and we wish them the best during this difficult time.