New River Prairie Wellness Center Opens In Altoona
state-of-the-art health businesses set to offer new wellness options to the Valley
Sawyer Hoff, photos by Andrea Paulseth
Ears, nose, and throat physicians Robert and Rima DeFatta wanted to bring some of the world’s greatest wellness technology to their own backyard, so they created the new River Prairie Wellness Center, which is now open at 1470 Rivers Edge Trail in Altoona.
After working at HSHS Sacred Heart Hospital, and later opening their own practice – DeFatta ENT and Allergy – the DeFattas quickly realized that the area was missing some key components that could up the Valley’s wellness game.
River Prairie Wellness Center includes Seven Spa – a world-class medical spa with some of the latest technology in the beauty industry, such as VISIA Skin Analysis, CoolSculpting, IV Treatments, facials, botox, laser hair removal, Physiq, and more.
“People would always say, ‘Oh it’s Eau Claire. If you really want to get something good you have to go to Chicago or the Twin Cities,’ ” Robert DeFatta said. “But why?”
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People would always say, ‘oh it’s Eau Claire. If you really wanted to get something good, you have to go to Chicago or the Twin Cities.’ But Why?
DR. ROBERT defatta
River prairie wellness center
“This city has been so good to us,” Rima added. “We really wanted to invest back in the community.”
Robert DeFatta is Seven’s medical director and is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery as well as the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is committed to making sure every single patient gets the results that make them look and feel their best.
“I almost wish it wasn’t called a spa, because when I think someone thinks of spas, they think of eyelash extensions and all that stuff, but this is so much more than that,” Rima said. “It’s real-life things that people encounter that has to do with the way you look, but also has a lot to do with the way you feel, and truly being internally healthy.”
Willow Creek Women’s Clinic, now located at the River Prairie Wellness Center, has serviced the women of downtown Eau Claire for 16 years, offering personalized primary care by women, for women. Owner Linda Poirier said she is excited to continue to give great service to the women of the Valley, with even more space than before.
When designing the River Prairie Wellness Center, which opened in early January, the Defattas wanted to take every aspect of health and wellness into account. After giving birth to their son, Rima Defatta understood how hard it could be for a mother to find a quiet place to nurse her children. That is why there is a fully functional Mother’s Room on the main floor of the River Prairie Wellness Center.
“Because we have a lot of women coming in here," Rima said, "it’s just something we needed to provide."
“It’s the right thing to do,” Robert added.
In addition to the two health offerings, the DeFattas also opened the doors to Xavier Artisan Bistro in order for patients and guests to have access to healthy and delicious foods, while also having a chill place to hang out. (Check out our full article specifically about Xavier Artisan Bistro here.)
“In the last two years everyone has just been through a lot of mental stress,” Rima said. “It’s time to turn a new page.”
You can learn more about Seven Spa at sevenatrp.com, Willow Creek Women’s Clinic at willowcreekclinic.com, and Xa Bistro at xabistro.com. Check out the whole wellness center at 1470 Rivers Edge Trail, Altoona.