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…
Chickpea “tuna” smash sandwich
Chickpea smash sandwich By Eden Lurie Ingredients 1 can cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 heaped teaspoon wholegrain mustard 1 teaspoon capers + 2 teaspoons caper brine Juice of ¼ lemon 2 spring onions or 1 small red onion, finely diced 2 teaspoons vegan mayo (if...
Harnessing the Power of Atomic Habits
Harnessing the Power of Atomic Habits: Key Takeaways from James Clear's Bestseller Blog post by: Dr Eden Lurie In the quest for personal and professional growth, the formation of effective habits stands as a cornerstone. James Clear's book, Atomic Habits, has become a...
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 | 25 June 2024 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...
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...