http://www.salifestylemedicine.org/

South African Lifestyle Medicine Association, East London (2025)

25/11/2025

Stress and Thyroid Health

✓ Studies show that people with thyroid disorders have heightened stress perception, and so they may benefit from lifestyle measures that help to manage stress, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing exercises, or creative hobbies.

📖References:
1. Koner S, Chaudhuri A. A study of correlation of perceived stress and thyroid function among females in a rural population of reproductive age group. Medical Journal of Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth. 2020;13(1):30. https://doi.org/10.4103/mjdrdypu.mjdrdypu_219_18
2. Fan T, Luo X, Li X, Shen Y, Zhou J. The Association between Depression, Anxiety, and Thyroid Disease: A UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study. Depression and Anxiety. 2024;2024(1). https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8000359
3. Clayton JS, Bonnet J. Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Manual. 4th ed. American College of Lifestyle Medicine; 2023:247-248.

20/11/2025

HOW TO ENTER

1. Like this post
2. ⁠Follow SALMA
3. Tag two healthcare professionals who would appreciate the cookbook AND/OR tag us in a seven colours plant based meal post.
4. ⁠Bonus entry for everyone attending the Webinar

Date: Thursday, 27 November 2025
Venue: Online, Zoom Webinar, link in comments

Competition closes Wednesday 26 November at 08:00 SAST | The winner announced 27 November after the Webinar

Terms and Conditions:
- Open to healthcare professionals living in South Africa
- Winner must be able to receive the delivery within South Africa

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the global movement towards healthy living! 💚

17/11/2025

💜 WORLD PREMATURITY DAY

The above statistic is a cause for concern as preterm labour resulting in premature birth is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years old in South Africa.
✓ Preterm birth is multifactorial; however, clinicians should proactively seek to reduce or eliminate modifiable risk factors such as an unhealthy lifestyle.
✓ Antenatal visits are a fantastic opportunity to provide lifestyle counselling to moms-to-be and should encourage gradual uptake of all lifestyle pillars.
✓ One of the most well-studied lifestyle choices that significantly increases the risk of preterm birth and even sudden infant death syndrome is to***co smoking.
✓ Alcohol consumption during pregnancy has a similar effect on the foetus and should also be discouraged.
✓ Dietary recommendations should focus not on quantity of food but rather on quality of nutrition. A whole food, plant-rich eating pattern with supplementation of folic acid, iron, ± calcium supports optimal foetal development while reducing the mother’s risk of pregnancy complications such as gestational diabetes, hypertension in pregnancy, and obesity due to excess weight gain.
✓ Pregnant women should be encouraged to exercise, manage their stress well, sleep enough at night, and connect regularly with other people in person.

📖References:
1. Government of South Africa. Health commemorates World Prematurity Awareness Month, 22 Nov | South African Government. www.gov.za. Published November 21, 2023. https://www.gov.za/news/media-advisories/government-activities/health-commemorates-world-prematurity-awareness-month

2. Mehdi Vahiddastjerdi, Mohammad Eslami Vaghar, Rayhane Sharifiyan. Investigating the association of the lifestyle of pregnant women with the rate of preterm labor. Journal of family medicine and primary care. 2024;13(3):833-837. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1214_23

3. McHugh J, Dalal M, Agarwal N. From Preconception Care to the First Day of School: Transforming the Health of New Families With Lifestyle Medicine. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2020;14(5):532-540. https://doi.org/10.1177/1559827620912703

14/11/2025

𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲🩸

💡Did you know that regular physical activity can significantly improve blood glucose control in people with type 2 diabetes?

A 2022 randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Network Open found that participants in a structured community-based exercise program saw meaningful reductions in HbA1c levels. Those who adhered to the program (1–3 sessions/week) showed greater improvements than non-adherent participants.

💪 Diabetes Day challenge:
Consistent activity can make a measurable difference, pledge to walking for 30 min at moderate- brisk pace 3 times per week this month

📖 Reference:

Mukherji AB, Lu D, Qin F, et al. Effectiveness of a Community-Based Structured Physical Activity Program for Adults With Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2022;5(12):e2247858. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.47858

14/11/2025

💡Studies show that people with thyroid disorders have heightened stress perception, and so they may benefit from 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘆𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 that help to manage stress, such as mindfulness-based stress reduction, breathing exercises, or creative hobbies.

📖 References:
1. Koner S, Chaudhuri A. A study of correlation of perceived stress and thyroid function among females in a rural population of reproductive age group. Medical Journal of Dr DY Patil Vidyapeeth. 2020;13(1):30. https://lnkd.in/dkS3B7GY

2. Fan T, Luo X, Li X, Shen Y, Zhou J. The Association between Depression, Anxiety, and Thyroid Disease: A UK Biobank Prospective Cohort Study. Depression and Anxiety. 2024;2024(1). https://lnkd.in/dYdQe3z4

3. Clayton JS, Bonnet J. Foundations of Lifestyle Medicine Board Review Manual. 4th ed. American College of Lifestyle Medicine; 2023:247-248.

01/11/2025

🐝 NATIONAL CHILDRENS DAY

💡Most healthy living information is targeted at adults; however, Lifestyle Medicine principles can and most certainly should be applied to children, too.
💡In particular, children stand to benefit the most from the four pillars of healthy diet, adequate sleep, sufficient physical activity, and positive social engagement.
💡Ensuring our children adopt healthy routines goes a long way in improving overall population health while decreasing total health costs in the long run.
💡Parents play a crucial role in modeling beneficial behaviour for their kids.
💡For example, children whose parents raised them on a whole-food plant-predominant eating pattern grow up to enjoy healthy food.
💡Limiting screen time to 2 hours per day (and perhaps none at all for young children) and instead promoting plenty of face-to-face interaction within the family setting helps infants and toddlers to learn language and emotional regulation skills, while reducing the risk of serious mental conditions like anxiety and depression in adolescents.
💡Movement is crucial in developing and integrating the growing child’s musculoskeletal and nervous systems, while organized sports boast both physical activity and social connection benefits for older children and teens.
💡Children of all ages need more sleep than adults due to their growing minds and bodies, so it is very important to cultivate healthy sleep habits. Adolescents often intentionally restrict their sleep to study, scroll through social media, or hang out with friends. Parents should emphasize the fundamental importance of adequate sleep to their teens and help them create effective time-management strategies.

📖 References:

1. Shurney D, Gustafson PA. Lifestyle Medicine in Children. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2019;14(1):155982761987909. https://lnkd.in/dZqWRxvJ

2. McHugh J, Dalal M, Agarwal N. From Preconception Care to the First Day of School: Transforming the Health of New Families With Lifestyle Medicine. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2020;14(5):532-540. https://lnkd.in/ddaSEtzm

29/10/2025

World Stroke Day ❤️

On world stroke day, lifestyle medicine steps up as an important tool that can be used to prevent strokes.

💡Recent studies have found that up to 90% of strokes are preventable and about half of the modifiable risk factors involved are lifestyle-related. These include smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and a nutrient-rich diet that supports a healthy body weight. Stress management is also high up on the list!

📖Reference:
Govori V, Budinčević H, Morović S, Đerke F, Demarin V. Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024;60(3):504. Published 2024 Mar 19. doi:10.3390/medicina60030504
Recent studies have found that up to 90% of strokes are preventable. And about half of the modifiable risk factors involved are lifestyle related. These include smoking cessation, regular physical activity, and a nutrient-rich diet that supports a healthy body weight.

📖Reference:
Govori V, Budinčević H, Morović S, Đerke F, Demarin V. Updated Perspectives on Lifestyle Interventions as Secondary Stroke Prevention Measures: A Narrative Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024;60(3):504. Published 2024 Mar 19. doi:10.3390/medicina60030504

24/10/2025

💡 𝗙𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝘀 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 - 𝗣𝗿𝗲-𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽

Healthcare professionals, are you ready to make healthy eating delicious? The Diabetes
Alliance, in partnership with PAN South Africa, the South African Lifestyle Medicine
Association (SALMA), and The Chefs’ Manifesto, invites you to an exclusive hands-on
cooking class ahead of the 2025 Diabetes Summit.
🍲 Why attend?
- Prepare culturally relevant, plant-based meals alongside well-known
Chef Mokgadi Itsweng.
- Understand the clinical nutrition science behind each dish with diabetes specialist
Dr Tumi Moshoeshoe.
- Learn how food impacts blood sugar, inflammation, medication dependency, and
metabolic health.
- Gain practical skills to support patient dietary counselling.
- Earn 3 CPD points through a post-session activity.

📅 When: Monday, 10 November 2025 | 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
📍 Where: The Bread Box Bakery, Carlswald Decor Centre, Midrand, Johannesburg
💵 Tickets: R350 general | R250 PAN South Africa and SALMA members

This isn’t just a cooking class, it’s a practical lab where science meets culture, flavour, and
patient care. Seats are limited, so secure your spot now.

Physicians Association for Nutrition South Africa | NPC | Reg: 2020/473750/08 | 13 Julianna Veld North,
Pinelands, Cape Town, WC 7405
Website: www.pan-sa.org | Contact: info@pan-sa.org |

🔗 Book your ticket today and elevate your diabetes care skills!
Link: https://bit.ly/DAregsmlink

24/10/2025

🧠 It’s Mental Health Month!
Here are a few simple yet powerful tips to nurture your mental well-being throughout the day.

✨ Bonus Tip: Enjoy the silence.
When the day winds down and the busyness fades, take a few deep breaths and welcome the quiet. Research shows that silence can reduce stress and anxiety, lower blood pressure, and even enhance information processing.

For an overwhelmed mind, these mindful moments serve as powerful tools to recalibrate, restore, and reconnect with inner calm. 🌿

References 📖
1Harvard Health Publishing. (2021, August 14). Giving thanks can make you happier. Harvard Health Publishing. https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier.

2. Psych Central. (2022, April 28). The hidden benefits of silence. https://psychcentral.com/blog/the-hidden-benefits-of-silence.

24/10/2025

🌿 𝗬𝗼𝘂’𝗿𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱! 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗳𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗿 𝗗𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗼𝗻

Professor Morton is an internationally recognised wellbeing expert who is currently the Director of the Lifestyle Medicine & Health Research Centre at Avondale University. Prof Morton is a Fellow of the Australasian Society of Lifestyle Medicine, and was the inaugural recipient of the society’s “Change Maker” award. Darren is the renowned author of 4 books and numerous scientific publications.

Darren is the world expert on the “runner’s stitch” but his research today primarily focuses on evidence-based approaches for improving mental health and wellbeing from the disciplines of Lifestyle Medicine and Positive Psychology. This has led him to develop wellbeing programs—such as The Lift Project—that have engaged tens of thousands of participants from over 50 countries. In his spare time, Darren loves being active outdoors and spending time with family and friends.

In this session, you’ll:

📌Recognise the value of non-pharmacological approaches for the prevention, management and treatment of mental health conditions.
📌Identify non-pharmacological strategies for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.
📌Outline how non-pharmacological approaches can be utilised in clinical settings through brief interventions.
📌Review the use of The Lift Project as an intervention for mental health conditions.

💡Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how lifestyle can help nurture mental health in you and your patients!

🔗 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/x9gS_al2TZSlnOX4Z1rZ0g #/registration

16/10/2025

💚 Mental Health Month

🟢A 2025 survey of South African youth revealed that 92.6% of the study participants experienced moderate to high levels of loneliness.
- A cross-sectional descriptive exploratory study of youth with PHIV and HIV negative youth aged 17–24 years was conducted measuring loneliness and associations with depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trauma exposure, coping, resilience and substance use.
- There was a positive association between loneliness and being female, having depression, anxiety, PTSD, negative coping, lower levels of resilience, and exposure to trauma.
- This mental health month, let us seek healthy social connection as a means to safeguard and improve our mental health.

📖 Reference
1. Stein GN, Phillips N, Nyathi MN, H***e J. Loneliness in South African youth and its association with HIV infection, substance use and mental health. International Journal of Adolescence and Youth. 2025;30(1). https://lnkd.in/dHznXF4z

15/10/2025

As Nutrition Week ends, remember this: daily choices create your future health!

South African Lifestyle Medicine Association

25/11/2025

20/11/2025

17/11/2025

14/11/2025

14/11/2025

01/11/2025

29/10/2025

24/10/2025

24/10/2025

24/10/2025

16/10/2025

15/10/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category