Role of Podiatry in Holistic Wellbeing and Lifestyle Medicine

The Underrated Role of Podiatry in Holistic Wellbeing and Lifestyle Medicine

By Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka, DPM, Podiatric Wound Care Surgeon

When most people think about their health and wellness, they often overlook the importance of their feet. Yet, this is an area of health that can significantly impact overall quality of life. Podiatry isn’t just about foot care; it’s an essential part of holistic health and wellness. Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka, a renowned podiatrist with an impressive background in surgical wound care, vascular stability, and lifestyle medicine, is one of the pioneers in integrating podiatric care with overall wellness.

Since 2005, Dr. Pulapaka’s practice has been leading the way in West Volusia County, offering a unique perspective on how foot health relates to systemic health conditions. As the first Board-Certified Physician Diplomate in Lifestyle Medicine within her field, Dr. Pulapaka’s approach to podiatric care emphasizes prevention, patient advocacy, and sustainable health practices.

Case in Point: Mr. John Doe’s Consultation ( 47mins in her office )

To understand how Dr. Pulapaka’s principles apply, let’s look at a case study of a follow-up consultation with a patient named Mr. John Doe. Mr. Doe visited Dr. Pulapaka’s office primarily to assess his leg’s vascular health, specifically his ankle-brachial index (ABI), and for routine foot screening. She uses her office, not the exam room, for follow-up consultations with patients because it can lead to better communication, which can help regulate emotions, help patients understand medical information, and identify their needs. 

Holistic Assessment: More Than Just Feet

During Mr. Doe’s visit, there was a comprehensive review of his current state of health, including a physical exam and a detailed history of his present illness. The physical exam revealed ABI readings that raised concerns about arteriosclerosis—a potential stiffening of the arteries. This condition is particularly important for patients with diabetes, as it can lead to critical complications in foot health. In addition to vascular issues, Mr. Doe reported unrelieved knee pain despite using topical medication, and his diabetic neuropathy, a common problem among diabetic patients, was being closely monitored.

 A Lifestyle Medicine Approach

The most intriguing aspect of Mr. Doe’s care plan is the prominence of lifestyle medicine in his treatment. Dr. Pulapaka had previously suggested using a portable pedal exerciser to help maintain ankle mobility and possibly improve vascular health. This simple yet impactful lifestyle modification is a testament to Dr. Pulapaka’s dedication to sustainable health practices and the integration of lifestyle medicine into podiatric care.

Lifestyle medicine encompasses not just exercise but other crucial pillars such as nutrition, stress reduction, substance use, social connection, and sleep quality. All of these were mentioned briefly in this visit and play a critical role in Dr. Pulapaka’s practice. For instance, her expertise in plant-based nutrition and Culinary Health Education, supported by her certifications from Cornell and Harvard, demonstrates her commitment to addressing health beyond the traditional scope of podiatry.

Board Certifications and Beliefs

Dr. Pulapaka’s multiple board certifications in wound care underscore her expertise in managing complications from conditions like diabetes. She is also an active board of directors member for several associations that focus on podiatric and wound care excellence. Her forthcoming book—a Plant-Based Cardiac Recovery Cookbook—further reinforces her belief that diet plays a pivotal role in managing and recovering from cardiac conditions and, by extension, in the maintenance of good podiatric health.

Environmental Consciousness in Healthcare

Dr. Pulapaka is not only an advocate for patient health but also an advocate for the environment. Her commitment to environmentally conscious healthcare is woven into her medical practice as she steers away from reactionary healthcare towards a more preventive model. She uses the Volusia Country Library for patient social care and the Garden Club of DeLand. Social connection is vital to the health and wellbeing of seniors. Seniors with a solid social network have a better quality of life, experience better health, and are at lower risk of nursing home abuse. Social connection can also help seniors cope better with health conditions and experience fewer mental health issues like depression. So, do not be surprised when she wrote Mr. Doe an Rx: Visit the Library and join the Garden Club of DeLand.

The Way Forward: Mr. Doe’s Care Plan

Mr. Doe’s care plan is reflective of Dr. Pulapaka’s comprehensive approach. It included routine care such as wound checks and neuropathy assessment. It also accounted for referrals to specialists, as necessary, for his knee pain. Dr. Pulapaka also emphasized the importance of patient education, fostering an active dialogue with healthcare providers, and encouraged proactive health practices, such as using a portable pedal exerciser and considering vitamin B, K2, and D supplementation. By placing emphasis on patient education, fostering an active dialogue with healthcare providers, and encouraging proactive health practices, Dr. Pulapaka is leading the way in integrating podiatric care with overall wellness.

Conclusion: The Value of Podiatric Lifestyle Medicine

Dr. Jenneffer demonstrates that podiatry, when combined with lifestyle medicine, is a vital component of whole-person health and wellness. The care provided to patients like Mr. Doe exemplifies a multidisciplinary approach that extends beyond the feet and encompasses the patient’s overall well-being. By addressing lifestyle factors and advocating for patient-centered care, she illustrates how focusing on preventative care and a holistic view of health can lead to improved patient outcomes and a better quality of life.

Podiatric lifestyle medicine, as championed by professionals like Dr. Pulapaka, is not just about managing issues as they arise but is about understanding the interconnectedness of all aspects of health. It’s a call to action for patients to prioritize their feet as much as any other part of their health and an invitation to consider sustainable practices that focus on prevention and holistic wellness. With healthcare providers like Dr. Pulapaka at the helm, it’s an exciting time to witness the evolution of podiatry into a field that contributes significantly to the overall wellness landscape.

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