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.
Plant-Based Diet
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 September webinar
SEPTEMBER Webinar
Dr Gemma Newman has worked in medicine for 18 years and is the Senior Partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 14 years. She studied at the University of Wales College of Medicine and has worked in many specialties as a doctor including elderly care, endocrinology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, rehabilitation medicine and General Practice. She gained additional qualifications in gynaecology and family planning. She is a founding member and ambassador for PBHPUK and a member of BSLM.
Dr Newman has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant-based nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. In her practice she has come to understand that body, mind, and soul are not separate, and that it is only in addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection that we can truly heal, from the inside out.
Dr Newman is regularly invited to teach other doctors and the general public via training programs, podcasts and conferences about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. She has written chapters for textbooks on holistic health and plant-based nutrition as well as best selling books The Plant Power Doctor and Get Well, Stay Well.
Learning objectives:
1. Understand the current issues facing HCWs regarding mental health issues.
- Explore the research on evidence-based ways to improve burnout amongst HCWs.
- Understand practical takeaway lifestyle changes which can be implemented to improve mental health of HCWs.
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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
International Board Certification
Obtaining Board Certification from the International Board of Lifestyle Medicine demonstrates your competency in Lifestyle Medicine to an internationally recognised standard.
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…
Daily Nutrient Boost Smoothie
By Dr Tshegofatso Maimela Below, is a tasty and nutritious plant-based smoothie recipe that would be great for anyone’s daily routine. It's packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants to support your overall health. Ingredients: - 1 ripe banana: For...
The Connection Prescription: How Intentional Social Connection Supports Healthcare Providers Through Burnout
By Dr Nyasha Grace Gogoma Introduction In the fast-paced, high stakes world of medicine, healthcare workers often face a myriad of challenges that can take a toll on their mental and emotional well-being. From long working hours to complex decisions and poor...
The Positive Effects of Lifestyle Medicine on Mental Health
Written by Dr Caela Van Niekerk In recent years, lifestyle medicine has gained significant recognition as an effective approach to improving overall health. This emerging field emphasizes the use of evidence-based lifestyle interventions, such as nutrition, physical...
Mango and Ginger Smoothie Recipe
By Amanda Oakes-Cornellissen Ingredients (Serves 3-4 people) 1 cup frozen mango 1 cup soya milk 3 T grated ginger 1/2 t turmeric powder (or freshly grated) 1 frozen banana 4 Medjool dates 1 T lemon juice Method Soak the Medjool dates in the soya milk for 10 minutes in...
Cocoa Power Pancakes
By Dr Yakira Mishan Cocoa powder is made by crushing cocoa beans and removing the cocoa butter. It is extremely high in antioxidants and polyphenols and as a result, has been found in some studies to increase nitric oxide release, lower blood pressure, and reduce...
Embracing Evidence-Based Practice: A Call to Action for Integrating Lifestyle Medicine Research into Clinical Practice
By Dr Tshegofatso Maimela As healthcare professionals passionate about promoting holistic well-being and evidence-based care, SALMA recently held its inaugural journal club session focusing on a systematic review examining the impact of a plant-based diet on pre and...