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Find neuropathy relief with doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Hockessin, DE

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 Hockessin, 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:

  • Sensory and Pain
  • Motor
  • Autonomic

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.

Living with nerve pain can be incredibly challenging. If you've been experiencing it for a long time, you may feel hopeless, sad, angry, or even depressed due to the constant pain. This can cause you to withdraw from the people you are close to and stop doing the things you used to enjoy. If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of your nerve pain, here are three suggestions on how to take charge of your emotions and gain new perspectives.

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.

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Neuropathy 101

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.

Neuropathy Treatment Hockessin, DE

The Anatomy of Neuropathy

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.

How Does Neuropathy Affect Your Body?

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:

 Neuropathy Clinic Hockessin, DE

Cell Body

A cell body is the primary part of a cell.

 Neuropathy Doctor Hockessin, DE

Axon

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.

 Neuropathy Therapy Hockessin, DE

Dendrites

Dendrites are small, tree-like extensions on the cell body that receive chemical signals from nearby neurons' synapses.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Hockessin, DE

Myelin

This is a protective covering made up of thin, fatty chemical compounds that surround the axon of many neurons.

Neuropathy Treatment Hockessin, DE

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 Hockessin, DE.

The Most Common Symptoms of Neuropathy

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:

  • Sensory and Pain
  • Motor
  • Autonomic

Curious what type of symptom you or a family member is suffering from? Let's take a closer look at each type of symptom below.

Motor Symptoms of Neuropathy

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:

 Neuropathy Clinic Hockessin, DE

Atrophied Muscles

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.

 Neuropathy Doctor Hockessin, DE

Muscle Paralysis and Weakness

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.

 Neuropathy Therapy Hockessin, DE

Uncontrollable Movements

When nerves lose a connection to your brain because of your neuropathy, they can become hyperactive, resulting in uncontrolled muscle movements and cramps.

Autonomic Symptoms of Neuropathy

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:

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Hockessin, DE

Changes in Blood Pressure

Your body naturally regulates blood pressure, but damage to your peripheral nerves can cause sudden drops in blood pressure or increases in heart rate, especially upon standing up.

Neuropathy Treatment Hockessin, DE

Bladder and Bowel Issues

Autonomic signals control bowel and bladder function involuntarily. Nerve fiber disruption from neuropathy may affect your ability to control your bladder and bowel movements.

 Neuropathy Clinic Hockessin, DE

Issues with Sweating

Your body has a natural mechanism to regulate its internal temperature, which involves sweating to dissipate heat. However, if you suffer from peripheral nerve damage, it can disrupt this process and cause you to sweat excessively or not enough.

 Neuropathy Doctor Hockessin, DE

Intimacy Dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a known symptom of neuropathy because your autonomic nervous system is in control of your sexual arousal.

Sensory Symptoms of Neuropathy

Your peripheral nerves are responsible for transmitting information about the outside world to your brain in the form of nerve signals. This information is then processed by your brain, allowing you to sense and perceive the world around you. However, when you have peripheral neuropathy, it can interfere with your ability to pick up sensory information or communicate it with your brain, leading to disruptions in your senses

 Neuropathy Therapy Hockessin, DE

Numbness

This is one of the most common symptoms of neuropathy and is caused when your nerves can't relay or send signals properly, causing sensation loss.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Hockessin, DE

Pain

Peripheral neuropathy can result in nerve damage that affects the way pain signals are sent, causing pain signals to be more intense (hyperalgesia) or triggered too easily (allodynia). It can even cause nerves to generate pain signals spontaneously, leading to what is known as "neuropathic" pain. Patients cite this as the most disruptive and challenging symptom of peripheral neuropathy.

Neuropathy Treatment Hockessin, DE

Tingling

When your nerves can't carry signals to your brain properly, it can cause tingling. Think of it like radio static that you hear when you're losing a radio signal.

 Neuropathy Clinic Hockessin, DE

Problems with Balance

Did you know that nerves help your brain keep track of where your hands and feet are? Even though you may not realize it, these sensations are crucial for your balance and coordination. If you lose these sensations, you might struggle with balance, especially in the dark, and have trouble using your hands.

Types of Diagnostic Testing Needed for Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Hockessin, DE

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.

Diagnostic tests for neuropathy include:

Complimentary Thermoscan

During your initial complimentary consultation, our healthcare providers will conduct a free thermo scan, which is a diagnostic tool used to monitor foot temperature. This test is particularly useful in detecting warning signs of potential foot complications, especially for those with diabetic neuropathy who develop foot ulcers.

 Neuropathy Doctor Hockessin, DE

Nerve Conductive Study

At Kennedy Health, we use a procedure called a Nerve Conduction Study (NCS) to determine the speed of electric impulses traveling through your nerves. This diagnostic test aids in detecting any nerve damage and helps our neuropathy doctors administer appropriate treatment for nerve reactivation.

 Neuropathy Therapy Hockessin, DE

Discover Poor Blood Flow Locations

Poor blood flow can cause nerve pain and damage. To find out exactly where the blockages or tears are, our providers use an ultrasound to map out the veins and arteries in your leg. This helps identify weak or strained areas and allows us to find the exact location of poor blood flow in your lower extremities.

Depending on the severity of your neuropathy, you may qualify for one or more of the tests above. Once our team has a better understanding of your conditions and symptoms, we can provide advanced treatment recommendations for your neuropathy.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Hockessin, DE

Kennedy Health Clinic's Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Hockessin, DE

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.

Neuropathy Treatment Hockessin, DE

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.

Four Positive Ways to Manage Stress from Nerve Pain

Living with nerve pain can be incredibly challenging. If you've been experiencing it for a long time, you may feel hopeless, sad, angry, or even depressed due to the constant pain. This can cause you to withdraw from the people you are close to and stop doing the things you used to enjoy. If you're struggling to cope with the emotional impact of your nerve pain, here are three suggestions on how to take charge of your emotions and gain new perspectives.

 Neuropathy Clinic Hockessin, DE

Invest in Self-Care

Surrounding yourself with friends, family, and supportive people is essential for your well-being. Engage in activities that make you happy and bring you joy. You should also consider exploring mentally stimulating activities like reading books or solving puzzles. It is important to maintain balance in your life and focus on your overall well-being - not a single body part affected by neuropathy.

 Neuropathy Doctor Hockessin, DE

Control What You're Able to Control

Reducing inflammatory foods can improve physical and mental health. Try decreasing or eliminating dairy, gluten, or products with sugar. If neuropathy is affecting day-to-day activities like sleeping, try making small changes. Adjustments like wearing thick socks can alleviate nerve pain and discomfort and help you sleep better. Also, try to establish a routine to focus on daily tasks and goals. Doing so can help you deal with and prevent depression and emotional distress. Last but not least, try to stay positive and hopeful. An effective treatment for your neuropathy might be closer than you imagine.

 Neuropathy Therapy Hockessin, DE

Talk About Your Feelings with Friends, Family, and Counselors

It's important to be honest with your loved ones about how you're feeling, both physically and emotionally. They can offer support, listen to you, and help you cope. You may also benefit from talking to a professional counselor for objective guidance on managing your physical pain. The biggest takeaway here is to express how you're feeling - don't bottle it up inside. It will only make your condition worse.

 Neuropathy Treatment Center Hockessin, DE

Seek Help from Neuropathy Doctors

You don't have to live with nerve pain. Kennedy Health Clinic offers several effective solutions for treating neuropathy. Our doctors preferred treatment for neuropathy in legs and feet in Hockessin, DE improves blood flow, relieves pain, and can help give you a new lease on life. These aren't fly-by-night treatments. They're proven to be effective for neuropathy.

Trust Kennedy Health for Doctors Preferred Treatment for Neuropathy in Legs and Feet in Hockessin, DE

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.

Latest News in Hockessin, DE

National Weather Service says straight-line winds caused storm damage in Delaware

A path of destruction can be seen from the air, showing snapped trees and damaged homes.The National Weather Service said the storm damage left behind by severe storms in Delaware was caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado.NEWARK, Delaware (WPVI) -- The National Weather Service said the storm damage left behind by severe storms on Monday night in New Castle County, Delaware was caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado.Meteorologists made that determination after surveying the Newark and Hockessin areas on Tuesd...

A path of destruction can be seen from the air, showing snapped trees and damaged homes.

The National Weather Service said the storm damage left behind by severe storms in Delaware was caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado.

NEWARK, Delaware (WPVI) -- The National Weather Service said the storm damage left behind by severe storms on Monday night in New Castle County, Delaware was caused by straight-line winds, not a tornado.

Meteorologists made that determination after surveying the Newark and Hockessin areas on Tuesday.

The NWS says straight-line winds are thunderstorm winds that have no rotation and therefore are not a tornado.

The survey team in New Castle County, DE has confirmed that damage in the Newark/Hockessin area was due to straight line winds. #DEwx

— NWS Mount Holly (@NWS_MountHolly) August 8, 2023

"One of the things we are looking for is whether trees are blown on top of each other or apart," said Robert Deal, a meteorologist for the NWS. "If they are all blown down in the same direction or away from each other that's more generally straight-line winds."

A path of destruction can be seen from the air, showing snapped trees and damaged homes.

"We're in the White Clay Creek Forest and it's not as simple as saying, 'Oh a couple of trees came down,'" said neighbor Mark Sanford. "This forest came down around this neighborhood and this community."

Two large trees fell onto Sanford's home where he lives with his wife Nancy and 15-year-old dog Ginger in the Lamatan West Neighborhood of Newark, Delaware.

"Two huge trees on the back side of the house crisscrossed and came down. Probably 80- to 100-foot trees back there," Sanford said.

Sanford said he was working upstairs in his home office around 6 p.m. Monday when he heard high-pitched winds.

"We ran to the basement and by the time we got to the basement, crashing trees came down around us," Sanford said.

A large portion of the upstairs came crashing down to the first floor.

The entire community is now dealing with extensive property damage.

"Again, the forest is down here," Sanford said. "We're going to need relief, the state, FEMA, something to come in to provide support that insurance is not picking up."

Plans announced to fix cell service dead zones in Hockessin and Middletown areas

Molly McVetyUPDATE: This story has been edited to adjust an incorrect address for the new cell towers. The Hockessin location will be 7259 Lancaster Pike.If you're having trouble with reliable cell service where you live and travel in New Castle County, there may be a solution on the way.New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer on Monday announced they a...

Molly McVety

UPDATE: This story has been edited to adjust an incorrect address for the new cell towers. The Hockessin location will be 7259 Lancaster Pike.

If you're having trouble with reliable cell service where you live and travel in New Castle County, there may be a solution on the way.

New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer on Monday announced they are accepting bids for cellular providers like AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile to set up new cell towers in the county's "dead zones."

Meyer was joined by the county's chief of technology and administrative services, Michael Hojnicki, at the Hockessin Public Library on Monday afternoon to announce the sites of the new towers on county property.

Where will the new towers go

In February, New Castle County commissioned a third-party technology company to conduct a study to evaluate where in the county had the worst cellular reception. Most of these dead zones were focused around southern New Castle County, near Odessa and Townsend as well as rural parts of northern New Castle County like Centreville and Hockessin.

More:New Castle County agrees to pay $1.05M to settle lawsuit over fatal Lymond Moses shooting

The study finalized a list of five priority locations for new cell towers to be erected, and the final plan was narrowed down to three.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting was set to take place Thursday, Aug. 17, at noon with prospective bidders, and the proposals will be accepted until Sept. 6.

Cost of the project

The county will spend $1.3 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money on the project, but the final cost will be confirmed after a proposal has been chosen by the county government. County Executive Meyer also stated that there is an opportunity for New Castle County to earn revenue from these proposals to expand construction to other priority areas.

"If it ends up costing more than that, we'll look at finding more funds either from federal dollars or other sources," Meyer said. "I think it's more realistic that there's going to be revenue coming in attached to the tower that we can use to build more."

A public comment period will open up after the Sept. 6 deadline for cell tower proposals, but according to Hojnicki, this may not be for another estimated six months. The timeline for the permitting process and construction to begin is largely dependent on the details provided by cell service providers in their proposals.

Just 20 Minutes From Wilmington, Hockessin Is The Perfect Delaware Day Trip Destination

Delaware’s small towns are fun day trip destinations with plenty of things to do. Aside from being quaint, Hockessin, Delaware is a historic town that has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy when you’re looking for the ideal place to go on a family outing. As you read on and discover all there is to do in Hockessin, DE, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s only a short distance from Wilmington too!...

Delaware’s small towns are fun day trip destinations with plenty of things to do. Aside from being quaint, Hockessin, Delaware is a historic town that has a little bit of something for everyone to enjoy when you’re looking for the ideal place to go on a family outing. As you read on and discover all there is to do in Hockessin, DE, you’ll be pleased to learn that it’s only a short distance from Wilmington too!

Both A Dairy Farm And A Creamery, Delaware's Hopkins Farm Is An Underrated Day Trip Destination

12 Out Of This World Summer Day Trips To Take In Delaware

12 Unforgettable Delaware Day Trips, One For Each Month Of The Year

No matter why you choose to visit Hockessin – to shop, to dine, or to explore the outdoors – you’ll have a wonderful time getting acquainted with the gorgeous Brandywine Valley. Best of all, it’s just a short distance from Wilmington, so you don’t need to drive too far to find yourself in an entirely new world.

To learn more about things to do during your outing to Hockessin, DE, take a look at this piece about the House of William And Merry and this article about Lettie’s Kitchen.

Find more day trip in Delaware ideas in this post too.

More to Explore

Marla S. | April 27, 2023

Where can you take a day trip in Delaware?

In addition to spending time in Hockessin, check out the following day trip in Delaware destinations:

Take a look at this article for more day trips in Delaware ideas too.

What are some of the best small towns in Delaware?

Aside from Hockessin, here are some more of the best small towns in Delaware:

For more suggestions of where to go, check out these best small towns in Delaware too.

Why This One Tiny Town Is Secretly The Best Place In Delaware

There are so many things to do in Hockessin, Delaware, it is one of those little towns that hide some most amazing secrets. But this shouldn’t be surprising; almost all of Delaware’s population lives in a small town (rather than our one “big city” of Wilmington). Each town is full of character, charm, and natural beauty. Let’s examine Hockessin. This New Castle County isn’t far from Wilmington, bu...

There are so many things to do in Hockessin, Delaware, it is one of those little towns that hide some most amazing secrets. But this shouldn’t be surprising; almost all of Delaware’s population lives in a small town (rather than our one “big city” of Wilmington). Each town is full of character, charm, and natural beauty. Let’s examine Hockessin. This New Castle County isn’t far from Wilmington, but when you visit Hockessin neighborhoods and attractions, it feels like you’re in another world.

Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Delaware

Taylor Swift's New Album Title Has Us Inspired To Visit These Dead Poet's Society Filming Locations In Delaware

Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Delaware

We’re so lucky that our state has these sorts of quaint, charming towns to show off! What’s your favorite small town in Delaware? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Not near Hockessin, Delaware but are looking to explore more in the state? Check out this list of other charming small towns in DE!

More to Explore

Rachel Raimondi | August 02, 2022

What is Delaware known for?

Despite its small size of 1,982 square miles, Delaware is known for quite a few things such as

Are there any beach towns in Delaware?

Lying along the Atlantic coastline (and with several lakes as well), there are definitely some great beach towns in Delaware. Lewes Beach is great if you have kids with you and are looking for safe waters with lifeguards on the ocean. And the town is full of things to do like visiting museums, shopping, and dining. Millsboro abuts the 15-mile-long Indian River in southern Delaware. Not only is the town historic and full of dining and shopping, but you can also boat, fish, and swim in the river.

Which state parks in Delaware are the best?

With 17 state parks in Delaware, there is outdoor recreation to be had across its entirety. Some of the best parks include:

Meyer announces plans for cell towers in Hockessin, MOT areas

New Castle County Executive Matthew Meyer announced a requests for proposals for a couple of cell phone towers in the Hockessin and Middletown areas.Hockessin, a hilly and heavily wooded area west of Wilmington, has struggled with cell phone service over the years. The sprawling Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area also has its share of areas with spotty reception.Cell phone reception became an issue during the Covid-19 pandemic when families found a lack of broadband access and spotty reception made distance home learning more diff...

New Castle County Executive Matthew Meyer announced a requests for proposals for a couple of cell phone towers in the Hockessin and Middletown areas.

Hockessin, a hilly and heavily wooded area west of Wilmington, has struggled with cell phone service over the years. The sprawling Middletown-Odessa-Townsend area also has its share of areas with spotty reception.

Cell phone reception became an issue during the Covid-19 pandemic when families found a lack of broadband access and spotty reception made distance home learning more difficult. New Castle County rolled out WiFi service outside its libraries to aid students and parents.

A full video of the announcement is below:

The proposed towers would be financed with American Rescue Plan Act funds at a cost of $1.3 million.

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The State of Delaware has its own broadband program that uses federal funds to expand current broadband cable systems to areas where it is not profitable for carriers to expand service.

It is likely that a few hard-to-reach areas will need high speed wireless broadband service.

County involvement in cell phone reception is not a new topic, with a 2011 report calling for an involvement in the issue.

Delaware has among the highest average internet speeds in the nation and sometimes ranks at the top. However, it also has “broadband deserts.”

The cell phone initiative comes after Meyer has announced a bid for governor in 2024. Current Gov. John Carney is term limited.

Delaware Technical Community College is moving into the second year of its bachelors degree program in education.

The program was quietly launched in response to a worsening teacher shortage.

Delaware public school superintendents met with the leadership of Delaware Technical Community College in 2019 looking for help in alleviating a teacher shortage that worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Delaware Tech had already created a bachelor’s degree in nursing program in 2017 in response to the state’s healthcare sector’s needs. The leaders were hoping the college would do the same for educators.

The program has about 80 students, all of whom have already completed an associate degree program in education. The first cohort started in fall 2022, and those students are preparing to begin a year-long residency in public schools this fall.

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The residency is the final component students need to graduate from the program and differs from traditional student teaching in that it lasts a full year, as opposed to a few months, Del Tech officials said.

Another feature of the program is that students are eligible for dual certification in elementary education and special education, expanding employment opportunities and enhancing their ability to cater to diverse student needs.

Students can easily transition to the BSE program from the Department of Education’s K-12 Teacher Academy Pathway offered in Delaware high schools for aspiring teachers. Through this high school pathway, schools are creating the pipeline for students they hope will return to their home districts and charters to teach.

Eligible students can take advantage of free tuition through the SEED scholarship program that pay for college expenses. And the College offers flexibility with courses, recognizing that many students are juggling school with jobs and family responsibilities.

Delaware Tech has campuses in all three of the state’s counties.

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