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…
TLC Calming Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup
TLC Calming Lentil and Sweet Potato Soup (From TLC Lifestyle Medicine and Stress Management 21-day Whole Body Reset Challenge) Sweet Potato soup – a warm, comforting soup made with sweet potatoes, ginger and cumin– all known for their mood boosting properties....
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...