First personalized health store for women to open in NWA
Looking in the mirror, she takes one last glimpse of the way she has seen herself for years. Hours later as the anesthesia is wearing off, she pulls back the bandages. There’s nothing there anymore – nothing but drains, stitches and the reminder that she is on the difficult journey of breast cancer.
While the struggle back to health is long, Mercy hopes to make the experience a bit easier by opening “Sisters” – a health boutique that caters to women with breast cancer, expectant moms and aging women.
“This is the first of its kind of northwest Arkansas,” said Holli Oliver, director of volunteer services at Mercy. “While the needs of a woman recovering from breast cancer versus an expectant mom or an aging woman are very different, they have one thing in common: they need a greater level of support. And we want to provide that for our community.”
Located in a corner nook inside Mercy Clinic on Arkansas Highway 102 in Bentonville, the boutique will have trained fit specialists on staff to provide in-store, complimentary, private fitting services for breast forms/prosthesis and bras.
“There are so many options that it can be overwhelming, especially given the stress of recovering from cancer,” said Oliver. “We are thrilled to have our fit specialist on staff so they can assist and make sure every woman feels as secure and confident as possible.”
The boutique will also carry post surgery camisoles, a selection of Amoena swimsuits, sleepwear, active wear and headwear. In addition, Juzo Compression sleeves and Lindi Skincare will be in stock.
“We will also walk women through how to access their insurance in offsetting the cost of the products,” said Oliver.
“Sisters” will carry essential items for breastfeeding moms, including Medela electric and manual breast pumps, breast pump accessories and supplies. Nursing covers, bras, camisoles and breast binders will also be available. And for those looking for just the right gift, the store will offer practical products, such as baby teething necklaces. For women in menopause, there is heat wicking sleepwear and AHAVA skincare products from Israel.
For more, go to Mercy’s “Sister’s” Health Boutique, Located at 3101 SE 14th Street hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.to 5 p.m., or call, 479.986.6050.