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…
A Prescription for Resilience: Tackling South Africa’s Climate Health Crisis with Lifestyle Medicine
By Dr Tumi Moshoeshoe-Mthombeni The Earth is in a state of emergency, and its symptoms are manifesting in our daily lives. From the sweltering heat of our cities to the parched farmlands, climate change is not a distant threat but a present-day reality that is deeply...
Getting Creative with Legumes: Minty Pea and White Bean Dip
Did you know that eating legumes most days will help you live longer? Dietary surveys in blue zones found that 95% of 100-year-olds ate plenty of legumes, including various beans, lentils and peas as part of their predominantly plant-based diet. Not only are they...
Dahl recipe (Durban style)
This is a recipe for Durban-style Dhal, an Indian plant-based curry that is delicious and cozy. Perfect for a chilly winter day! Ingredients: 2 cups Yellow split peas One onion Garlic and chili (as much as you like) 1 tomato optional Cinnamon sticks Curry leaves...
Precision Living – Tailoring Lifestyle to Beat Obesity-related Cancers
By: Amanda Oakes-Cornellissen Cancer is one of the most formidable diseases worldwide, and its impact intensifies when combined with obesity. In their April 2025 perspective “Personalized Lifestyle Interventions for Prevention and Treatment of Obesity-Related...
A Walk to Remember: Reflections from SALMA’s First Guided Forest Bathing Experience
By Dr Nyasha Gogoma | 31 May 2025 Nestled between the established Johannesburg suburbs of Houghton and Killarney lies a perhaps lesser-known ecological sanctuary: The Wilds Nature Reserve. Spanning 16 hectares, this urban green space features bushy highveld...
SPILL THE BEANS…
Winter days are perfect for whipping up a quick, cosy, and hot meal, and Three Bean Chilli delivers on all fronts. It's bold, spicy, and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. But here’s the real kicker: this dish isn’t just about comfort, it’s also a powerhouse...