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 2025 Webinar
Join us for an engaging webinar with Ziya “Z” Altug, a Los Angeles-based health and wellness educator, physical therapist, and certified lifestyle medicine professional with over 25 years of experience. Ziya holds his bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy, Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Studies, Diploma in Lifestyle Medicine, as well as his Doctorate in Physical Therapy. He specializes in integrative care, chronic pain management, and health promotion through evidence-based practices. Z is a continuing education instructor, wellness coach, and published author dedicated to empowering individuals and healthcare professionals through engaging courses, public speaking, and community outreach. His interdisciplinary approach bridges physical therapy with lifestyle medicine, helping diverse populations achieve sustainable well-being.
In this session, you’ll:
- Identify lifestyle medicine approaches for managing back pain.
- Illustrate how lifestyle medicine may help manage back pain.
- Apply evidence-based strategies for managing back pain.
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to holistically manage one of the most common presenting complaints!
Register now!
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…
Herbed Tofu Mixed Vegetable Stir Fry
By Dr Nyasha Grace Gogoma Prep time: 15 minutes Cooking time: 15 - 20 minutes Serves 6 - 8 Ingredients: 350g extra-firm herbed tofu, cubed 1 large red bell pepper, sliced 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced 400g green baby marrow, sliced 400g portabellini...
Goal-Setting Theory in Action
By Dr Megan Michaux Goal-setting theory has been studied for decades, and the psychology behind setting appropriate goals is particularly (although not exclusively) applied in promoting physical activity. However, despite the efforts of public health agencies, most...
Marinated and Roasted Baby Marrow
By Dr Lydia Altini This time of year brings an abundance of baby marrow—sometimes more than we know what to do with! If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy it, try this light but satisfying Marinated and Roasted Baby Marrow from the “Vegan Roasting Pan” by Kate...
“This Night Extracts a Heavy Toll”: The Hidden Dangers of Shift Work
By Dr Nyasha Grace Gogoma As humans harnessed electricity and artificial lighting, many industries saw it fit to remain operational 24/7, thus coming to rely heavily on shift workers to maintain round-the-clock service.1,2 It is estimated that about one-fifth of the...
Is it Time for South African Hospital Menus to Adopt Evidence-Based Nutrition?
By Dr David Glass, MBChB, FCOG(SA), DipIBLM. Those of us who have been around for a while remember the bad old days when cigarette vending machines were found in hospital corridors, and the windows and walls of nurses and doctors tearooms were covered in a thin layer...
The Proof is in the Pudding
By Dr Odette Vos So many of my friends and family have a sweet tooth. So the dilemma is presenting a healthy dessert, more often expected, after a social gathering. The last thing I want is to give my family and...