Dr. Paul Cowan to speak at Go Red for Women event Sept. 20

Beebe Healthcare will sponsor the 11th Annual Go Red for Women Luncheon and Fashion Show event starting with free blood pressure screenings available at 10:45 a.m., Wednesday, Sept. 20, at the Clubhouse at Baywood Greens, Long Neck. Lunch is at noon.

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of men and women. In the United States, cardiovascular diseases and stroke cause one in three women's deaths each year, according to the American Heart Association. This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Paul Cowan, DO, chief of the Department of Emergency Medicine at Beebe Healthcare. Cowan will discuss heart disease and how it often presents differently for women. In many cases, women do not experience pain at all. In some cases, they only experience shortness of breath.

Cowan received his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, and he has been in practice for more than 18 years. He is well known and respected in coastal Delaware for his work with the University of Delaware, researching surf injuries along the Delaware beaches.

In the emergency room, Cowan sees patients who run the gamut of injuries and illnesses. When a patient comes in with symptoms of a heart attack, the Emergency Department Heart Code team swings into action.

"Our team works really well together - and quickly,"  Cowan said. "It is essential for a specific process to be followed to ensure the best outcomes for cardiac patients."

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's national call - for women, by women - to take charge of their health and live stronger, healthier lives.

The cost is $30 per person. This year's luncheon will raise monies for the American Heart Association of Southern Delaware. Community health nurses from Beebe's Population Health Department will be providing free blood pressure screenings from 10:45 to 11:45 a.m. for those attending.

Event co-chairs are Pat Sandy of the Beebe Medical Center Auxiliary and Lynn Toth, RN, MSN, NP-C, a cardiovascular medical specialist and chair of the Stroke Program at Beebe Healthcare.

For sponsorship or ticket information, contact Pat Sandy at 302-236-1537 or email moviestoo@aol.com. Tickets are $30. Checks payable to the American Heart Association of Southern Delaware may be mailed to: Muriel Pfeiffer, 13 Apache Ave., Millsboro, DE 19966. Donations are always welcome.