DeLand Foot and Leg Center

03/24/2026

We are bursting with pride as we celebrate a massive milestone for our very own Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka who reached the rim of the crater on Mount Kilimanjaro.

​After a grueling 6-day ascent through the Lemosho Route, Dr. Pulapaka successfully reached the top of the crater rim at Stella Point. Standing at 18,885 feet (5,756 meters), she has officially conquered one of the highest points on the African continent.

And it appears to have been an absolutely brutal day:
The Weather Breakdown for March 19th:
​The Storm: A massive moisture-laden front from the Indian Ocean collided with the mountain right as she reached the summit zone. This triggered sleet and heavy snowstorms.
​The Wind: Records show winds gusting well over 40–50 mph (65–80 kph).
​The Temperature: The actual air temperature was around 29°F (-2°C), but with those wind speeds, the wind chill was likely closer to -15°F to -20°F.

03/16/2026

Walking is the simplest, most sustainable solution for health education and social connectedness. Whether you’re a fellow provider or a community member, come prepared to learn how to turn every step into a "stalwart" defense against chronic disease.

03/13/2026

Join us on MONDAY, March 16, as we trade the clinical setting for the local path. Tonight’s conversation isn't just about "getting your steps in"—it’s about understanding the interconnectedness of your feet, your food, and your future. We will explore how simple, evidence-based lifestyle shifts can transform your structural health from the ground up. FREESTYLE WALKING.

03/12/2026

As I prepare to begin my 6-day ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro tomorrow, I’m not just thinking as a climber—I’m thinking as a physician.

Physical activity is one of the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, and hiking is perhaps the ultimate exercise for the lower extremity. Here is why I "prescribe" time on the trails for better foot and leg health:

Natural Alignment & Strength: Unlike the flat, repetitive surfaces of a gym, hiking on uneven terrain—like the paths through the Chugga and Matarini villages—engages the small stabilizing muscles of the feet and ankles.

Circulation & Vascular Health: The steady, rhythmic climbing improves blood flow and strengthens the "calf muscle pump," which is vital for preventing swelling and maintaining vascular health.

Bone Density: The weight-bearing nature of hiking is a powerful tool against bone loss, keeping your foundation "mountain-strong."

We leave Friday the 13th and plan to summit on March 19th. Throughout this trek, I’ll be practicing exactly what I teach at DeLand Foot and Leg Center: that movement is the best medicine we have.

Whether it’s a local trail in Florida or the Lemosho Route in Tanzania, I encourage you to get outside and move today!
— Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka

02/28/2026

I’m thrilled to invite you to our next Wound TALK Webinar, led by the incredible Dr. Cole, DPM, CWSP, FFPM RCPS(Glasg) . Together, we will be diving deep into the powerful intersection of daily habits and clinical recovery.

​Topic: Habits to Healing: Integrating Lifestyle Medicine into Wound Management
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM EST

​During this session, we’ll explore how simple, sustainable lifestyle interventions—from nutrition to movement—can significantly support healing, improve patient engagement, and enhance the overall quality of care.

​As a featured panelist, I’m looking forward to sharing practical strategies that you can begin applying immediately in your own clinical setting. Our goal is to provide you with the tools to bridge the gap between lifestyle medicine and traditional wound management for better patient outcomes.

​Don’t miss this opportunity to evolve your practice with a more holistic approach.

​Register now and join the discussion: https://lnkd.in/gkadpyxs

Extremity Review | Richard Dubin

For those looking to dive deeper into the nutritional side of healing, you can also explore my book, The Heart Healthy Plant-Based Cookbook, here: https://lnkd.in/ek6mx27N

Simple easy ways for patients and providers to engage in a diet that encourages wound healing through cardiovascular health. Hatherleigh Press Ltd. Penguin Random House

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02/27/2026

Foot Focus Friday – More Than an Ingrown Nail

A patient came in this week thinking he just had an ingrown nail.

But his exam told a different story. He demonstrated a noticeable lower extremity steppage gait, and his laboratory results were concerning — including abnormal values and the presence of an M-spike (monoclonal protein). Imaging ruled out a structural spine issue and blood work revealed abnormalities that shifted the concern toward rare systemic conditions like Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome and POEMS syndrome.

Both conditions can affect the lower extremities and alter gait. This is why imaging and laboratory work matter. When weakness and abnormal walking patterns don’t match the X-rays, we look deeper. Sometimes the feet are the first clue to something much bigger.

American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry

02/23/2026

The majority of daily Growth Hormone secretion occurs during slow-wave sleep (Stage 3/N3). GH is a potent driver of protein synthesis and cell regeneration. SLEEP = WOUND HEALING.

The Answer to this Tuesday’s Question. Check in again on Tuesday.






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02/18/2026

The whole patient!

The Answer to this Tuesday’s Question On Thursday.
The Science of Podiatric Wellness: Where Lifestyle Becomes Medicine.

02/13/2026

Dear Patients and Friends,

After 18 dedicated years with our practice, our Office Manager has accepted a new position and is entering a new chapter outside the medical field. We are incredibly grateful for her nearly two decades of service to our patients and her presence in our DeLand community. We wish her nothing but the absolute best in her next adventure.

As we look toward the future, we are taking this opportunity to modernize our billing system to better serve you. Our commitment to Podiatric Lifestyle Medicine and providing the highest quality of care remains our top priority.

What this means for you:
Over the coming weeks, you may see some new faces at our front desk and experience some upgrades to your billing and communication systems. While our internal "front-of-house" is evolving, your relationship with me and the care you receive will remain as personalized and dedicated as ever.

Thank you for being a part of our practice family. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment—or perhaps at our next "Walk with a Doc" event!

Warmly,

Jenneffer Pulapaka, DPM
The Pioneer of Podiatric Lifestyle Medicine

02/09/2026

The 10-Minute Myth: Save Your Limbs.
Stop overcomplicating exercise! You don’t need an hour at the gym to make a clinical difference in your vascular health.

02/06/2026

Foot Focus Friday

Let’s talk about time with your doctors.

The average primary care visit in the United States lasts about 15–18 minutes.
Many specialist visits average about 18–22 minutes.

For patients over age 65, who often manage multiple medical conditions and medications, these limited visits — often only 1–3 times per year per provider — can make understanding your full health picture challenging.

This week, our front desk team heard multiple patients share that Dr. Jenneffer Pulapaka spent more time explaining their diagnosis and treatment options than they’ve experienced before. While we truly appreciate the kind words, it highlights something important — patients deserve to understand their health.

Many patients arrive unsure about:
• What medications they take
• Why they take them
• What their diagnosis means
• Their treatment options

We want to hear from you (don't name any doctors who have not provided the best service):
- How much time does your provider spend with you?
- Do you leave visits feeling confident about your care plan?

American Diabetes Association American College of Lifestyle Medicine American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Florida Podiatric Medical Association (FPMA) American Board of Multiple Specialties in Podiatry

01/31/2026

Getting their X-ray cert on! Amanda is renewing her Podiatric X-ray certification, and Val is getting hers. Our team continues their commitment to helping patients regain their health. Keep up the great work!