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Teresa Alpert started her business
11 years ago focusing on women’s health issues, specifically,
breast prostheses. But over the years business evolved. Today,
Alpert’s Medical “ Perfectly You” in Owings Mills also handles
pedorthics and can provide prostheses from anything from fingers
to ears.
“What I noticed was that when women
had a breast removed, they biomechanically shifted their weight…
effecting their stride or walk,” Alpert said. “I found it intriguing.”
And, so Alpert, who originally
worked in hospice before branching out into women’s health,
became certified in pedorthic science.
“We do whatever we can to get people
back to normalcy.” Alpert said. “Whether it is a lift in my
shoe to prevent limping or a posture bra.”
Walter Cohen of Baltimore has only
one foot, and that one with a few missing toes due to diabetes.
His insurance was not accepted everywhere, but when he found
Alpert’s, Cohen was happy.
“I told her I didn’t want no ‘old
man’ shoes,” laughed Cohen, 65, who was being measured for a
pair of wrist crutches on a recent day. “I get everything here.
She cares.”
For privacy, customers are seen
by appointment. Alpert encourages women to come to her store
before their breast surgery in order to become familiar with
their options.
“It is very frightening,” Alpert’s
said of breast surgery, be it a mastectomy, lumpectomy, radiation
or other treatment.
“It happens very quickly today
as HMOs and insurance companies regularly get you in and out,”
Alpert said. And that “creates a whole new level of anxiety.”
Alpert’s offers several choices
for (women) from ready-made silicone forms that are sized to
a bra to ready made from forms. The top of the line would be
custom breast prosthesis which is designed to match each
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individual and features retractable
nipple and a more realistic feel.
“Women can wear any bra they want
and swim with it,” said Alpert of the prosthesis, “ It lasts
a lifetime.”
But at prices that can range up
to $4,800, not everyone can afford breast prosthesis if their
insurance company doesn’t help.
“Our biggest issue is insurance
companies,” Alpert said. “They do not reimburse pay at the same
quality level as prosthesis for arm, leg or hand. It’s under
the shirt.”
Though Alpert does not have personal
or family experience with breast cancer, she knows that more
that just a breast is lost after mastectomy.
“There is neck, shoulder and hip
pain besides self-esteem issues.” Alpert said. “God gave women
breast and intended us to have them. We help make women feel
whole again.”
Alpert’s breast products are not
limited to just women with mastectomies. Alpert has helped girls
with different sized breasts as well as women with larger bosoms
keep better posture. Walter Cohen’s wife, Peggy buys all her
bras at Alpert’s because she likes the fit.
Located in a historic house on
Reistertown Road, Alpert’s uses every inch of space it has for
its offices and fitting rooms. While Alpert has thought of expanding,
she would never leave for a new place.
“It is a perfect location for me
as I live seven minutes from my home,” said Alpert, who was
born and raised in Baltimore.
Whatever we do or whatever we go,
I will create an intimate feeling,” Alpert said. “People come
to me already anxious. I want them to come in and feel relaxed.
Alpert’s Medical “Perfectly You”
is located at 10912 Reistertown Road, Owings Mills.
For more information, call 410-356-5511.
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