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.
Healthy Eating
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 August Webinar!
AUGUST 2026 Webinar
This month we are delighted to welcome Mia Lombard, a MSc Med Neuroscience graduate from the University of Cape Town, with training in psychiatric genetics and epigenetics. Her academic work focused on how early-life environments – particularly maternal psychological distress during pregnancy – can influence child neurodevelopment and mental health through epigenetic pathways. This work shaped her passion for translating complex neuroscience into practical, evidence-based strategies. She now applies this knowledge to animal behaviour and wellbeing, combining her neuroscience background with evidence-based, positive reinforcement approaches to understand behaviour from the inside out and support the physical, emotional and behavioural wellbeing of animals and their caregivers.
In this session, you’ll:
- Describe the prevalence and clinical relevance of maternal psychological distress in South Africa and other LMIC’s (Low-and-middle-income countries).
- Explain how prenatal psychological distress may influence child neurodevelopment and mental health through epigenetics.
- Interpret key findings from a South African birth cohort study linking maternal distress to early language development outcomes.
- Recognise pregnancy as a biologically sensitive window in which maternal mental health may influence child health outcomes via epigenetic mechanisms.
MISSED OUT ON OUR WEBINAR?
WATCH it here….
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
Certification
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…
Interview with Dr Michelle Allen
Introduction: Lifestyle Medicine is most meaningful and inspiring when adopting its principles brings dramatic improvement in health and wellbeing. This is especially so when a fellow medical practitioner discovers this transformational potential. I have personally...
Shepherd’s Pie
This delicious plant-based shepherd's pie is the ultimate comforting winter meal. Packed with fibre and plant-based protein, it's hearty, nourishing, and full of rich, satisfying flavour. Serves: 4–6 Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Gluten free | Soy free...
Running on Empty?
Running on Empty? By Dr Nyasha Grace Gogoma There is a medical condition that lurks just beneath the surface, affecting billions of people all over the world, yet often going unrecognized and under-diagnosed. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating and fatigue are...
Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potato Lentil Salad Bowl
Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potato Lentil Salad Bowl This salad is filled with delicious roasted veggies and high-fibre lentils to create something tasty and nutritious. Serve warm for a wintery twist! Ingredients 1 large, sweet potato, thinly sliced 200 grams...
“All Things Green” Smoothie
“All Things Green” Smoothie by Amanda Oakes-Cornellissen If you find it hard to include enough greens in your daily diet, especially during colder months, this green smoothie is perfect for busy, active lifestyles. It is a nutrient-rich and tasty option that your kids...
Recipe for a quick, nutritious plant-based pasta meal
Ingredients: 1 onion chopped fine 1 or 2 garlic cloves chopped fine 1 or 2 celery stalks chopped fine 1 medium carrot, chopped fine ½ a green or red pepper, finely chopped 1 tablespoon of canola or olive oil 1 cup of finely sliced red or green cabbage 1 cup of finely...