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…
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...