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

Cell Body

A cell body is the primary part of a cell.

 Neuropathy Doctor North Star, 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 North Star, DE

Dendrites

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

 Neuropathy Treatment Center North Star, DE

Myelin

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

Neuropathy Treatment North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, 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 North Star, DE

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

Northstar community plans reviewed by state agencies

State agencies commented on plans for the proposed 433-acre Northstar mixed-use community along Route 9 and the north and south sides of Beaver Dam Road one mile west of Five Points during its Dec. 20 Office of State Planning Coordination Preliminary Land Use Service meeting.The plan includes 758 single-family home lots, 94 multifamily units and 96,000 square feet of commercial space. The developer will have to file rezoning applications from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to C-3, heavy commercial, and from AR-1 to MR, medium-density...

State agencies commented on plans for the proposed 433-acre Northstar mixed-use community along Route 9 and the north and south sides of Beaver Dam Road one mile west of Five Points during its Dec. 20 Office of State Planning Coordination Preliminary Land Use Service meeting.

The plan includes 758 single-family home lots, 94 multifamily units and 96,000 square feet of commercial space. The developer will have to file rezoning applications from AR-1, agricultural-residential, to C-3, heavy commercial, and from AR-1 to MR, medium-density residential, and file a conditional-use application for multifamily housing.

All commercial construction would be on 12.7 acres along Route 9.

Included in the plan are 94 affordable apartment units on 4.65 acres that will be under the Delaware State Housing Authority low-income tax credit program.

Ring Lardner, an engineer with Davis, Bowen and Friedel, representing the developer, said the community is a master-planned, in-fill project.

The parcel is designated as coastal area in the county's future land-use map where high-density development is permitted.

Access to property

The property borders Route 9 across from the Vineyards, and runs along portions of Beaver Dam Road in several areas. One of the proposed major road improvements includes the first phase of the Delaware Department of Transportation’s Mulberry Knoll to Route 9 connection road. The plan includes a section of that road from Beaver Dam Road to Route 9 at the Vineyards intersection, which will be dedicated to DelDOT for public use.

The plan also includes a proposed connection from the project on the south side of Beaver Dam Road to Lewes Crossing via Oakney Street for vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Northstar is in the Henlopen Transportation Improvement District and would be required to contribute funds per unit and per commercial square footage to a fund for road improvements in the district, besides other road improvements required for Northstar.

At buildout, the average daily traffic would be 13,359 trips.

Access to the parcel would be from Route 9 and Beaver Dam Road across from the Coastal Club community.

Lardner said the preliminary plan includes three miles of shared-use pathways to provide linkages to existing subdivisions and two-and-a-half miles of pathways within the proposed community.

The project includes several park areas and 166.5 acres of open space, or 44% of the total acreage.

Environmental comments

Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control representative Beth Krumine said the agency's review found there are tax ditches on the property that may require improvements. She said the developer should avoid building homes in a portion of the 100-year floodplain on the western edge of the property.

Krumine said that 25% of the parcel is within an excellent water recharge area that will require the developer to comply with Sussex County regulations.

She recommended that a forest assessment be completed before the removal of 5 acres of the 28 acres of woodlands, and that a 100-foot vegetated buffer be installed along 19.5 acres of nontidal wetlands.

In addition, she said there are two state rare or threatened species located very close to the property, the tiger salamander and the barking tree frog, that probably use the forest of the Northstar parcel.

Other recommendations include the relocation of two existing bus stops closer to the Route 9-Old Vine Boulevard location, and that a phase one archaeological study be completed before any ground disturbance.

All plans are preliminary and subject to change prior to scheduling of public hearings before the Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission and Sussex County Council. The state planning office cannot make land-use decisions, but it can provide recommendations.

Northstar project heard by zoning

The Greens of Northstar would be at the corner of North Galena and Wilson roads.Courtesy | Berkshire Twp.GALENA — The Berkshire Township Zoning Commission heard a presentation about the Greens at Northstar development at its May 4 meeting.The development would be about 24 acres at the corner of North Galena and Wilson roads, to be built in two phases. “This Final Development Plan Major Modification is necessary since the applicant desires to change the type of homes originally approved in 2008, attached condo...

The Greens of Northstar would be at the corner of North Galena and Wilson roads.

Courtesy | Berkshire Twp.

GALENA — The Berkshire Township Zoning Commission heard a presentation about the Greens at Northstar development at its May 4 meeting.

The development would be about 24 acres at the corner of North Galena and Wilson roads, to be built in two phases. “This Final Development Plan Major Modification is necessary since the applicant desires to change the type of homes originally approved in 2008, attached condominiums consisting of 2-, 3- and 4-bedroom units, to detached condominiums,” the project summary from April said. The original Northstar approval was in 2001.

It was noted that the Delaware Regional Planning Commission had earlier given conditional approval to this development plan amendment request, subject to five conditions.

Planner/Engineer Joe Looby spoke on behalf of the applicant, New Albany-based The Christoff Group. He said they are proposing 148 homes, and had letters of approval from utilities, the fire department and county engineer. Looby said the target market is age 55 and up.

Members of the public were concerned about the density, construction traffic, aesthetics and building materials, secondary access and wetland areas.

The commission members said they would like to compare the plan presented with the original plan for the changes. The applicant said, “They will work on getting the all the proper information for the next Zoning Commission meeting,” the meeting minutes said.

A continuance was granted to June 1.

In new business, the minutes said, “There is land clearing currently happening at Africa Road/37 and this is another extended stay hotel — they are not apartments and therefore do not pay any bed tax.” Also, adding a noise level of 65 decibels to solar panels was recommended as a language change to the zoning resolution.

The commission’s first meeting of the year was on April 6. Damita Peery was named the chair, Andy Kerr the vice chair. The other members are Matt Allen, Jon Kerr and Austin Slattery. Philip Pifer is the alternate. David Weade is the township zoning inspector and Donielle Owen is the new meeting secretary.

Also on April 6, there was discussion of possible changes to the zoning resolution regarding agrotourism, bike paths, design standards, hotel definitions, model home signs, parks-trails, perimeter setbacks and small solar farms. The 228-page zoning resolution was amended and effective Dec. 13, 2022.

The commission meets in the Berkshire Township Hall, 1454 Rome Corners Road, Galena.

Assistant Editor Gary Budzak covers the eastern half of Delaware County and surrounding areas. He may be reached at [email protected].

Immersive Dia de los Muertos museum hidden above Fiesta Store near North Star Mall

Museum features thousands of Day of the Dead items and is open year-roundSAN ANTONIO – Thousands of people visit the Fiesta Store near North Star Mall every year, but many are unaware that hidden on the top floor is an immersive experience that details the history of Dia de los Muertos.The Day of the Dead Museum features thousands of pieces of art, five rooms and a main gallery dedicated to the holiday.The o...

Museum features thousands of Day of the Dead items and is open year-round

SAN ANTONIO – Thousands of people visit the Fiesta Store near North Star Mall every year, but many are unaware that hidden on the top floor is an immersive experience that details the history of Dia de los Muertos.

The Day of the Dead Museum features thousands of pieces of art, five rooms and a main gallery dedicated to the holiday.

The owner of the Fiesta Store created the museum when no visitors were allowed inside during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our owner had an extensive collection of art from artists in Mexico, and she thought it would be beneficial to create a public interest in that,” said Luis Pineda, Fiesta Store manager.

MORE: What to know before you attend San Antonio’s free Muertos Fest

The owner of the Fiesta Store collected the items over 30 years and hopes visitors can find beauty in their history.

Pineda said the store has also acquired Dia de los Muertos artifacts from Mexico.

“It’s been in the making for about 15 years,” said Pineda. “To show people what Mexican art is about, not only Fiesta stuff that we have but the actual art that’s been in families for generations. We have probably tens of thousands of different pieces. Some of them are very delicate and very exquisite art.”

The museum also features calaveras, or skulls, altars and displays dedicated to Frida Kahlo and The Virgin Mary. A young woman also sings “La Llorona” at times for visitors in the main space.

“We get a lot of people with teary eyes after it because they remember someone, and it’s a very emotional song,” said Pineda.

Pineda remembers celebrating Dia de los Muertos with his family at Mexican cemeteries. He said he’s seen the holiday become more celebrated throughout the years.

“It’s becoming prevalent. Families that have nothing to do with Mexico or the culture of Mexico are doing altars in their houses,” said Pineda. “They want to involve themselves into the culture because it’s universal.”

And while more people embrace the holiday, Pineda said it’s just as important to know why and the meaning behind it.

“It’s changed over the years from the Aztecs to current generations. Now it’s being celebrated differently than it was before,” said Pineda. “And we show the different steps of how that’s being celebrated over time.”

The Day of the Dead Museum is open year-round. Click here for more information.

Find more Day of the Dead stories from KSAT here

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The 'North Star' Is Actually Three Stars

Eneas de Troya, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 / Eneas de Troya, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0As savvy travelers have known for millennia, above the equator you don’t need GPS or a compass to figure out which way is north. All you need is a clear night sky.From ...

Eneas de Troya, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0 / Eneas de Troya, Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0

As savvy travelers have known for millennia, above the equator you don’t need GPS or a compass to figure out which way is north. All you need is a clear night sky.

From our perspective, the stars appear to slowly move in vast circles around what seems to be a fixed point of light more or less directly above the North Pole. This beacon happens to line up almost perfectly with the invisible axis on which Earth rotates (though it’s still about .7 degrees off target). This is, of course, the North Star, also known as Polaris (and many other aliases).

But here’s the thing: Polaris isn't one star. It’s three.

Located in the constellation Ursa Minor, Polaris is actually a triple star system. The first indication that the North Star was more than it appeared to be came in 1780, when William Herschel examined it through his telescope. Instead of spotting a single star, Herschel (who a year later discovered Uranus) instead found two close neighbors.

These stars are an odd couple. Polaris A is a supergiant roughly six times more massive and 2000 times brighter than our own Sun that dwarfs its companion, Polaris B. They're 323 light-years away, as scientists calculated in 2012. (Previous estimates had put them 434 light-years from Earth.) The vast distance blurs their boundaries to the naked eye.

In 2006, astronomers using the Hubble telescope realized this duo was actually a trio when they spotted a third, relatively diminutive star nearby, which they dubbed Polaris Ab. As you might expect, these three exert a huge gravitational force on each other. Due to their fairly close proximities, all three orbit around a common center of mass.

Some experts think two other stars, Polaris C and Polaris D, may be "gravitationally bound" to this trio, though they’re located a bit farther off.

Despite how strongly it shines, Polaris is only the 50th brightest star in the sky. Its luminosity fluctuates; right now, it’s in the midst of a particularly dazzling cycle. Today the star system looks up to 4.6 times brighter than it did in the past.

Polaris won't be the North Star for much longer (at least on the timescale of the universe). Because Earth’s axis wobbles over time, Polaris will lose its North Star status about 12,000 years from now when the more radiant Vega—which thousands of years ago was the North Star—reclaims its place.

4 Wealthiest Towns in Delaware

When you think of wealthy states, Delaware does not come top of mind with a poverty rate of 11.6%. However, there are towns in Delaware that are affluent with high income and high property values. Perhaps the most famous resident of Delaware is President Joe Biden, whose house is located in a tony suburb of Wilmington. Below you will find a list of the 4 richest towns in Delaware. The information presented in this article is based on data from the ...

When you think of wealthy states, Delaware does not come top of mind with a poverty rate of 11.6%. However, there are towns in Delaware that are affluent with high income and high property values. Perhaps the most famous resident of Delaware is President Joe Biden, whose house is located in a tony suburb of Wilmington. Below you will find a list of the 4 richest towns in Delaware. The information presented in this article is based on data from the US Census American Community Survey and the rankings are based on median household income.

1. North Star, DE

North Star is the wealthiest town in Delaware. North Star is located in Delaware’s New Castle county which is 40 miles from Philadelphia. Due to its proximity to Philadelphia, North Star is often considered a suburb of Philadelphia. North Star residents are wealthy with a median household income of $153,971. The poverty rate of North Star is 2.8% which is low considering the poverty rate of the state of Delaware is at 11.6%.

Home values in North Star are relatively high with a median home value of $457,900. Most of the homes in North Star are primarily owner-occupied with only 13.5% rentals and 86.5% owner-occupied.

North Star has a population of 8,056. Its residents are well educated with 68% of North Star residents graduating with a bachelor’s degree or higher, compared to 33.6% for the state of Delaware. The average commute to work for North Star residents is 23.2 minutes.

2. Townsend, DE

Townsend is one of the richest towns in Delaware. Townsend is an affluent town in Delaware with top-rated schools and a small-town feel. Located in Delaware’s New Castle county, Townsend enjoys a low poverty rate of 1.4%. Townsend residents are well-to-do with a median household income of $142,115.

Townsend is a small town (approximately 1 square mile!) with a population of 2,717. The median home value in Townsend is $342,600. Most of the homes in Townsend are primarily owner-occupied with only 3.7% rentals and 96.3% owner-occupied.

Compared to the rest of Delaware, Townsend residents are well educated with 44.8% of residents graduating with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Lots of families live in Townsend with 34.6% of Townsend residents under 18 years old. The average commute to work for Townsend’s residents is 33.3 minutes.

3. Rehoboth, DE

Rehoboth is an affluent beach town in Delaware with high income and high property values. Rehoboth is a charming beach town with a small population of only 1,108. Rehoboth residents skew heavy on senior citizens and light on families with children. Almost half of Rehoboth’s population are senior citizens over 65 years old (43.8%) and only 5.9% of Rehoboth residents are kids under 18 years old.

Rehoboth is the most expensive place to buy property in Delaware where the median home value is $1,186,900. Most of the homes in Rehoboth are primarily owner-occupied with only 14.8% rentals and 85.2% owner-occupied.

Located in Delaware’s Sussex county, Rehoboth residents are wealthy with a median household income of $137,783. The poverty rate of Rehoboth is 5.1%. Rehoboth’s affluent residents are well-educated with 67.9% of residents graduating with a bachelor’s degree or higher. The average commute to work for Rehoboth’s residents is 28.1 minutes.

4. Greenville, DE

Greenville is an affluent suburb of Wilmington, DE. It is home to President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden’s 6800 square feet with a Zillow Zestimate of $1.3 million. The poverty rate of Greenville is a low 1.8% compared to the State of Delaware where the poverty rate is 11.6%! Greenville residents earn a median household income of $118,618.

Home values in Greenville are high with a median home value of $812,000. Greenville is a commuter town with most of the homes in Greenville being rentals- there are 53.1% rentals and 46.9% owner-occupied.

Greenville has a population of 3,104. Greenville residents are well educated with 76.7% of residents graduating with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Lots of families live in Greenville with 22.4% of Greenville residents under 18 years old. The average commute to work for Greenville’s residents is 23.4 minutes.

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