Dr Colleen Nell

Dr Colleen Nell I am a general practitioner. My fields of interest are managing lifestyle diseases like Obesity, Hypertension and Diabetes.

I also do botulinum toxin injections for aesthetic purposes and medical conditions (Migraines, Jaw clenching, excessive sweating).

One of the most common questions I get is:"When will I start seeing results?"Botulinum toxin doesn't work immediately.Mo...
13/08/2026

One of the most common questions I get is:

"When will I start seeing results?"

Botulinum toxin doesn't work immediately.

Most people begin noticing the first effects within 3 to 5 days, with the full result developing over 10 to 14 days.

This gradual onset is completely normal as the treatment slowly relaxes the targeted muscles.

The result?

✨ Softer expression lines
✨ A refreshed, natural appearance
✨ Prevention of deeper wrinkles forming over time

Every person responds slightly differently, but patience is key—the best results aren't instant.

📍 Botulinum toxin treatments available at GESOND Medical Practice.
📅 Booking essential.

When was the last time you did something simply because it made you smile?Not because it was productive.Not because it w...
11/08/2026

When was the last time you did something simply because it made you smile?

Not because it was productive.
Not because it would improve your fitness.
Not because it was on your to-do list.

Just... for the fun of it.

Maybe it was flying a kite.
Baking a cake.
Playing a board game.
Climbing a tree.
Kicking a ball around with your children.
Walking barefoot on the grass.

Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped playing.

As adults, we tend to believe that every activity needs to have a purpose. We exercise to stay fit. We socialise because we should. We rest so we can work harder tomorrow.

But play has a purpose of its own.

It helps us move our bodies without thinking about exercise. It sparks creativity, reduces stress, strengthens relationships, and reminds us what it feels like to be fully present.

One of the saddest changes I've seen is that today's children often don't get to play outside as much as previous generations did. And perhaps we've forgotten how important play is for adults too.

This week, I want to encourage you to do one thing purely for the joy of it.

No goals.
No pressure.
No performance.

Just play.

Because sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is remember what it feels like to have fun.

As women, we're often the ones looking after everyone else.This Women's Month, I'd like to encourage you to do something...
10/08/2026

As women, we're often the ones looking after everyone else.

This Women's Month, I'd like to encourage you to do something for yourself: prioritise your health.

Many conditions are far easier to manage when they're detected early, often before symptoms even appear. A simple screening today could make a significant difference to your health tomorrow.

WOMEN'S MONTH SCREENING PRICES
💜 Pap Smear + HPV DNA HR – R500
💜 Pap Smear – R145
💜 HPV DNA HR – R360
💜 Ferritin (Iron Stores) – R120

Please note that these are cash prices only. Medical aid rates may differ.

WHY SHOULD YOU TEST?
✔️ Detect cervical cell changes early
✔️ Identify high-risk HPV infections
✔️ Monitor your iron stores and identify deficiencies
✔️ Take a proactive approach to your long-term health

Whether you're due for your routine cervical screening or you've been feeling more tired than usual and want to check your iron levels, don't put your health at the bottom of your priority list.

This Women's Month, give yourself the same care and attention you so freely give to others.

📍 Book your screening at GESOND Medical Practice.

Your DNA is like your body's instruction manual.While it can't predict your future with certainty, it can provide valuab...
06/08/2026

Your DNA is like your body's instruction manual.

While it can't predict your future with certainty, it can provide valuable insight into how your body is wired and where you may have an increased risk for certain health conditions.

Through DNA Health Analysis, we can identify genetic predispositions that help guide a more personalised approach to your health.

This information can help you:
✔️ Better understand your overall health profile
✔️ Identify potential disease risks earlier
✔️ Make informed lifestyle and nutrition choices
✔️ Focus on prevention rather than treatment

The goal isn't to tell you what will happen.

It's to help you make choices today that support a healthier tomorrow.

📍 DNA Health Analysis available at GESOND Medical Practice.
📅 Booking essential.

One of the biggest trends I've seen in recent years is people taking supplements simply because they saw them recommende...
04/08/2026

One of the biggest trends I've seen in recent years is people taking supplements simply because they saw them recommended online or because a friend swears by them.

But here's something I always remind my patients:

More isn't always better.

Supplements are designed to correct deficiencies or support specific health needs, not to be taken blindly.

At best, you may be spending money on something your body doesn't actually need.

At worst, you could be taking too much.

Take iron, for example.

Iron deficiency is relatively common, particularly in women who menstruate. But that doesn't mean every woman should automatically take an iron supplement.

If your iron levels are already normal (or even high) taking extra iron can lead to iron overload, which may damage organs such as the liver and heart over time.

The same principle applies to many vitamins and minerals. While some are excreted if taken in excess, others can accumulate in the body and cause unwanted side effects.

That's why I encourage patients to test before they treat.

A simple blood test can identify nutritional deficiencies and help ensure you're taking the right supplement, in the right dose, for the right reason.

Personalised healthcare is always more effective than guesswork.

Your body deserves more than the latest health trend, it deserves evidence-based care.

One of the most powerful tools in medicine isn't a new treatment or a breakthrough medication.It's early detection.I oft...
30/07/2026

One of the most powerful tools in medicine isn't a new treatment or a breakthrough medication.

It's early detection.

I often see patients who put off screenings because they're busy, feel healthy, or simply don't think anything could be wrong.

The reality is that many serious conditions (including certain cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease) can develop silently for years before symptoms appear.

By the time symptoms do appear, the condition is often more advanced and more difficult to treat.

This is why screening matters.

It allows us to identify problems early, when:

✔️ Treatment options are often more effective
✔️ Outcomes are generally better
✔️ Complications can sometimes be prevented altogether
✔️ We have more opportunities to protect your long-term health

No matter who you are, regular health screenings should be viewed the same way you view servicing your car or maintaining your home, they are an investment in your future.

Prevention will always be our first goal.

But when prevention isn't possible, early detection is the next best thing.

Don't wait until something feels wrong.

Sometimes the appointment you almost didn't make is the one that changes everything.

Speak to your doctor about which screenings are appropriate for your age, family history, and risk factors.

Your future self will thank you for it.

When people think about health, they often focus on their heart, weight, or blood pressure. But one of the most importan...
28/07/2026

When people think about health, they often focus on their heart, weight, or blood pressure. But one of the most important indicators of overall health is often overlooked: your gut.

Your gut plays a role in digestion, immunity, nutrient absorption, inflammation, and even mental wellbeing.

So how do you know if your gut is functioning well?

A healthy gut generally means:

✔️ Regular, comfortable bowel movements
✔️ Minimal bloating or discomfort
✔️ Good energy levels
✔️ Efficient digestion
✔️ Fewer food-related symptoms

On the other hand, some signs that your gut may need attention include:

⚠️ Frequent bloating
⚠️ Excessive gas
⚠️ Constipation or diarrhoea
⚠️ Acid reflux or indigestion
⚠️ Food intolerances
⚠️ Unexplained fatigue
⚠️ Skin issues such as acne or eczema
⚠️ Feeling unwell after eating certain foods

While occasional digestive symptoms are common, persistent symptoms should not be ignored.

How can you support a healthy gut?

🥦 Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, legumes, and fibre-rich foods
💧 Stay well hydrated
🚶 Move your body regularly
😴 Prioritise quality sleep
🍷 Limit excessive alcohol consumption
🍔 Reduce ultra-processed foods where possible
🧘 Manage stress, as chronic stress can significantly affect digestion

Most importantly, avoid self-diagnosing based on social media trends.

Many digestive symptoms can have multiple causes, and what works for one person may not work for another.

If you're experiencing ongoing digestive issues, discomfort, or changes in bowel habits, it's worth speaking to your doctor. Sometimes a few simple investigations can provide valuable answers.

Your gut affects far more than just your digestion, it influences your overall health.

One of the most concerning things I hear from patients is:"I've just learned to live with it."Whether it's headaches, ba...
23/07/2026

One of the most concerning things I hear from patients is:

"I've just learned to live with it."

Whether it's headaches, back pain, joint pain, neck pain, or recurring aches, many people assume that pain is simply a normal part of getting older.

It isn't.

While occasional pain can happen after an injury, illness, or strenuous activity, chronic pain is never something you should simply accept as normal.

Pain is your body's way of telling you that something needs attention.

Sometimes the cause is relatively straightforward:
✔️ A muscle strain
✔️ Poor posture
✔️ An old injury

But sometimes pain can be a sign of:
⚠️ Inflammation
⚠️ Arthritis
⚠️ Nerve-related conditions
⚠️ Autoimmune disease
⚠️ Underlying medical conditions that require treatment

When should you see a doctor?
🩺Pain lasts more than a few weeks
🩺It keeps returning
🩺It interferes with sleep
🩺It affects your work, exercise, or daily activities
🩺You are regularly relying on pain medication to get through the day
🩺The pain is severe or worsening

Too often, people focus on managing the symptom instead of finding the cause.

Good pain management isn't simply about taking medication. It's about understanding why the pain is happening in the first place.

The earlier we investigate persistent pain, the better the chance of finding an effective solution and preventing further problems down the road.

You don't have to earn a medal for suffering in silence.

If your body is repeatedly asking for help, it's worth listening.

One of the biggest misconceptions about weight loss is that it's simply a matter of eating less and exercising more.Whil...
21/07/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions about weight loss is that it's simply a matter of eating less and exercising more.

While nutrition and movement are incredibly important, your body also relies on a complex network of processes to convert food into energy, regulate blood sugar, and maintain a healthy metabolism.

When these systems aren't functioning optimally, weight loss can feel like an uphill battle.

That's where targeted nutritional support in the form of a Weight Loss IV Infusion can help.

Designed to support metabolism, energy production, and overall metabolic health, this infusion delivers key nutrients directly into the bloodstream for optimal absorption.

What's in the infusion?

✔️ Vitamin B12 & B-Complex: Support energy production and help
your body convert food into usable energy.
✔️ CoQ10: Plays an important role in cellular energy production and
supports overall vitality.
✔️ L-Carnitine: Helps transport fatty acids into cells where they can be
used for energy, making it a key nutrient involved in fat metabolism.
✔️ Chromium: Supports healthy blood sugar regulation and may help
reduce energy crashes and cravings.
✔️ Glutathione: A powerful antioxidant that supports overall cellular
health and helps combat oxidative stress.
✔️ Biotin: Supports the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and
proteins.

It's important to remember that this is not a magic weight loss solution.

Rather, it's a supportive tool that works best alongside healthy eating habits, regular movement, quality sleep, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

When your body has the nutrients it needs to function efficiently, it becomes easier to support your long-term health and weight-loss goals.

📍 Available at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential
💰 R1300

When most people hear the word cholesterol, they immediately think of something negative.But the truth is that your body...
16/07/2026

When most people hear the word cholesterol, they immediately think of something negative.

But the truth is that your body actually needs cholesterol to function properly.

In fact, there are different types of cholesterol, and one of them is often referred to as "good cholesterol".

🩺 WHAT IS “GOOD” CHOLESTEROL?🩺
Good cholesterol, or HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), acts like a cleanup crew for your bloodstream. It helps transport excess cholesterol back to the liver, where it can be processed and removed from the body.

Higher levels of HDL are generally associated with a lower risk of heart disease and stroke.

⚠️ WHAT ABOUT BAD CHOLESTEROL?⚠️
LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), often called "bad cholesterol," can build up in the walls of blood vessels over time, increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

The problem is that high cholesterol often causes no symptoms at all until it has already caused damage.

📋 WHEN SHOULD YOU GET TESTED?📋
I recommend discussing cholesterol screening with your doctor if:

✔️ You are over 40
✔️ You have a family history of heart disease
✔️ You have high blood pressure, diabetes, or are overweight
✔️ You smoke
✔️ You simply haven't had your cholesterol checked in several years

A simple blood test can provide valuable information about your cardiovascular health.

🌿 WHAT IF YOUR CHOLESTEROL IS HIGH?🌿
The good news is that cholesterol levels can often be improved through:

✔️ Regular physical activity
✔️ Maintaining a healthy weight
✔️ Eating more fibre-rich foods, vegetables, legumes, and healthy fats
✔️ Reducing ultra-processed foods and excessive saturated fats
✔️ Taking medication when medically indicated

The goal is not just to lower a number on a blood test.

The goal is to protect your heart, blood vessels, and long-term health.

Because prevention is always easier than treatment.

Address

Shop 9, Waterkloofrand Shopping Centre. Cnr Rigel Avenue & Buffelsdrift Street, Erasmusrand
Pretoria
0181

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27120103650

Website

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