South African Lifestyle Medicine Association

Today is International Gynaecological Health Day. One crucial part of gynaecological health is the pap smear - a routine screening test that looks for abnormal cells on the cervix, and can test for HPV. HPV is a sexually transmitted virus and is responsible for more than 60% of cervical cancer cases. When diagnosed early, cervical cell changes and even cancers can be successfully treated. However, in South Africa we still find ourselves with a high number of new cervical cancer cases, and a high number of deaths attributable to cervical cancer. Steps to prevent this - including making the HPV vaccine accessible, increasing screening, and improving education around sexual health - are important in improving the health of South African women. As a lifestyle medicine practitioner, encouraging patients to be proactive about their health through education and screening can make all the difference. References: 1. World Cancer Research Fund International. Cervical cancer statistics. 2022. Available from: https://lnkd.in/eB_gjAY9 2. World Health Organisation. Cervical Cancer. 2024. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dWykHzdA 3. HPV Information Centre. South Africa Human Papillomavirus and Related Cancers, Fact Sheet 2023. Available from: www.hpvcentre.net #lifestylemedicine #healthylifestyle #sexualhealth #cervicalcancer #womenshealth #screening

09 September is Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day, a day for awareness of the effects of alcohol use in pregnancy. ALCOHOL IS A DRUG! Avoidance or limited consumption is recommended as part of a healthy lifestyle, but complete avoidance during pregnancy is recommended. Those that cannot stop using alcohol or are thinking of starting a family should consult a medical practitioner. #HealthyLifestyle #9minutespast9 #drinkresponsibly #lifestylemedicine Reference: 1. South African Government. 2024. International Foetal Alcohol Syndrome Day. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dUZmnsjG

Bringing a healthy baby into the world is an emotionally fulfilling experience for parents, grandparents, and even for the medical team. Something about that helpless, dependent child evokes a deep sense of nurture and protection by moms and dads. We want the best for them - to provide a healthy environment, healthy food, good educational opportunities, and sound preparation for a long and fulfilling life. Unfortunately many factors conspire against those aims. The struggling economy is putting pressure on home finances and limits our options to provide the best opportunities for our children. But one of the most important interventions to protect our children is to feed them healthful food. The food industry is largely profit driven, and money often takes precedence over health. To ensure our children stay healthy, they need to be taught from a young age to enjoy whole foods, like fruits, vegetables, whole grains (e.g. whole wheat, brown rice, oats, maize and corn), legumes (e.g. beans, lentils, chick-peas, peas, soya), some seeds and nuts and mushrooms. Limit fatty meats, fried foods, fast foods, sugar-sweetened drinks, snack foods, sweets, and confectionery. It is good to start teaching our children to cook healthy foods from a young age. It makes healthy food preparation fun when it becomes a family social occasion, and expands their taste repertoire. Teach them about all the healthy nutrients in plant foods like fibre, vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, designed to keep our body working smoothly and efficiently. Overweight and obesity amongst children between 1-5 years is 13% in South Africa, double the global average of 6,1%. This sets these children up for later heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers, and dementia. Ensuring our children are healthy takes effort and planning. We cannot allow the adverts and peer pressure to dictate what we feed our children. This post is adapted from an article written by the SALMA chairperson, Dr Dave Glass (MBChB, FCOG(SA), DipIBLM) #lifestylemedicine #healthylifestyle #healthyfood #nutrition #healthychildren #starthealthy

Our September webinar is presented by Dr Gemma Newman and titled "How can doctors support their own mental health?" Learning objectives: 1. Understand the current issues facing HCWs regarding mental health issues. 2. Explore the research on evidence based ways to improve burnout amongst HCWs. 3. Understand practical takeaway lifestyle changes which can be implemented to improve the mental health of HCWs. Bio: Dr Gemma Newman has worked in medicine for 18 years and is the senior partner at a family medical practice where she has worked for 14 years. She studied at the University of Wales College of Medicine and has worked in many specialities as a doctor including elderly care, endocrinology, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, psychiatry, general surgery, urology, vascular surgery, rehabilitation medicine, and general practice. She also gained additional qualifications in gynaecology and family planning. She is a founding member and ambassador for PBHPUK (plant-based health professionals UK) and a member of BSLM (British society of lifestyle medicine). Dr Newman has a specialist interest in holistic health, plant-based nutrition, and lifestyle medicine. In her practice she has come to understand that body, mind, and soul are not separate, and that it is only in addressing the root causes of stress and disconnection that we can truly heal, from the inside out. Dr Newman is regularly invited to teach other doctors and the general public via training programmes, podcasts, and conferences about the benefits of plant-based nutrition. She has written chapters for textbooks on holistic health and plant-based nutrition as well as best selling books The Plant Power Doctor and Get Well, Stay Well. Sign up here or through the link in our bio: https://lnkd.in/dhE8GekG #lifestylemedicine #plantbasednutrition #healthylifestyle #stress #mentalhealth #stressmanagement

In South Africa, 20% of deaths between the ages of 35 - 65 are attributed to chronic diseases that could be prevented by lifestyle interventions. Risk factors in this age group include smoking, hypertension, low physical activity levels, and obesity. The #1CHANGE movement was initiated by the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine (BSLM) and it focusses on building healthy habits to prevent these chronic conditions. The reality is that making a small change can be a lot easier and more sustainable than trying to do a complete overhaul, and it can still be effective in improving health outcomes. And building one good habit at a time will add up to a healthier lifestyle in the long term. The BSLM suggests using the TBC approach: T is for Trigger: Link your new habit to something you already do without any difficulty, e.g. brushing your teeth. B is for Behaviour: The trigger reminds you to do the behaviour you have chosen, e.g. a breathing exercise before bed. C is for Celebrate: The human brain loves positive feedback. Give yourself a pat on the back every time you perform your behaviour. Once a behaviour becomes an ingrained habit, its time to start a new one. Some examples: *While I drink my evening tea, I will do reflective journaling about my day.☕ *After I brush my teeth in the morning, I will take a 10 minute walk.🚶 *I will add a side of berries to my lunchtime meal every day to increase my fibre intake.🍓🫐 Share your #1Change with us below! Reference: Akindele MO, Useh U. Multimorbidity of chronic diseases of lifestyle among South African adults. Pan Afr Med J. 2021;38:332. Published 2021 Apr 6. doi:10.11604/pamj.2021.38.332.15109 BSLM 2024. British Society of Lifestyle Medicine: #1CHANGE. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dQeQhdij #lifestylemedicine #healthylifestyle #bslm #1change #healthyhabits #habits

Spring has arrived in South Africa. Spring is often a great time for renewal and fresh starts, and to take advantage of the beautiful natural wonders that we have here in South Africa. Happy Spring Day! #lifestylemedicine #nature #springday #healthylifestyle #getoutdoors 

Sleep deprivation can have detrimental effects on both short-term and long-term health. It accounts for over 6000 fatal car accidents in the United States each year. It increases your risk for type 2 diabetes 3 times and increases your risk of colon cancer by 36%. It also increases your dementia risk by 33% and ages your brain by 3-5 years. Prioritising sleep is a true investment in your health! Reference: P Finan, PhD. The effects of sleep deprivation. John Hopkins Medicine. 2024. Accessed on 27 August 2024. Available from: https://lnkd.in/epjCAXuM #lifestylemedicine #healthylifestyle #sleep #sleepdeprivation #restfulsleep

Vitamin B12 is a crucial vitamin that is utilized in the functioning of our red blood cells, nervous system, and DNA. If vitamin B12 levels are depleted it can lead to symptoms such as tingling in the hands and feet, fatigue, poor memory and concentration, and shortness of breath. The daily recommended dose is 2.4mcg which is found in most multivitamins and some foods that are vitamin B12 fortified, such as cereals and flours. The most common dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal products, as it is consumed by animals both in their feed and as a by-product of soil microbes. However, it is more difficult to get sufficient vitamin B12 through a plant-based diet, and people eating a vegan diet will likely need to include fortified foods and in some cases, a supplement. References: Al Amin ASM, Gupta V. Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) [Updated 2023 Jul 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://lnkd.in/d6npMqNX Fernandes S, Oliveira L, Pereira A, et al. Exploring Vitamin B12 Supplementation in the Vegan Population: A Scoping Review of the Evidence. Nutrients. 2024;16(10):1442. Published 2024 May 10. doi:10.3390/nu16101442 #lifestylemedicine #plantbaseddiet #healthylifestyle #nutrition #plantbasednutrition #vitaminb12

Chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and cancer are on the rise. South Africa has seen an almost 60% increase in deaths from non-communicable diseases over the last 2 decades. Yet, there is no easy fix, and no "magic" pill. Healthy lifestyle behaviours provide more health benefits than any pill or drug. If there were a "magic" pill, these would be the active ingredients: 1. Plenty of physical activity 2. Wholesome nutrition 3. Good dose of quality sleep 4. Adequate stress management 5. Strong dose of social support 6. Avoid harmful substances Reference: Statistics South Africa. 2023. Non-communicable diseases in South Africa: Findings from death notifications. 2008-2018 (Report No. 03-08-01). Published by Statistics South Africa: Pretoria. Available from: https://lnkd.in/dbNRescA #lifestylemedicine #healthylifestyle #lifestylemedicinepillars #chronicdisease #chronicdiseaseprevention #chronicdiseasemanagement

In this systematic review from 2023, the authors found that physical exercise improved cognitive function, executive function, and memory, in people with mild cognitive impairment. Physical activity helped maintained cognitive function in people who started out with intact cognition, and also slightly improved these areas for people diagnosed with dementia. When the intervention was stopped, cognitive function declined. This review shows us that exercise is likely to have a protective effect on cognitive function but that we need consistency in our physical activity to continue reaping those benefits. Read the full article here: Kaufman M, Dyrek P, Fredericson M, et al. The Role of Physical Exercise in Cognitive Preservation: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. 2024;18(4):574-591. doi:10.1177/15598276231201555 #lifestylemedicine #research #healthylifestyle #exercise #cognitivehealth #PhysicalActivity #keepmoving