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…
Title: Fermented Foods: New craze or true evidence?
By Dr Odette Vos Fermented foods have in recent years, taken social media and the food industry by storm. They have been linked to gut health and improving the gut microbiome, a relatively new and growing topic in the medical field itself. I have enjoyed experimenting...
Vegan Mexican Fiesta
By Dr Megan Michaux This Mexican Fiesta recipe brings all the delicious flavours of Mexican food to life while being plant-based, high in fibre, and providing a great amount of protein. Mexican favourites like guacamole, salsa, and vegan...
Plant-Based Diets Could Cut Costs in South Africa
Written by Dr Roxie Becker “Healthy” lifestyle choices are often equated with buying food from Woolworths, only eating organic food, and drinking bottled water, and essentially only for the rich and privileged. Why should we even speak about eating healthy food with...
Home-made Sauerkraut Recipe
Sauerkraut, a traditional German dish, is made from fermented cabbage and has been a staple in diets worldwide for centuries. Not only is it incredibly easy to make at home, but it also comes with an array of health benefits, particularly for gut health. Let's dive...
Mushroom Asada Gyro (with avocado, pineapple, jalapeno & coriander)
SERVES 6 Prep time: 2½ hours (including marinade and assembly time) Cook time: 12-15 minutes By Dr Nyasha Gogoma Ingredients 500g braai mushrooms mushrooms 6 wholewheat pita breads 2 avocados, mashed 1 cup pineapple, cubed 2 jalapenos, deseeded and chopped Fresh...
Exercise: The Gateway to Lifestyle Change
By Dr Megan Michaux The implementation of behaviour changes associated with the pillars of lifestyle medicine is an effective way to improve health and wellbeing. However, bridging the gap between behaviour change theory and the practical ways to make the change...