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 March webinar!
MARCH 2026 Webinar
Join us for an inspiring webinar with Professor Alison Bentley! Prof Bentley has been seeing patients with sleep problems, both adults and children, off and on over the last 30 years. After graduating with her BSc in 1978, she obtained her MBBCh in 1982. She ran the first private diagnostic sleep laboratory in South Africa from 1990 to 1998. After joining Wits University, she was head of the Wits Dial.a.Bed Sleep Laboratory in the School of Physiology for 10 years. Alison was the founding chairperson of the Sleep Society of South Africa in 1996 and the new South African Sleep Society for Sleep and Health. She served two terms representing Africa on the governing council of the World Association of Sleep Medicine (WASM).
Prof Bentley pursused and completed her PhD focusing on Restless Legs Syndrome in 2007. She has supervised 30 postgraduate students, has over 30 published peer-reviewed articles and two book chapters as well as writing articles for and editing the newsletter Sleep Matters for 14 years. She is currently in private practice and runs a comprehensive sleep health centre in Johannesburg.
In this webinar, you’ll:
- Describe the need and parameters for good sleep
- Explore the relationship between sleep and health
- Understand how common sleep disorders influence weight
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to sleep your way to better health!
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…
Chocolate Avocado Mousse
There’s something quite luxurious about its simplicity, just a few whole-food ingredients transformed into an indulgent Chocolate Avocado Mousse for you to enjoy. Makes 2 to 4 servings Ingredients: 2 large avocado 3/4 tablespoon of almond milk (or any plant-based...
The Power of Lifestyle Medicine to Restore Health
By Dr David Glass We fall and scrape our knees, and a few weeks later, the scars are barely visible. We slip off a rock and land hard on our chest, breaking a rib. For a few weeks, we have to sleep at night lying propped up in bed because of the pain. But six...
Summer Bean Salad
As the summer temperatures go up, refreshing ingredients and bright flavours become more appealing. This bean salad combines grilled veggies with a herb-filled dressing to make a delicious plant-based bite. Beans of all varieties are a great way to get in plant...
Love Don’t Cost a Thing: Deinfluencing Valentine’s Day Through the Lens of Lifestyle Medicine
By Dr Nyasha Gogoma Picture this: rose petals strewn across the floor, a heart-shaped box of chocolates, a chilled bottle of wine, and a gourmet candlelit dinner – a Valentine’s Day scene straight out of a TikTok. The 14th of February can be a highly polarising day;...
Alcohol and Health: Understanding the Risks and Benefits
By Dr Megan Michaux Perhaps the black sheep of the lifestyle medicine family, the harmful substances and behaviours pillar, often gets pushed aside during discussions and consultations. Why? Maybe because it is one of the most challenging areas to change, or because...
Mango Coleslaw with Tangy Oil-Free Dressing
Dr Lydia Altini It’s mango season! Combine the natural sweetness of ripe mango with crisp, colourful vegetables and a tangy oil-free dressing for a refreshing dish that feels like a taste of the Caribbean on a warm summer’s day. This vibrant mango coleslaw is light...