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).

Every winter, many people wait until they feel unwell before they start taking care of their immune system.But preventio...
11/06/2026

Every winter, many people wait until they feel unwell before they start taking care of their immune system.

But prevention is always more effective than recovery.

Here are a few simple ways to better support your body during flu season.

🧼 1. Wash Your Hands Properly
This sounds simple, but it remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the spread of viruses and bacteria. We touch our faces far more than we realise, making hand hygiene exceptionally important during winter.

😴 2. Prioritise Sleep
Sleep is when the immune system repairs and regulates itself. Poor sleep weakens your body’s ability to fight infection and increases inflammation.

For some people, supportive supplements such as magnesium glycinate or magnesium threonate may help improve relaxation and sleep quality when used appropriately.

🥩 3. Get Enough Protein
Your immune system relies on protein to produce antibodies and repair tissues. Low protein intake can weaken immune function and leave the body more vulnerable during illness.

🍷 4. Minimise Alcohol
Excessive alcohol can disrupt sleep, increase inflammation, and suppress immune function, making it harder for your body to respond effectively to infection.

💧 5. Consider an Immunity Booster IV Infusion
An immunity IV infusion can help support your body with nutrients such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, and B Vitamins which are all important for immune health, energy, and recovery.

Winter is here and supporting your body can make a meaningful difference in the coming weeks and months.

When someone is struggling with depression, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming.Getting out of bed can feel di...
09/06/2026

When someone is struggling with depression, even the simplest tasks can feel overwhelming.

Getting out of bed can feel difficult.
Showering can feel exhausting.
So being told to “eat healthy” can sometimes feel unrealistic or even insensitive.

And I understand that.

But one thing I do encourage patients to focus on is trying to nourish the body with more whole, supportive foods where possible, and reducing ultra-processed foods when they can.

Not because food alone “cures” depression.
But because the brain and the gut are deeply connected.

Your gut helps regulate inflammation, supports nutrient absorption, and even plays a role in producing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which influences mood and emotional wellbeing.

Ultra-processed foods tend to be low in fibre and nutrients while promoting inflammation and disrupting the balance of healthy gut bacteria. Over time, this can negatively affect both physical and mental health.

And no, this does not mean every meal needs to be perfect.

If all you can manage is a preprepared healthy meal instead of fast food, that is already a positive step. Small changes still matter.

Health is not built through perfection.
It is built through supportive choices repeated consistently and compassionately over time.

When we support the body, we support the brain too.

We are incredibly excited to welcome Yolandie to GESOND Medical Practice as our in-house Somatologist.With over 17 years...
04/06/2026

We are incredibly excited to welcome Yolandie to GESOND Medical Practice as our in-house Somatologist.

With over 17 years of experience in the aesthetics and skincare industry, Yolandie brings not only extensive knowledge and skill, but also a genuine passion for helping people feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.

Having worked alongside leading doctors and top skincare brands, her approach is centred around one very important belief:

🌿🌿 Healthy skin is personal. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.🌿🌿

Yolandie focuses on creating tailored treatment plans and homecare routines designed specifically for each individual’s skin needs and goals. Her passion lies in building lasting relationships with patients and walking a journey with them toward healthier, happier skin.

Whether you are looking to improve skin health, address concerns, or simply invest in self-care, you’ll be in exceptionally caring hands.

✨ Treatment prices range from R700 to R2150 depending on the treatment and your skin needs.

For bookings and enquiries:

📱 WhatsApp Yolandie: 076 684 7560
📱Contact GESOND: 012 605 0000

Please join us in giving Yolandie a very warm welcome, we are so excited for you to meet her. 💚

When we think about skin health, most people immediately think of creams, serums, and treatments.But truly healthy, radi...
02/06/2026

When we think about skin health, most people immediately think of creams, serums, and treatments.

But truly healthy, radiant skin is supported from the inside out.

Your skin reflects what’s happening internally; including hydration, nutrient levels, oxidative stress, inflammation, and overall cellular health. This is why lifestyle, nutrition, and metabolic health all play such an important role in how your skin looks and ages.

One way to support your skin is a Skin Rejuvenation IV Infusion.

Designed to support skin renewal and promote a healthy, youthful appearance, this infusion delivers key nutrients directly into the bloodstream for optimal absorption.

What’s included:

💧Vitamin B12
💧B-Complex
💧Glutathione
💧Thiamine
💧Biotin
💧CoQ10
💧Zinc
💧L-Carnitine
💧Magnesium

These nutrients help support:

✨ Collagen production
✨ Cellular repair and renewal
✨ Antioxidant protection
✨ Skin hydration and radiance
✨ Overall energy and wellness

Healthy skin is not about chasing perfection.
It’s about supporting your body well enough that your skin reflects it.

Glow from within.

📍 Administeredat GESOND Medical Practice
💵R1300
📅 Booking essential

Hormonal imbalance doesn’t usually happen overnight.More often, it’s the result of small, repeated daily habits that gra...
28/05/2026

Hormonal imbalance doesn’t usually happen overnight.

More often, it’s the result of small, repeated daily habits that gradually place strain on the body.

The goal is not perfection, it’s awareness and balance.

Here are a few common habits I often see:

☕ Coffee First Thing in the Morning☕
Drinking coffee on an empty stomach can spike cortisol levels when they are already naturally high in the morning.

Instead: Have coffee after a meal or once you’ve been awake for a while to avoid unnecessary stress on your system.

🍷 Regular, Excessive Alcohol🍷
Frequent alcohol intake can disrupt liver function, which plays a key role in hormone metabolism, particularly estrogen.

Instead: Keep alcohol occasional and moderate, allowing your body time to recover.

💊 Blind Supplementation💊
Taking multiple supplements without proper guidance can do more harm than good, sometimes disrupting natural hormonal pathways.

Instead: Supplement intentionally, based on your needs; ideally guided by a healthcare professional.

🥗 Chronic Dieting or Restriction🥗
Undereating or constantly restricting calories can signal “stress” to the body, affecting hormones like cortisol, thyroid hormones, and reproductive hormones.

Instead: Focus on consistent, balanced nutrition that supports your energy needs.

🏋️ Overtraining🏋️
Exercise is beneficial but too much intensity without recovery can elevate cortisol and disrupt hormonal balance.

Instead: Balance movement with rest and recovery.

🌿 Ignoring Gut Health🌿
The gut plays a significant role in hormone regulation, including estrogen balance and inflammation.

Instead: Support your gut with fibre-rich foods, hydration, and a diverse diet.

Hormonal health is not about eliminating everything. It’s about creating a lifestyle your body can sustain and thrive in.

Small, consistent adjustments make the biggest difference.

Many people struggle with mood swings, anxiety, poor focus, or feeling emotionally “off” (often without understanding wh...
26/05/2026

Many people struggle with mood swings, anxiety, poor focus, or feeling emotionally “off” (often without understanding why).

While life circumstances and stress certainly play a role, your genetics can also influence how your brain functions.

Through DNA analysis, we can gain insight into how your body processes and regulates key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and cortisol; all of which affect mood, motivation, and stress response.

This can help us better understand:

🌿Why you may be more prone to anxiety or low mood
🌿How your body responds to stress
🌿Your natural tendencies in focus and cognitive function
🌿How efficiently your body uses certain nutrients important for brain health

So what do we do with this information?
We use it to guide personalised interventions, including:

✔️ Targeted nutrition
✔️ Specific supplementation
✔️ Lifestyle adjustments
✔️ Stress management strategies

This is not about labelling or limiting you. It’s about understanding your baseline so you can support your mind more effectively.

Mental wellbeing is not just psychological; it is deeply biological.

And when you understand your biology, you can make more informed, supportive choices for long-term balance.

📍 Available at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential

It’s a common situation; you forget to take your medication and then wonder if you should take a double dose to “catch u...
21/05/2026

It’s a common situation; you forget to take your medication and then wonder if you should take a double dose to “catch up.”

In most cases, you should not.

Taking a double dose can cause your medication levels in the body to spike, increasing the risk of side effects or even toxicity. This is especially important with medications that affect blood pressure, blood sugar, thyroid function, or the nervous system.

Your body works best with stable, consistent levels of medication, not sudden highs and lows.

So what should you do instead?

✔️ If you remember soon after missing a dose, take it as soon as you
can
✔️ If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and
continue as normal
✔️ If you’re unsure, check the patient information leaflet or contact your
doctor or pharmacist

There are exceptions depending on the medication, which is why personalised advice is always important.

The key takeaway: Consistency matters more than trying to compensate.

Weight loss is often simplified to “eat less, move more” but in reality, your metabolic health plays a significant role ...
19/05/2026

Weight loss is often simplified to “eat less, move more” but in reality, your metabolic health plays a significant role in how your body responds.

If your body is struggling with energy production, nutrient deficiencies, or blood sugar regulation, weight loss can feel far more difficult than it should.

This is where targeted support in the form of a weightloss IV Infusion can help.

This infusion is designed to support your metabolism by delivering key nutrients directly into your bloodstream for optimal absorption.

What’s included:

🔸Vitamin B12
🔸B-Complex
🔸CoQ10
🔸L-Carnitine
🔸Chromium
🔸Glutathione
🔸Biotin

How does it work?

✔️ Energy production: helping your body convert food into usable energy
✔️ Fat metabolism: assisting in how your body processes and utilises fat
✔️ Blood sugar balance: supporting more stable energy and reduced cravings
✔️ Cellular function: reducing oxidative stress and supporting overall metabolic health

This is not a quick fix or a replacement for healthy habits. It is a supportive tool that works best alongside proper nutrition, movement, and lifestyle changes.

When your body is supported, it responds better.

💧 Weight Loss IV Infusion (R1300)
📍 Administered at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential

Menopause and perimenopause are natural phases of life but that doesn’t mean you need to simply “push through” uncomfort...
14/05/2026

Menopause and perimenopause are natural phases of life but that doesn’t mean you need to simply “push through” uncomfortable symptoms.

Many women expect hot flushes and irregular periods. But there are also less obvious symptoms that are often overlooked:

🌺Brain fog or poor concentration
🌺Anxiety or low mood
🌺Sleep disturbances
🌺Unexplained weight gain
🌺Joint aches
🌺Fatigue or loss of motivation
🌺Changes in skin and hair

These changes can feel confusing and at times, even unsettling.

So when should you seek help?

👉 When symptoms start affecting your daily life, energy, mood, or sleep
👉 When you no longer feel like yourself
👉 When symptoms are persistent, worsening, or difficult to manage

You do not need to wait until things feel severe.

Hormonal changes can be supported. With the right guidance, we can help restore balance through lifestyle adjustments, nutritional support, and medical treatment where appropriate.

This phase is natural but struggling through it alone is not necessary.

You deserve to feel healthy, supported, and understood.

Botulinum toxin is often associated with aesthetic treatments, but in medicine, it plays an important role in managing m...
12/05/2026

Botulinum toxin is often associated with aesthetic treatments, but in medicine, it plays an important role in managing muscle spasticity.

Spasticity can occur in conditions such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, and cerebral palsy, where muscles become tight, overactive, and difficult to control. This can lead to pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, and challenges with daily activities.

🧠 How does it work?🧠
Botulinum toxin works by blocking the signals between nerves and muscles, allowing overactive muscles to relax. This helps reduce stiffness and improves range of motion.

🌿 Why use it?🌿
For many patients, treatment can:

✔️ Reduce muscle tightness and discomfort
✔️ Improve movement and function
✔️ Make physiotherapy more effective
✔️ Assist with posture and mobility
✔️ Improve overall quality of life

⏳ When is it appropriate?⏳
Timing and assessment are key.

Treatment is usually considered when:

🔸Spasticity is affecting function, comfort, or mobility
🔸There is a clear target muscle group causing limitation
🔸It forms part of a broader rehabilitation plan, often alongside physiotherapy

It is not a stand-alone solution, but rather a supportive tool used as part of comprehensive care.

Botulinum toxin in this context is not about appearance; it is about helping the body function more comfortably and effectively.

As with all medical treatments, careful assessment and individualised planning are essential to achieve the best outcome.

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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