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…
Mango Coleslaw with Tangy Oil-Free Dressing
Dr Lydia Altini It’s mango season! Combine the natural sweetness of ripe mango with crisp, colourful vegetables and a tangy oil-free dressing for a refreshing dish that feels like a taste of the Caribbean on a warm summer’s day. This vibrant mango coleslaw is light...
Green Goddess Dressing
Makes 1 Litre Most commercial creamy dressings are "SAD" staples—loaded with inflammatory oils and preservatives. This "HAD" version uses raw sunflower seeds and avocado to create a nutrient-dense fat source that supports heart health. Ingredients: 100g raw sunflower...
Sorghum Tabouleh
Serves 6-8 This dish is the perfect entry point into the Heritage African Diet. It replaces imported wheat (couscous or bulgur) with Sorghum—a climate-smart African grain that is naturally gluten-free and low-glycaemic. Ingredients: 1 cup fresh parsley 1/3 cup fresh...
Supporting Patients on GLP-1s: The Lifestyle Medicine Advantage
Dr Lydia Altini MBBCh DipIBLM In early November, the first-ever South African clinical practice guideline for treating adult obesity was published in a Special Issue of the South African Medical Journal (SAMJ).1 With obesity now a global epidemic driving major health,...
Fasolada
Fasolada is a Greek white bean stew that is known for rich and simple flavours. The combination of beans and vegetables mean it is rich in fibre, packs a decent plant-based protein punch, and also offers a good amount of calcium, iron, and potassium. Ingredients: 500...
Shared medical appointments: An effective and efficient approach to lifestyle medicine
By: Dr Megan Michaux As healthcare professionals, most of our training focuses on the classic one-to-one consultation. We’re taught how to listen actively, show empathy, and keep the conversation centred on the patient in front of us. But what happens when the...