South African Lifestyle Medicine Association

South African Lifestyle Medicine Association The South African Lifestyle Medicine Association is in the process of being set up as an independent

💡We know that loneliness is not simply social isolation, but also emotional disconnect. It may not be surprising that a ...
18/07/2025

💡We know that loneliness is not simply social isolation, but also emotional disconnect. It may not be surprising that a recent study found that “the risk of pain due to loneliness did not decrease with an increase in the frequency of social activities” (Song, et al., 2025).

💡Rather than the quantity of social engagement, let’s aim for quality: to be more present, find a sense of belonging, and develop authentic connection in relationships with others.



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📖 Noguchi, T., Ikeda, T., Kanai, T., Saito, M., Kondo, K., & Saito, T. (2024). Association of social isolation and loneliness with chronic low back pain among older adults: A cross-sectional study from Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES).
Journal of Epidemiology, 34(6), 270–277. https://doi.org/10.2188/je.34.270.
Song, A., Yu, S., Shen, Y., Guo, Z., & Shi, J. (2025). Association of loneliness with the risk of pain in older Chinese adults.
Scientific Reports, 15, 4289. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-87679-0

🗣️Become a member today, join our journal club 15 July at 14:00 🔗 Link in Bio
15/07/2025

🗣️Become a member today, join our journal club 15 July at 14:00

🔗 Link in Bio

📌Co-occurring back pain and sleep disturbances should be addressed simultaneously to achieve effective treatment outcome...
14/07/2025

📌Co-occurring back pain and sleep disturbances should be addressed simultaneously to achieve effective treatment outcomes.

💡Improving sleeping posture, mattress/pillow support, bedtime routine, and sleep hygiene can assist individuals towards sleep health and pain relief.

📖Reference : Suzuki, K. Relationship between low back pain and sleep quality. Sleep Biol. Rhythms 23, 259–260 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s41105-025-00589-6

💡It is important to highlight two very important aspects of lifestyle medicine, namely, the need for person-centred care...
10/07/2025

💡It is important to highlight two very important aspects of lifestyle medicine, namely, the need for person-centred care, and the need to approach each patient holistically in every case.

Back pain is often not a simple mechanical diagnosis, but can be a far more complex diagnosis that is influenced by all the pillars of lifestyle medicine.

🗣️Christopher M Williams of Sydney University: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Christopher-Williams-62

📖Reference:
Mudd E, Davidson SRE, Kamper SJ, et al. Healthy Lifestyle Care vs Guideline-Based Care for Low Back Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2453807. Published 2025 Jan 2. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.53807

💡A recent systematic review into the relationship between dietary patterns and chronic musculoskeletal pain reported tha...
06/07/2025

💡A recent systematic review into the relationship between dietary patterns and chronic musculoskeletal pain reported that 7 out of 9 studies found a positive correlation between dietary changes and pain relief. Consumption of more sugar and fat was linked to increased pain, while a plant-predominant eating pattern was linked to improved pain.

References:
1. Elma Ö, Yilmaz ST, Deliens T, et al. Do Nutritional Factors Interact with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2020;9(3):E702. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm9030702

💡It is suggested that lifestyle medicine strategies, such as incorporating whole foods and a plant-based diet, sustainab...
01/07/2025

💡It is suggested that lifestyle medicine strategies, such as incorporating whole foods and a plant-based diet, sustainable physical activity and mind-body exercises, restorative sleep, stress resiliency, awareness and mitigation of substance abuse and addiction, and establishing meaningful social networks and self-care strategies, be a part of managing chronic lower back pain.

Reference:
Altug Z. Lifestyle Medicine for Chronic Lower Back Pain: An Evidence-Based Approach. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2021;15(4):425-433. Published 2021 Jul 21. doi:10.1177/1559827620971547

💡Cortisol also drives cravings for refined carbs and sugary foods. These “comfort foods” temporarily boost serotonin and...
24/06/2025

💡Cortisol also drives cravings for refined carbs and sugary foods. These “comfort foods” temporarily boost serotonin and dopamine, offering short-term stress relief — but they also increase calorie intake and fat storage.

📚 Epel, E. S., et al. (2001). Stress may add bite to appetite in women: A laboratory study of stress-induced cortisol and eating behavior. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 26(1), 37-49.

💡While many attempt to lose weight on their own, research shows that social support plays a key role in long-term succes...
09/06/2025

💡While many attempt to lose weight on their own, research shows that social support plays a key role in long-term success. Having companionship can also make committing to an exercise program more manageable! Building social connections creates an environment that supports success for people trying to lose weight.

Reference:
Wang ML, Pbert L, Lemon SC. Influence of family, friend and coworker social support and social undermining on weight gain prevention among adults. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2014;22(9):1973-1980. doi:10.1002/oby.20814

❔Do group workouts give you more energy

💡We often focus on diet and exercise when it comes to weight loss, but don’t sleep on sleep.😴 If you are serious about y...
05/06/2025

💡We often focus on diet and exercise when it comes to weight loss, but don’t sleep on sleep.

😴 If you are serious about your weight loss goals, prioritize restful sleep!

Reference:
Papatriantafyllou E, Efthymiou D, Zoumbaneas E, Popescu CA, Vassilopoulou E. Sleep
Deprivation: Effects on Weight Loss and Weight Loss Maintenance. Nutrients.
2022;14(8):1549. Published 2022 Apr 8. doi:10.3390/nu14081549

Social connection has a far greater effect on health and well-being than most people imagine. In fact, even brief positi...
24/05/2025

Social connection has a far greater effect on health and well-being than most people imagine. In fact, even brief positive interactions can lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Finding ways to build new social connections can be difficult. Joining groups, finding local events that appeal to you, and spending time volunteering at an animal shelter or charity are great ways to connect with others. Religious groups can also be great support networks.

And while technology sometimes helps connect people, it can also isolate. Make sure you are still building relationships and spending time with the people around you!










Stress is a part of life, and learning to respond to it appropriately can alter the way it impacts our health. Not all s...
23/05/2025

Stress is a part of life, and learning to respond to it appropriately can alter the way it impacts our health.

Not all stress is harmful. Some stress helps us to perform well at certain tasks, like exams or a sports event. When this becomes excessive, we start to feel distress, anxiety, and a lowering in general functioning.
It is important to identify your own stress, what triggers distress for you, and how to cope with these situations.










Thank You & Congratulations. Thank you to all the participants of the 22 May 2025 Webinar “The Relationship Between Diab...
23/05/2025

Thank You & Congratulations.

Thank you to all the participants of the 22 May 2025 Webinar “The Relationship Between Diabetes Knowledge and Self-Management Behaviours and Glycemic Outcomes”

A huge congratulations to Dr. A. Chetty for winning in our lucky draw.

She receives a glucose assessment for one of her patients, sponsored by UREAP Health. This includes a personalized evaluation, two-week continuous glucose monitoring, and expert interpretation in collaboration with an Internal Medicine Specialist and a Board-Certified Lifestyle Medicine clinician.

About Dr. A. Chetty
Dr. Chetty is a qualified physician with over eight years of experience in trauma surgery, ICU, emergency medicine, and rural primary care. Currently serving as a cruise ship doctor with Carnival UK, she delivers acute and general care in resource-limited settings. Her background includes training at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and roles in tertiary and district hospitals. She holds advanced trauma, life support, and ultrasound certifications, and has passed the FCS(SA) Intermediate and HIV diploma exams. Known for her compassionate care, adaptability, and cultural fluency, Dr. Chetty brings a holistic and ethical approach to every patient interaction.

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