Although roughly half the world’s population, women-specific health care is a topic seriously lacking. Conversations regarding symptoms and diseases are largely centered on data that is generalized towards the male population, which can be greatly misleading and inaccurate when applied to females. In honor of October as national breast cancer awareness month, the ladies of The Blue Ribbon of the Music Center organized a strictly female health forum Oct. 12.

“Women constantly in their lives are taking care of children, family, sometimes their parents, certainly their husbands… they never have time for themselves,” said Constance Towers Gavin, president of The Blue Ribbon. “That is what Monday was: a time dedicated to women.”

Numerous medical professionals across both sexes participated in the day of lectures moderated by Entertainment Tonight’s Mary Hart at UCLA’s Korn Convocation Hall, which was generously donated on behalf of the event.

Lecture topics included progressions in women’s heart disease prevention, emotional eating, menopause and skin treatments. But perhaps most notable was Blue Ribbon member Laurie MacCaskill’s heartfelt discussion of her personal journey with pancreatic cancer. Misdiagnosed three times, MacCaskill spoke of the importance of listening to your instincts.

“Her story was so inspiring,” said Towers Gavin. “The message was: you have to be your own detective. But get help the minute you have symptoms.”

Hart also offered a bright spot in a day that could, in lesser hands, shift to a downbeat.

“I knew we needed someone who would be positive, inspiring, joyful and keep the day bright,” said Towers Gavin. “Mary worked out (her participation in the Women’s Health Forum) despite her busy schedule with Entertainment Tonight. Everyone just fell in love with her. She has that bubbly, open honest sincerity that is just terrific.”

“There was a stimulating panel of guests and a lively conversation during the Q & A sessions,” said Hart. “It was such a pleasure to be a part of the day and God bless Laurie MacCaskill for sharing her journey with us.”

Speakers that participated were: Dr. Janet Pregler of the Iris Cantor-UCLA Women’s Center, Dr. Amy Rosenman, Dr. PK Shah  of Ceder Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Karyn Grossman of St. Johns Medical Center and Dr. Roger Gould.

The Blue Ribbon is an invitation-only nonprofit devoted to planning and sponsoring social, educational and cultural activities for the Music Center of Los Angeles. Founded in 1968 by Dorothy Chandler and comprised of over 500 charitable and accomplished women, The Blue Ribbon has raised over $66 million for the L.A. Music Center since its inception. The group also supports programs such as the annual The Blue Ribbon Children’s Festival, a three-day event that exposes Los Angeles fifth grade students to arts. Nearly 20,000 students will attend the festival each year, many of which for the first time, free of charge.