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 October Webinar!
OCTOBER 2026 Webinar
Join us for an informative webinar with Raeesa Essop!
We are delighted to welcome Raeesa Essop as our guest speaker for October’s webinar on The Role of Occupational Therapy in Pain Management, exploring the overlap with the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine.
Raeesa is a qualified Occupational Therapist who graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) in 2010. Driven by her passion for work reintegration, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Vocational Rehabilitation at the University of Pretoria in 2014.
Throughout her career, Raeesa has gained extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, working across various areas of occupational therapy, including neurological rehabilitation, paediatrics, community outreach, medico-legal work and vocational rehabilitation.
In 2020, she established her own practice, focusing on vocational rehabilitation and pain management. Furthering her expertise in this field, she completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Interdisciplinary Pain Management at the University of Cape Town in 2023.
Raeesa has also made significant contributions to her profession through leadership and professional involvement. She has served on the board of INSTOPP (Institute for Occupational Therapists in Private Practice) and is a longstanding member of OTASA (Occupational Therapy Association of South Africa). She chaired the South Gauteng Branch Committee from 2020 to 2025 and currently serves as Chairperson of the OT Pain Management Group (OTPMG).
Beyond her professional achievements, Raeesa is a wife and mother of three, and enjoys Pilates in her spare time.
We are honoured to have Raeesa share her knowledge and expertise with us.
In this session, you’ll:
1. Define the role and scope of Occupational Therapy
2. Critically appraise contemporary definitions of pain and their relevance to clinical practice
3. Describe key pain mechanisms relevant to persistent and complex pain presentations
4. Recognise pain as a biopsychosocial experience and the unique contribution of Occupational Therapy in addressing functional and occupational impact
5. Identify appropriate referral indicators for Occupational Therapy in patients with pain
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about The Role of Occupational Therapy in Pain Management exploring the overlap with the pillars of Lifestyle Medicine!
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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
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…
Asian Carrot & Cucumber Salad
This simple, flavourful side dish brings delicious Asian flavours together in a quick and healthy salad. It adds vitamins A and K, heart-healthy fats, and a fair amount of fibre. Ingredients 2 carrots, peeled into thin ribbons or julienned 2 large cucumbers, sliced...
The Social Prescription
Why Connection Is a Clinical Intervention When “How are you?” becomes a health question Lifestyle Medicine is often described through six familiar pillars: nutrition, physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances and positive...
Dahl & Aubergine
Dahl & Aubergine A delicious, simple plant-based meal packed with fibre, plant protein and flavour. Lentils, roasted aubergine and warming spices come together to create a nourishing, satisfying dish Ingredients: 2 medium aubergines, sliced (800g) 1⁄2 tsp...
Growing Lifestyle Medicine in Africa
Over the years since I graduated in 1975, I have seen a dramatic change in the disease profiles amongst my patients. This is particularly noticeable in the rural parts of Africa. In the early days, working at a Mission Hospital in Lesotho, it was rare to see...
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...