About Lifestyle Medicine
SALMA aims to establish and expand the practice of Lifestyle Medicine in South Africa by providing resources, facilitating certification and providing support to its members.
What is lifestyle medicine?
Pillars of change
Physical Activity
Recommendations support 75 -300 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise per week.
Plant-Based Diet
Lifestyle Medicine supports the use of a whole food plant-based diet as treatment for lifestyle-related chronic disease, which increases the intake of nutrient dense, antioxidant rich foods.
Stress Management
Mind-body and cognitive behavioral therapies have been associated with improvements in immune function, chronic pain, anxiety and depression.
Avoidance of Risky Substances
The presence of an addiction or risky use doubles the risk of chronic diseases.
Restorative Sleep
The recommended hours of sleep are 7-8 hours each night.
Positive Social Connections
Positive moments of social connection correlate with positive physiological responses.
We are excited to invite you to our September webinar
SEPTEMBER Webinar
Dr Gemma Newman has worked in medicine for 18 years and is the Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 14 years. She studied at the University of Wales College of Medicine and has worked in many specialties as a doctor including elderly care, endocrinology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, rehabilitation medicine and General Practice. She gained additional qualifications in gynaecology and family planning. She is a founding member and ambassador for PBHPUK and a member of BSLM.
Dr Newman has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant-based nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. In her practice she has come to understand that body, mind, and soul are not separate, and that it is only in addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection that we can truly heal, from the inside out.
Dr Newman is regularly invited to teach other doctors and the general public via training programs, podcasts and conferences about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. She has written chapters for textbooks on holistic health and plant-based nutrition as well as best selling books The Plant Power Doctor and Get Well, Stay Well.
Learning objectives:
1. Understand the current issues facing HCWs regarding mental health issues.
- Explore the research on evidence-based ways to improve burnout amongst HCWs.
- Understand practical takeaway lifestyle changes which can be implemented to improve mental health of HCWs.
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What is Lifestyle Medicine?
WHAT WE OFFER
Education
We provide CPD accredited education for medical and health professionals to support the integration of Lifestyle Medicine into their practices
International Board Certification
Obtaining Board Certification from the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine demonstrates your competency in Lifestyle Medicine to an internationally recognised standard.
Membership
Join the Lifestyle Medicine movement and support us to advocate for a change in healthcare so together we can address the underlying drivers of non-communicable diseases in South Africa.
Find a Certified Lifestyle Medicine Health Professional
Lifestyle medicine certified clinicians have specialised knowledge in the practice of lifestyle medicine. They are trained to apply evidence-based, whole-person, prescriptive lifestyle change to treat and, when used intensively, often reverse chronic conditions including, but not limited to obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
FEATURED ARTICLES
Whats new…
Plant-Based Diets Could Cut Costs in South Africa
Written by Dr Roxie Becker “Healthy” lifestyle choices are often equated with buying food from Woolworths, only eating organic food, and drinking bottled water, and essentially only for the rich and privileged. Why should we even speak about eating healthy food with...
Home-made Sauerkraut Recipe
Sauerkraut, a traditional German dish, is made from fermented cabbage and has been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries. Not only is it incredibly easy to make at home, but it also comes with an array of health benefits, particularly for gut health. Let's dive...
Mushroom Asada Gyro (with avocado, pineapple, jalapeno & coriander)
SERVES 6 Prep time: 2½ hours (including marinade and assembly time) Cook time: 12-15 minutes By Dr Nyasha Gogoma Ingredients 500g braai mushrooms mushrooms 6 wholewheat pita breads 2 avocados, mashed 1 cup pineapple, cubed 2 jalapenos, deseeded and chopped Fresh...
Exercise: The Gateway to Lifestyle Change
By Dr Megan Michaux The implementation of behaviour changes associated with the pillars of lifestyle medicine is an effective way to improve health and wellbeing. However, bridging the gap between behaviour change theory and the practical ways to make the change...
Chickpea “tuna” smash sandwich
Chickpea smash sandwich By Eden Lurie Ingredients 1 can cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 heaped teaspoon wholegrain mustard 1 teaspoon capers + 2 teaspoons caper brine Juice of ¼ lemon 2 spring onions or 1 small red onion, finely diced 2 teaspoons vegan mayo (if...
Harnessing the Power of Atomic Habits
Harnessing the Power of Atomic Habits: Key Takeaways from James Clear's Bestseller Blog post by: Dr Eden Lurie In the quest for personal and professional growth, the formation of effective habits stands as a cornerstone. James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, has become a...