Or, you know, encryption

On systems I was using for really important data (like prescription records), I used dm-crypt/LUKS to encrypt the whole drive. It's not too hard to set up, especially since distro installers are starting to integrate dm-crypt. For example, the Debian 4.x installers allow you to set up encrypted disk during the install fairly easily.

This is a much better option than occasionally wiping your swap, as you don't run the risk of having the system seized or inspected before you have a chance to wipe it. It does pay a higher performance penalty, though.