For many Americans, living with neuropathy is one of the greatest challenges they face. Present in about 8% of people around the world, neuropathy - or peripheral neuropathy, to be more accurate - can affect anybody. In the United States alone, there are more than 40 million people with neuropathy, with health costs surpassing $4 billion each year. Approximately 10% of people over 40 years of age get neuropathy, as do 50% of diabetics and 20% of patients receiving cancer chemotherapy. In fact, the number of people with neuropathy is only increasing as diabetes becomes more common, the population ages and people with HIV/AIDS live longer.
While some patients have a higher risk of developing specific types of peripheral neuropathy, it does not discriminate between race, sex, age, personal circumstances, or medical history. Fortunately, neuropathy awareness is growing, and by proxy, so are new treatment options. If you've been suffering from the symptoms of neuropathy and are in search of a solution, Kennedy Health Clinic can help with our doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Elsmere, DE. From advanced therapies to state-of-the-art technology, we utilize the latest advancements in pain management to help you regain your quality of life.
But to truly understand how neuropathy treatment can help, it's important to first understand the disease and how it affects your nervous system.
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.
Peripheral neuropathy can manifest in a variety of ways. It has the potential to impact a single nerve, a group of related nerves, or numerous nerves in several areas of the body. The specific symptoms will vary based on which type of nerve signals are affected, and it is possible for multiple signal types to be involved.
Symptom types include the following:
Now that we've covered some of the most difficult symptoms to live with when you have neuropathy, you're probably wondering how Kennedy Health Clinic can help. Before recommending treatment, your neuropathy doctor will suggest one or more diagnostic tests for a full-body analysis. Doing so will help our team provide better neuropathy treatment for both short and long-term needs.
People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.
At Kennedy Health Clinic, we're dedicated to improving the overall health and well-being of our patients. We offer effective pain management treatments and holistic healing options to provide comprehensive care. Our commitment to our patients has made us a trusted partner in health and wellness - and we're ready to help you, too.
If you're suffering from nerve pain or other symptoms due to neuropathy, it's time to seek professional help. Our advanced neuropathy treatments are tailored to your body, your health needs, and your neuropathy goals. That way, we can give you the most effective and efficient care possible. When you trust our team of knowledgeable doctors, you're taking the first step toward a normal life without the painful surprises caused by neuropathy. Contact our office today to get started.
Peripheral neuropathy is a term used to describe nerve disorders that affect a specific part of your nervous system. There are several conditions that can lead to peripheral neuropathy, resulting in a variety of symptoms. The symptoms and the body parts affected by peripheral neuropathy depend on the underlying cause.
The nervous system in the human body is divided into two parts - the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all other nerves present in the body. That includes those that travel from the spinal cord and brain to supply the face and other parts of the body.
Whenever there is any condition that affects the peripheral nerves, it is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. Healthcare providers often use the terms "neuropathy" and "polyneuropathy" interchangeably with "peripheral neuropathy." It is important to note that peripheral nerves, being the farthest from the central nervous system, tend to show the earliest and most severe effects of these conditions.
In order to comprehend the impact of peripheral neuropathy on your body, it's useful to have some knowledge about neurons - a crucial type of cell that forms your nerves. These neurons utilize electrical and chemical signals to transmit and relay messages throughout your nervous system. Each neuron in your body is made up of the following:
A cell body is the primary part of a cell.
An axon is a long, arm-like projection that extends from the cell body of a neuron. At the end of the axon, there are several finger-like extensions called synapses, which convert the electrical signal in the neuron into a chemical signal. These synapses then transmit the signal to other nearby nerve cells.
Dendrites are small, tree-like extensions on the cell body that receive chemical signals from nearby neurons' synapses.
This is a protective covering made up of thin, fatty chemical compounds that surround the axon of many neurons.
The development of peripheral neuropathy and how long it takes depends on its underlying cause. If the cause is an injury, it can develop instantly or within a few hours. However, some forms of peripheral neuropathy caused by toxins or inflammation may develop rapidly over days or weeks. In contrast, most other conditions that cause peripheral neuropathy take months, years, or even decades to develop. Regardless of the cause, modern advances in medicine give patients hope for recovery, using doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Elsmere, DE.
The peripheral nervous system in your body carries motor signals that originate in your brain and are sent to your muscles. These signals allow you to move around and carry out various physical activities. For your muscles to remain healthy and function properly, they require nerve connections to the brain. Some motor symptoms include:
Nerve connection loss causes your muscles to weaken and shrink. With peripheral neuropathy, this happens most often in your lower legs, feet, and hands. Occasionally, patients will experience deformities in their hands and feet due to muscle loss.
Muscle weakening is a common issue caused by nerve deterioration from peripheral neuropathy. This condition can result in paralysis, making it difficult to move toes or causing foot drop and hand weakness. Additionally, it can also affect muscles in other areas of the body, such as the thighs and arms.
When nerves lose a connection to your brain because of your neuropathy, they can become hyperactive, resulting in uncontrolled muscle movements and cramps.
Did you know that your body has several processes that happen automatically without your conscious effort? These automatic functions are known as autonomic processes, and they include things like sweating, digestion, and blood pressure control. Autonomic nerve fibers are responsible for carrying signals for these automatic processes. However, disruptions in these signals can cause your body's automatic processes to malfunction. Some of these processes may work intermittently, while others may not work at all.
Some autonomic symptoms of neuropathy include:
People living with neuropathy have to deal with difficulties that most men and women in America don't ever think about. It's understandable, then, that they may become tired and even depressed because of their condition. That's where Kennedy Health Clinic steps in - to provide advanced neuropathy treatments and, ultimately, enhanced quality of life.
Some of our most popular neuropathy treatments include:
This device is designed to improve blood and oxygen flow, which in turn promotes optimal nerve and nervous system functionality. As a result of the healthy, oxygenated blood, damaged or weak nerve endings receive a rejuvenating boost, which may be experienced as a slight tingling sensation.
Did you know that infrared lights have amazing benefits for our bodies? They can help repair cells and improve the circulation of oxygen-rich blood, which in turn promotes faster healing of deep tissues and relieves pain.
For individuals dealing with diabetic neuropathy, the primary objective is to either reverse diabetes or decelerate its progression. Functional medicine involves incorporating lifestyle modifications to maintain blood sugar levels consistently at a healthy range, which all but eliminates diabetes. Choosing functional medicine recommendations is almost always preferred over invasive and more complicated treatments, and our team is here to help you get started.
Our providers may suggest advanced cellular therapy as a final option for those who have tried other treatments without success and are suitable candidates. This therapy can assist in improving the healing and treatment process of individuals who are experiencing neuropathy.
Living a life free of neuropathy symptoms doesn't have to be a pipe dream - it can be an achievable goal with the help of our advanced neuropathy therapies. Contact Kennedy Health Clinic today to schedule your free initial consultation. Before you know it, you'll be well on your way to long-term recovery and pain relief.
On Sunday, Elsmere's Ray Firmani will celebrate a rare milestone for many: he'll turn 100 years old. In those 100 years, he's accumulated quite a few stories, more than most, one could argue.A Delaware resident for 95 years, Firmani has lived life to its fullest. He's served his country as a B-17 co-pilot in the 486th Heavy Bombardment Group as part of the 8th Air Force, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant, flying 25 missions over Germany, and earning both a Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism and induction into the...
On Sunday, Elsmere's Ray Firmani will celebrate a rare milestone for many: he'll turn 100 years old. In those 100 years, he's accumulated quite a few stories, more than most, one could argue.
A Delaware resident for 95 years, Firmani has lived life to its fullest. He's served his country as a B-17 co-pilot in the 486th Heavy Bombardment Group as part of the 8th Air Force, reaching the rank of First Lieutenant, flying 25 missions over Germany, and earning both a Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary heroism and induction into the Delaware Aviation Hall of Fame. He came home and raised a family. His time in the military has been detailed and published by author Mitch Topal.
But the secret to his longevity?
"Well, first of all, I like to tell you how, how surprised I am. Because all my friends are gone. But I made new friends. And that's the secret: make new friends. And it's been a ball," Firmani said. "[I'm] certainly proud. I never thought I'd get this kind of recognition; I didn't look for it, but it came. And I think we have a tendency to either overestimate ourselves or underestimate ourselves."
To kick off the birthday festivities, Delaware's U.S. Sen. Tom Carper--the last remaining Vietnam veteran serving in the Senate--and the now-retired four-star Gen. Frank Vavala--the longest serving adjutant general in Delaware National Guard history--stopped by Friday, September 15, 2021.
Delivering a letter of celebration signed by himself, U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, and U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Carper said Firmani is exactly the type of man to whom he looks up.
"People of all generations...We all need heroes, female and male, to be inspired by," Carper said. "we've gone, as a country, through terrible things. Civil wars, two World Wars, the Great Depression, we're going through a tough time right now. But to see this man standing tall, two days before his [100th birthday], and to see the medals that he's won, family that he and his wife have raised, it's just an inspiration. We need to be inspired today. And he's a great inspiration for me and I know for a lot of others."
Unbeknownst to Vavala, who grew up down the street in the Elsmere neighborhood where Firmani ultimately settled for 70 years, his neighbor was recognized as a World War II hero. Firmani was flying 25,000 feet over Homberg, Germany, during the Battle of the Bulge the day his first son was born, 4,600 miles away in Omaha, Nebraska.
It took a while before the pair connected at that level over a passion to serve.
"This means so much to be able to celebrate [Firmani's] 100th birthday, because I grew up around the corner from him. I played with his kids. And [Firmani], like my father and others that were veterans of World War II, never spoke about their military service. So it wasn't until years later, when we dedicated a park here in the town of Elsmere, that I found out about Ray's story. Since then, we've been so close," Vavala said. "My wife and I stop over and visit. He loves to show us his memorabilia, but he's so sharp. He can recall so many things of his time as a member of the eighth Air Force...It's incredible. This guy is truly a Delaware treasure."
There was no reason for the silence on his service, Firmani said. He just had so much going on in his life he never thought to bother people with the stories. As his kids grew older, and he found he had more time on his hands, reflecting on his life inspired him to share his time serving in the hopes his tales might help others.
"When the war was over, my main thing was to raise my family. It gets busy, you know what I mean? As I got more free time, I realized that there was more to it than just 'living.' You have to tell your story, regardless who you are, even just to your children, Because every parent makes sacrifices for them," he said. "When this book was written, my son came to me and said, "Dad, you never told us about these things." I said, 'Son, I was too busy making a living, and that was my main concern.' You know, I educated them, put them through college, both of them. Parents have a lot to do besides just cooking for you."
Providing gifts during his own birthday celebration, Firmani provided Carper an autographed copy of the book on his service written by Topal, Against All Odds: The Ray Firmani Story--which, by the way, has 23 reviews on Amazon, all of which are 5 stars, as Firmani pointed out.
These days, after the publication of his book, Firmani likes to use the computer, and social media in particular, to connect with people around the world and keep in touch with the new friends he's made through promotion of the book.
"It's been a real delight. I've met so many wonderful people at the signings, and you'd be surprised how it keeps piling on. I get [friends and messages] on Facebook. I'm on Facebook and so forth, on computers. A 100-year-old guy on a computer. I said, 'Well, I could fly a B-17. I can certainly figure out a computer," Firmani said. "People don't realize the sacrifices that come [with being a veteran], and I think by relating my story, it gives them an idea what it's all about, and maybe it could be for the better. Maybe we could find a better way, instead of to keep knocking our heads together. There's got to be a better way. I'm sure of it."
With Carper and Vavala by his side to ring in 100 years on Earth, Firmani reiterated his main point--a point that hangs emblazoned on the wall of his self-built office which features photos, medals, and memorabilia from his own journey--he would like to impress upon anyone making their way through life.
"Good friends. That's the secret to longevity," he said. "Honest-to-goodness, it's friends. Without friends, it's a dull life...This has been a wonderful life."
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Elsmere attorney Robert Pasquale wanted a place where his staff and clients could find very good, reasonably-priced food, terrific coffee and he could always get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread.But when the Legal Grounds Café at 1208 Kirkwood Highway opened last summer, it wasn't just a private dining room for the law offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, a practice with more than 20 lawyers and 90 employees.The Elsmere breakfast and lunch spot also welcomed in the public....
Elsmere attorney Robert Pasquale wanted a place where his staff and clients could find very good, reasonably-priced food, terrific coffee and he could always get a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread.
But when the Legal Grounds Café at 1208 Kirkwood Highway opened last summer, it wasn't just a private dining room for the law offices of Doroshow, Pasquale, Krawitz & Bhaya, a practice with more than 20 lawyers and 90 employees.
The Elsmere breakfast and lunch spot also welcomed in the public.
Located smack dab in the middle of the tiny town across from the fire company, the cafe occupies space in the bottom floor of the white building with a clock at the top.
A physical therapy business is next door and the law offices are on the second floor.
Parking can be a little confusing. There are some spaces out front, but it's easiest to park in the back lot.
When traveling down Kirkwood Highway, turn onto Bungalow Avenue. An unmarked entrance (look for the blue door) from the parking lot leads inside the cafe.
Legal Grounds is a sandwich shop/coffeehouse with contemporary pizzazz. It has a Parisian air, by way of New Orleans, and bright, eye-catching artwork by Michel Lode, a French street artist who paints on the Pont des Arts in Paris.
Designer Kathleen Magner Rios says she was looking to bring "a flavor of Europe and an Old World feel" to the cafe.
It's open and airy, with seating outside when the weather permits. There's a separate back room with tables for larger groups. It also can be used for private breakfast or lunch meetings.
Staff at the cafe said the room is used by the law office, but it can also be booked by others for gatherings. The cafe still seems relatively undiscovered. There were only a few customers during a recent lunch.
Barista Rico Adams, a smiling, welcoming presence at the shop, is a coffee wizard and latte artist.
Our cups of cappuccino and café mocha – made with Philadelphia's excellent La Colombe coffee – were cheerily decorated with flowers, hearts and stars. He has also been known to make hummingbird designs.
The Legal Grounds brief menu is straightforward, unfussy and focuses on refining classics. Food is made to order and tastes very fresh.
Breakfast sandwiches ($5) can be made on a bagel, croissant or a choice of toast. Pasquale's favorite, PB&J, gets an adult upgrade by using strawberry preserves instead of grape jelly. The sandwich is $5, as is the quiche of the day.
The most expensive item is $8 for a salmon avocado toast. Nine-grain bread is smeared with cream cheese and piled with layers of tomato, capers, red onion, avocado and smoked salmon. It's filling and very good.
Another favorite is the chicken caesar salad ($7) made with crisp Romaine, juicy white meat chicken and shards of Parmesan cheese.
Other sandwich choices include grilled cheese with Swiss, Muenster and Cheddar ($7); turkey sandwich ($7) on a French baguette with roasted peppers and provolone cheese; and a BLT ($7). All sandwiches come with a bag of potato chips.
The cafe is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (302) 543-7350 or visit the Legal Grounds Cafe Facebook page for more information.
Contact Patricia Talorico at (302) 324-2861 or [email protected] and on Twitter @pattytalorico
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Analine Ayala is the sole owner, cook, bookkeeper and manager at El Cantaro, her Mexican restaurant in New Castle that she opened in 2018.Ayala, who primarily speaks Spanish, arrives early to her restaurant every morning to make tortillas and pico de gallo, marinate the meats, and complete other prep work for the day ahead.Since January 2020, M&T Bank has honed in on residents like Ayala amid the growing Spanish-speaking populations in Delaware, where about one in 10 people is Hispanic or Latino, according to 2019 U.S. Cens...
Analine Ayala is the sole owner, cook, bookkeeper and manager at El Cantaro, her Mexican restaurant in New Castle that she opened in 2018.
Ayala, who primarily speaks Spanish, arrives early to her restaurant every morning to make tortillas and pico de gallo, marinate the meats, and complete other prep work for the day ahead.
Since January 2020, M&T Bank has honed in on residents like Ayala amid the growing Spanish-speaking populations in Delaware, where about one in 10 people is Hispanic or Latino, according to 2019 U.S. Census estimates. That number jumps to 27% in Elsmere, where M&T has a newly designated multicultural branch that Ayala uses for her business.
“We continue to see multicultural communities … opening up more small businesses and opening up accounts,” said David Femi, the head of M&T’s multicultural banking team. “If we don’t take the time to truly, deeply understand their banking behaviors and attitudes, we may not be relevant in this space. Any bank that doesn’t have a multicultural strategy does not have a growth strategy.”
Before Ayala, 43, opened a business account with M&T Bank, she only accepted cash at El Cantaro and struggled to understand English posters in other banks, communicate with a banker about her bookkeeping needs and learn more about short-term loans and other funding options.
M&T helped Ayala set up a credit card processing provider and become more educated on the money market. She said she finally felt comfortable asking questions while visiting her bank.
“It’s a big blessing when [banks] have someone who speaks Spanish,” said Rachael Torres, Ayala’s daughter. “Now she’s happier and open-minded because she has a great team to back her up and get her to understand how everything works.”
Under Femi’s leadership, M&T unveiled a new Spanish-language website where customers can set up online appointments in Spanish and other languages. The bank now has two designated multicultural branches in Delaware – Elsmere and Georgetown – with bilingual staff and Spanish signage, joining 14 others across M&T’s footprint.
“It gives them access to banking solutions and resources,” Femi said. “When you go into a bank branch and go to someone who speaks your language, who can empower and enlighten you – from opening up a checking account to discussing your retirement plan – you feel comfortable.”
M&T is also partnering with Delaware State University to identify, train and recruit bilingual and multicultural students to work in its branches.
“Our goal is to eliminate at all costs this language barrier,” Femi said.
The bank’s expanded services are reflective of not only a growing Latino population, but of a surge in business ownership from Delaware residents like Ayala. In Georgetown, where nearly 40% of the population is Hispanic or Latino, 800 Latino-owned businesses were registered in Sussex County as of 2019, compared to just 383 five years prior, according to a Delaware Community Foundation report.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ayala had to close her restaurant for two months. Her M&T Bank manager in Elsmere made sure she understood how to apply for a Paycheck Protection Program loan, calling her to check that she was following the required steps of the application and emailing her with links to the proper websites.
“He’s had her back since the beginning,” Torres said of Elsmere’s branch manager, Steven Vivolo. “He was basically her angel since she started here, so she never felt alone.”