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 Pike Creek, 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 Pike Creek, 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.
When Angelo Griffith showed up at his part-time job at Wilmington's Simply Green Lawn Care last week, his co-workers were ready for him following a funny moment the night before on "Family Feud."The Pike Creek-based Griffith family were in the midst of a three-night run on the nationally televised classic game show when Griffith gave an answer during the "Fast Money" round that even had host/comedian Steve Harvey cracking up.LET'S PLAY THE FEUD!...
When Angelo Griffith showed up at his part-time job at Wilmington's Simply Green Lawn Care last week, his co-workers were ready for him following a funny moment the night before on "Family Feud."
The Pike Creek-based Griffith family were in the midst of a three-night run on the nationally televised classic game show when Griffith gave an answer during the "Fast Money" round that even had host/comedian Steve Harvey cracking up.
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As the clock was ticking down to zero, Griffith had to think of something that would fit before the word "puff."
"Fill in the blank: blank puff," Harvey asked him. After skipping the question once, Griffith didn't eventually come up with an answer such as "cream puff" or "powder puff."
Instead, he had rapper Sean Combs' nickname in his head and blurted out "Daddy."
"You said 'Daddy Puff,'" Harvey said while reading through Griffith's answers, bending over laughing. "Wait until I see [Combs]."
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Griffith's co-workers were thinking the same thing.
When he showed up to work, there were photocopies of an image of Sean "Puff Daddy" Combs all over the place, but with Griffith's head superimposed onto the performer's body.
One parking spot was reserved for "Daddy Puff Parking Only."
While the co-workers were laughing, Griffith may have been smiling the most because he knew his family won $20,815 on the show over three nights, eventually losing on Friday night's episode.
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Being on television in front of the entire nation wasn't a totally new experience for all of the Griffiths on the show: Angelo's wife Lori DiSabatino had already won nearly $14,000 in cash and prizes on "Wheel of Fortune" back in 2019, including a cruise to Alaska.
This time around, sharing the out-of-body experience of being on a long-running, beloved television show with her family made the moment even sweeter.
The family hosted a watch party for Wednesday night's episode at Dom's NY Style Pizzeria in Newport, drawing about 75 people.
The crowd exploded into cheers when DiSabatino's final answer in the "Fast Money" round put the team over the 300-point threshold, winning them $20,000.
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The moment had the feel of a Philadelphia Eagles winning touchdown as the crowd raised their drinks in celebration.
"Dom's got some pretty good business for a Wednesday night because every ate beforehand and then drank during...and after the show. It was a rough night, I have to be honest," she joked about the flowing libations.
The couple, along with daughter Carla Fritz and stepsons Angelo Griffith Jr. and Brett Griffith, will each walk away with about $4,000 before taxes when the check comes in the mail. But they will have to wait. The prize money doesn't usually arrive until 90 days after the air date.
For their part, the couple will put their $8,000 toward an ongoing kitchen remodel job at their home.
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So what's next for DiSabatino, the longtime game show lover who was behind the applications for "Wheel of Fortune" and "Family Feud"? Perhaps an appearance on "Jeopardy!"?
"That's not happening. I'm not smart enough for 'Jeopardy!,' she jokes.
Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at [email protected] or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).
For a few moments, the narrow, navy blue Stretch Lab in Pike Creek is still. But as the clock hits two on this Friday afternoon and members begin to fill the two rows of foam-padded tables, conversations swell.They are runners, cyclists and weight lifters and they're here to be stretched. Over the next 50 minutes, a "flexologist" will leverage themselves against the athletes to open up hamstrings, glutes and shoulders the way an athletic trainer would on an NFL sideline.Assisted stretching, as it's beco...
For a few moments, the narrow, navy blue Stretch Lab in Pike Creek is still. But as the clock hits two on this Friday afternoon and members begin to fill the two rows of foam-padded tables, conversations swell.
They are runners, cyclists and weight lifters and they're here to be stretched. Over the next 50 minutes, a "flexologist" will leverage themselves against the athletes to open up hamstrings, glutes and shoulders the way an athletic trainer would on an NFL sideline.
Assisted stretching, as it's become known, is one of the latest recovery tools in a growing list of boutique workouts and trendy treatments.
Franchises like Stretch Lab, Stretchplex and Stretch Zone are popping up in shopping centers across the country. The trend has reached Delaware where at least five facilities are already open and two more are on the way.
Kathy Anderson opened the Pike Creek Stretch Lab in Linden Hill Station off Limestone Road a year and a half ago. She believes that anyone can benefit from an assisted stretch, whether their goal is to flush a lingering tight spot, improve their range of motion or guard against injury.
"It's a unique opportunity that we didn't have in this community," she said.
Anderson has signed on more than 275 members that are served by eight flexologists. The facility sees everyone from high school athletes to octogenarians. Regardless of their fitness goals, an assisted stretch helps members find a deeper stretch than they could on their own, Anderson says.
In addition, making an appointment offers a degree of accountability over a self promise to stretch at home where other commitments and distractions can get in the way.
Clarence Carter, the owner of Stretch Zone on Concord Pike, has a simple sales point.
"Normally they feel better after," he said.
An ex-military officer, Carter went to the gym every morning for years before realizing he wasn't stretching enough. He became a three-times-a-week customer at another Stretch Zone. When he started looking for an investment opportunity, Carter, who also runs a consultant business and owns a few daycare centers, learned more about Stretch Zone.
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Carter opened the Concord Pike location in November. He plans to open his second location in the Newark Shopping Center in June and is pursuing a third in the Middletown area. Stretchplex, which did not respond to a request for an interview, has locations in Barley Mill and Hockessin and on Concord Pike.
Amy McDevitt, director of curriculum of Physical Therapy at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, said that while assisted stretching can offer a deeper stretch than people can achieve on their own, similar to using a yoga belt or strap, it is not a cure-all tactic.
In conversation with the school's publication, McDevitt described a conundrum that sometimes a muscle feels tight like it needs to be stretched when it has increased length and shouldn't be stretched. In this case, and others, a physical therapist should be consulted, she said.
“People are paying for a hands-on service. Some people like the sensation of being stretched, just as some people like getting a massage," McDevitt said. "It’s a therapeutic activity for them."
At Stretch Lab, flexologists go through an accredited certificate program and receive between 50 and 70 hours of training in-studio and online. Anderson said she typically looks to hire candidates that have a background in exercise science or kinesiology.
Stretch Lab offers 50- and 25-minute stretches. A first time 50-minute mobility assessment stretch is $49. After that, there is a three-month commitment with once or twice weekly visits. The monthly rate covering four visits is $169.
The cleanup has started in Delaware Wednesday morning after a storm brought heavy rain and high winds, causing flooding and power outages across much of the East Coast late into Tuesday night.See the latest from the aftermath of the storm:When will the power be back on?Delaware had a total of 7,238 outag...
The cleanup has started in Delaware Wednesday morning after a storm brought heavy rain and high winds, causing flooding and power outages across much of the East Coast late into Tuesday night.
See the latest from the aftermath of the storm:
Delaware had a total of 7,238 outages at about noon Wednesday. New Castle County had 6,994 of those outages; Sussex County, 244; and Kent County had none.
At about 7 p.m. Tuesday, Delmarva Power had said that most of its outages would be fixed later Tuesday night, though some customers outside Smyrna may not have power restored until Wednesday morning.
Schools and community centers across Delaware have canceled or delayed programming on Tuesday and Wednesday in preparation for the high winds, heavy rain and possible flooding predicted to hit the First State in the coming day.
The full list can be found here.
The following roads are closed as of 7 a.m. Wednesday due to flooding, downed trees and wires, according to DelDOT:
New Castle County was under a flood warning until 8 a.m. Wednesday, and residents are being asked to avoid driving Tuesday night as a powerful storm pounds Delaware with heavy rains and tropical storm-speed wind gusts.
The National Weather Service forecasted periods of intense and heavy rain with high winds Tuesday evening, which caused small stream, river flooding and coastal flooding — especially in the upper Delaware Bay. The Delaware Bay at Reedy Point is forecasted to crest at 9.1 feet, which is near the record of 9.24 feet that was set on April 16, 2011.
Many parts of Delaware received up to 2 inches with some nearing 3 inches late into Tuesday night.
After winning nearly $14,000 in cash and prizes on "Wheel of Fortune" four years ago, Pike Creek's Lori DiSabatino is ready to press her luck on another classic television game show.And no, it isn't "Press Your Luck," which is in the midst of an ABC reboot with actress Elizabeth Banks as host.FLASHBACK...
After winning nearly $14,000 in cash and prizes on "Wheel of Fortune" four years ago, Pike Creek's Lori DiSabatino is ready to press her luck on another classic television game show.
And no, it isn't "Press Your Luck," which is in the midst of an ABC reboot with actress Elizabeth Banks as host.
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DiSabatino will appear as a member of the Griffith family on "Family Feud" on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. on Philly 57, Channel 811 on Comcast in New Castle County.
DiSabatino's team includes members of her blended family including husband Angelo Griffith, daughter Carla Fritz and stepsons Angelo Griffith Jr. and Brett Griffith.
DiSabatino, a lifelong game show fan, decided to try to appear on another game show earlier this year. She filled out the family's application for "Family Feud" and Carla sent it in, along with photos and a video.
"I figured I was able to get on one, why not try for another?" asks DiSabatino, an executive assistant with Capital One in Wilmington. "I had to talk my family into it."
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At first, the mother of four and grandmother of five said her husband was a little reluctant at the idea of being on the nationally televised game show, which is hosted by comedian Steve Harvey.
But he soon came around. And then some.
In a funny twist, she says Angelo is now the one most excited about being on the show, which they filmed in March in the Atlanta suburb of Fayetteville, Georgia.
Angelo is retired, but works a few days a week manning the grill at Yatz’s Subs & Steaks on Union Street in Wilmington's Little Italy.
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He's been telling everyone in the shop that his family will be on the show and even has a homemade poster featuring the family's "Family Feud" photo taped to the window at the entrance, promoting his upcoming 15 minutes of fame.
"And when we were done taping and walking through the airport, he was playing the 'Family Feud' theme song on his phone full blast while holding our sign from the show that read, 'The Griffiths from Wilmington, Delaware,'" DiSabatino says. "He's so proud. He's like a little kid."
DiSabatino was on "Wheel of Fortune" in October 2019, winning $13,921 in cash and prizes, including a cruise to Alaska.
She landed on that show by applying and submitting a video after watching the show for years, dating back to nightly TV viewfests with her late mother.
In fact, she got the call that she made the cut on her mother's birthday, Aug. 7, when she was at the beach celebrating her life. Within two weeks, DiSabatino was on the "Wheel of Fortune" stage with host Pat Sajak and hostess Vanna White.
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She took it as a positive sign and it turned out she was right.
This time around, it's even more exciting because she's sharing a big TV moment with her family.
And unlike in 2019 when the family had a watch party with about 30 people crowded into their home basement, this time they will be gathering with family and friends at Dom's NY Style Pizzeria in Newport.
"Now there's five of us, and we all have people who want to watch it with us," she says.
One of the best parts of the "Family Feud" experience was meeting Harvey, a veteran standup comedian and actor she described as "just fabulous."
"He's a great game show host, but the best part was during her breaks," she says. "He walks up to the front of the stage and then does standup for the audience. It was so much fun."
Have a story idea? Contact Ryan Cormier of Delaware Online/The News Journal at [email protected] or (302) 324-2863. Follow him on Facebook (@ryancormier) and X (@ryancormier).
Pike Creek's Griffith family hosted about 75 friends and family at Dom's NY Style Pizzeria in Newport to watch their first night on "Family Feud." 11/13/23No peak any...
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