Non-Negotiables: Bringing Lifestyle Medicine into Mental Health Care

An ASLM Symposium and Annual General Meeting​​

9:30am – 3:30pm AEDT, Saturday 19 October 2024 | Zoom

Join us on 19 October 2024, for an immersive one-day symposium dedicated to exploring the critical role of Lifestyle Medicine in mental health care. Held in conjunction with the ASLM 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), this event brings together leading experts to discuss evidence-based interventions, innovative approaches, and the bi-directional relationship between mental health and chronic diseases.

This symposium is a must-attend for those committed to advancing mental health care through Lifestyle Medicine. Throughout the day, you’ll engage with thought leaders, participate in interactive sessions, and gain practical insights that you can apply in your practice. Together, we’ll explore the non-negotiable elements that should be integrated into mental health care, ensuring a holistic and effective approach for the future.

Overall Symposium Aim:

Equip yourself with practical knowledge and skills to effectively incorporate Lifestyle Medicine interventions into your mental health care strategies. This includes understanding the bi-directional relationship between mental health and chronic diseases, implementing evidence-based lifestyle interventions, and inspiring innovative approaches to patient care. By addressing these key areas, the symposium aims to bridge the gap between current practice and best practice in mental health care within primary care settings.

Additionally, the symposium will feature a culinary education experience, providing participants with hands-on training in preparing nutritious meals, which they can then use to educate and motivate their patients in adopting healthier dietary habits as part of their mental health management plan.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Understand the complex interplay between mental health and chronic diseases, including how these interactions can impact patient outcomes
  • Learn practical Lifestyle Medicine interventions for mental health care
  • Create a health-promoting meal using evidence-based culinary techniques, demonstrating the practical application of nutritional principles in lifestyle medicine.
  • Develop skills in mindfulness and reflection as tools for both personal wellbeing and patient care.

Approved CPD Activity

“Non-Negotiables: Bringing Lifestyle Medicine into Mental Health Care” Symposium is an RACGP, ACRRM & AMA CPDHome approved CPD activity. It provides 5 hours of Educational Activities (EA) and 2 hours of Reviewing Performance (RP).

The symposium is also approved for 20 points in the ASLM Fellowship program and 5 hrs Attendance CPD towards ASLM Accreditation.

All attendees will receive a certificate of attendance.

(Please note: the symposium includes ASLM’s AGM, which is not included in the EA or RP hours. Non-members may take an extra lunch break)

Symposium Program

9:30am – 3:30pm AEDT, Saturday 19 October 2024 | Zoom

9:30am-9:45am: Welcome and Introduction

Kick off the day with a warm welcome and an overview of the symposium’s goals and format with ASLM’s President, Dr Hung The Nguyen.

9:45am-10:45am: Session 1 – The Bi-directional Relationship Between Mental Health and Chronic Diseases

Explore the intricate connections between mental health and chronic diseases. This session includes discussions on the movement of Lifestyle Medicine in America, with insights from:

  • Steve Sugden (live from Utah, USA)
  • Prof Gia Merlo
  • Q&A

10:45am-11:45am: Session 2 – Lifestyle Medicine Interventions for Mental Health and Chronic Disease Management

Discover the latest Lifestyle Medicine interventions that are making a significant impact on mental health and chronic disease management. This session features:

  • Dr Sam Manger
  • Dr Darren Morton
  • Q&A

11:45am-12:45pm: A Luminary cook along experience with Emma Stirling, Culinary Nutrition Practice Lead, ACU plus Lunch Break

  • Cook along with Emma in your own kitchen before taking a mindful meal break.
  • Attendees will be sent a shopping list and early prep instructions by 11 October.

12:45pm-1:30pm: ASLM AGM

All ASLM Members are invited to participate in the ASLM Annual General Meeting.

1:30pm-2:30pm: Session 3 – Inspiring Innovation: Stories from the Field

Hear from pioneers who are pushing the boundaries of Lifestyle Medicine in unique and challenging environments:

  • Dr Jackie Curtis | Keeping the Body in Mind: It’s about Time
  • A/Prof Simon Rosenbaum
  • Q&A

2:30pm-3:20pm: Mindfulness Practice and Reflection

  • Prof Craig Hassed (includes a 20-minute guided practice)

3:20pm-3:30pm: Closing Remarks and Future Directions

ASLM President Dr Hung The Nguyen will wrap up the symposium with closing remarks and insights into future directions for Lifestyle Medicine in mental health care.

Program is subject to change

Symposium pricing

Non-members: $49

Members and Student Members: free

There is no cost for ASLM Members to join the AGM.

Who Should Attend?

General practitioners and medical specialists

General practitioners and medical specialists involved in mental health diagnosis, treatment and management.

Allied Health Practitioners

Nurses, dietitians and nutritionists, psychologists, exercise physiologists, and other health practitioners involved in mental health care.

Other health professionals

Public health professionals, practice & PHN/PHO personnel, health executives and policy professionals who have a role in mental health care.

Scientists, researchers and academics

Scientists, researchers, and academics who are interested in exploring new and improved approaches to the mental health epidemic.

Leading Expert Presenters

A/Prof Steve Sugden

Clinical Faculty, Addiction Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Disaster Medicine, Climate Health Ambassador

Read bio
Gia Merlo

Prof Gia Merlo

Educator, Author, Lifestyle Medicine Psychiatrist and Physician

Read bio
Sam Manger Headshot

Dr Sam Manger

General Practitioner & ASLM Vice President

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Darren Morton

Dr Darren Morton

Educator, Author, and Founder of The Lift Project

Read bio
Emma Stirling Headshot

Emma Stirling

Advanced Accredited Practising Dietitian, Culinary Nutrition Expert, Academic, Author

Read bio

Prof Jackie Curtis

Executive Director, Mindgardens Neuroscience Network

Read bio

A/Prof Simon Rosenbaum

Scientia Associate Professor, MHPSS & physical activity consultant, Olympic Refuge Foundation Think Tank Member
Read bio
Craig Hassed

Prof Craig Hassed

Educator, Author, Mindfulness Expert

Read bio
Dr Hung Nguyễn

Dr Hung The Nguyen

ASLM President, GP, Medical and Cultural Educator
Read bio

Roni Beauchamp

ASLM CEO

Read bio

Annual General Meeting 2024

ASLM Members are warmly invited to attend our 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM), to be held via Zoom during the Mental Health Symposium on Saturday 19 October 2024, at 12:45pm AEDT.

The meeting is expected to take 45 minutes.

Those who are not able to attend can appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf. A formal Notice of AGM and proxy form will be emailed to you.

Members may choose to attend the AGM only even if they are not attending the Symposium. 

Please register to attend below.

Symposium FAQ

Q: Who can attend this symposium?

A: This event is open to all healthcare professionals, mental health practitioners, and anyone interested in the intersection of Lifestyle Medicine and mental health.

Q: Will the symposium be recorded?

A: Yes, all sessions will be recorded and available to registered attendees after the event.

Q: Can I attend the ASLM AGM without attending the symposium?

A: Yes, ASLM members can attend the AGM without attending the symposium, but registration is required.

Q: What if I have dietary restrictions for lunch?

A: The lunch session is designed for you to prepare your own meal, so you can accommodate your dietary needs. Emma Stirling will guide you in creating something quick, easy, and healthy. Attendees will be sent a shopping list and early prep instructions by 11 October.

For additional questions, please contact us at .

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