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 July Webinar!
JULY 2026 Webinar
Join us for an informative webinar with Carla Louw!
We are delighted to welcome Carla Louw, a qualified Biokineticist with a Bachelor of Health Science degree in Biokinetics from North-West University and over five years of experience in orthopedic and clinical rehabilitation.
Carla is passionate about helping people improve their physical health, independence, and overall quality of life. Her experience includes working with individuals with disabilities, leading wellness and exercise programs for disbility centers, and assisting in sports rehabilitation. She has completed more than 1,000 hours of clinical rotations, gaining valuable hands-on experience in orthopedic wellness and rehabilitation.
In addition to her clinical work, Carla serves on the Biokinetics Association of South Africa (BASA) North West Committee as part of the marketing portfolio and has a strong interest in mental health and the connection between physical activity and emotional well-being.
Known for her adaptable nature, strong work ethic, and commitment to lifelong learning, Carla is dedicated to empowering people through movement, education, and evidence-based rehabilitation.
In this session, you’ll:
- Gain a better understanding of what Biokinetics is and is not.
- Recognise how to implement the Biokinetic skillset in corporate wellness and mental health settings.
- Learn practical strategies to implement Biokinetics in your practice.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to incorporate Biokinetics into your lifestyle!
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…
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...
Dietary Fibre: A Simple Strategy with Profound Health Benefits
By Dr Lydia Altini MBBCh DipIBLM NBCHWC “No western disease has been reported to be other than rare or uncommon in communities subsisting largely on foods rich in starch and fibre and low in fat, salt and sugar.” Dennis Burkitt, MD As a medical student, I remember...
Digital Overload: How screen time is disrupting sleep, stress and mental health
By Amanda Oakes-Cornellissen Living in a hyperconnected world In today’s digital age, screens have become inseparable from daily life – used for work, education, social connection, and entertainment. However, what was once a tool for convenience has increasingly...