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 year, a new diet promises faster weight loss, better energy, and a complete health transformation.Cut this. Elimin...
28/04/2026

Every year, a new diet promises faster weight loss, better energy, and a complete health transformation.

Cut this. Eliminate that. Eat only at certain times. Avoid entire food groups.

And while some people may see short-term results, the question I always ask is: Is it sustainable and is it truly supporting your health?

Most fad diets are built on extremes.
And the body does not thrive in extremes.

These approaches often:

🥗 Oversimplify nutrition, removing entire food groups unnecessarily
🥗 Create nutrient deficiencies over time
🥗 Disrupt your metabolism and hunger signals
🥗 Lead to cycles of restriction and overcompensation
🥗 Increase stress around food, rather than improving your relationship
with it

Health is not about following rigid rules. It’s about understanding what your body needs and responding to it consistently.

A well-functioning body requires:

✔️ Balanced macronutrients
✔️ Stable blood sugar levels
✔️ Adequate micronutrients
✔️ Flexibility and sustainability

The reality is this: The best “diet” is one you can maintain long-term without feeling deprived or overwhelmed.

This is where personalised approaches become important. What works for one person may not work for another, which is why understanding your body, your lifestyle, and even your genetics can be far more valuable than following trends.

If a plan feels extreme, restrictive, or unsustainable, it usually is.

Sustainable health is built on balance, not shortcuts.

We’re a few months into the year, and for many people, the initial momentum has started to dip.Deadlines are piling up.E...
23/04/2026

We’re a few months into the year, and for many people, the initial momentum has started to dip.

Deadlines are piling up.
Energy is lower.
Focus isn’t quite where it used to be.

This is a common time of year where mental fatigue begins to set in and pushing through it often only leads to burnout.

Sometimes, your brain doesn’t need more pressure.
It needs support.

💧💧 Brain Booster IV Infusion💧💧 R1200
Designed to support focus, mental clarity, and memory, this infusion helps provide your brain with the nutrients it needs to function optimally during demanding periods.

What’s included:
🩼Vitamin B12
🩼B-Complex
🩼Glutathione
🩼Vitamin C
🩼Alpha Lipoic Acid
🩼Taurine

These nutrients play a role in:
✔️ Supporting cognitive function
✔️ Reducing mental fatigue
✔️ Enhancing clarity and concentration
✔️ Supporting overall energy levels

Whether you’re a professional managing a heavy workload or a student navigating a busy academic schedule, this is a practical way to support your mental performance.

You don’t need to wait until you’re completely depleted.
Support your brain before burnout sets in.

📍 Administered at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential

It may sound dramatic, but there is growing evidence behind this statement.Modern life has made sitting the default; at ...
21/04/2026

It may sound dramatic, but there is growing evidence behind this statement.

Modern life has made sitting the default; at our desks, in our cars, on the couch. And while it feels harmless, prolonged sitting has a significant impact on both physical and mental health.

Research shows that excessive sitting is associated with:

🚩Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
🚩Higher likelihood of cardiovascular disease
🚩Poorer metabolic health
🚩Increased levels of stress and anxiety
🚩A greater risk of burnout and mental fatigue

The body is designed to move. When we sit for long periods, circulation slows, muscles become inactive, and key systems involved in metabolism and stress regulation become less efficient.

Movement, on the other hand, is one of the most powerful (and accessible) tools we have for improving health.

It doesn’t need to be extreme.
Simple, consistent movement throughout the day can make a meaningful difference:

🚶Standing up and stretching every hour
🚶Taking short walks between tasks
🚶Moving after meals to support digestion
🚶Choosing stairs over lifts when possible

These small actions help regulate blood sugar, improve circulation, support mental clarity, and reduce stress levels.

You don’t need to overhaul your life.
You simply need to interrupt the stillness.

Your body responds to what you do repeatedly and even small amounts of daily movement can shift your health trajectory over time.

Movement is not just exercise.
It is medicine.

Botulinum toxin is one of the most well-known treatments in aesthetic medicine but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution...
16/04/2026

Botulinum toxin is one of the most well-known treatments in aesthetic medicine but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.

So the question I often get is:

“Am I a good candidate?”

In general, botulinum toxin is suitable for individuals who:
✅Have dynamic lines (lines that form with movement, such as
frowning or smiling)
✅Are looking for subtle, preventative care to slow wrinkle formation
✅Want a natural, refreshed appearance rather than a dramatic
change
✅Are interested in maintaining long-term skin health and facial
balance

It can also be used medically for conditions such as muscle tension, migraines, and excessive sweating.

However, there are important exceptions.

Who should avoid treatment?
🚫Pregnant or breastfeeding women
🚫Individuals with a known allergy to botulinum toxin or any of its
components
🚫Certain neuromuscular conditions (which would be assessed during
consultation)

A common concern is: “How would I know if I’m allergic?”

True allergies to botulinum toxin are rare. Most patients would only know if they’ve had a previous reaction to a similar treatment. Signs of an allergic reaction could include:

💉Unusual swelling beyond the injection site
💉Rash or itching
💉Difficulty breathing (very rare, but serious)

This is why a proper medical consultation is essential. We take a full history, assess your suitability, and ensure the treatment is both safe and appropriate for you.

Botulinum toxin should never be approached casually. When done correctly, it is a precise, medical treatment aimed at enhancing (not altering) your natural features.

The goal is always the same:
You, just a little more rested.

A consultation is not just about addressing what’s wrong; it’s an opportunity to better understand your health and take ...
14/04/2026

A consultation is not just about addressing what’s wrong; it’s an opportunity to better understand your health and take a more proactive role in it.

The quality of the questions you ask can shape the quality of the care you receive.

Here are three simple but powerful questions I encourage every patient to ask:

🔍🔍 “What screenings or tests should I have at my age?”
Preventative care is one of the most effective tools we have in medicine. Different life stages come with different risks, and appropriate screening helps us detect potential issues early, often before symptoms even appear. This could include blood tests, hormonal assessments, or age-specific screenings. Early detection allows for simpler, more effective interventions.

💊💊 “Are my current medications still necessary?”
Medications should always be reviewed over time. As your health changes, some medications may no longer be needed, while others may require adjustment. Regular review helps prevent unnecessary long-term use, side effects, or interactions, ensuring your treatment plan remains appropriate and optimised.

🌿🌿 “What lifestyle changes would benefit me the most?”
Health advice can often feel overwhelming: eat better, exercise more, sleep more…

But not all changes are equally impactful.

This question helps your doctor prioritise what will make the biggest difference for you specifically, based on your history, current health, and goals. Small, targeted changes are far more sustainable (and effective) than trying to change everything at once.

Your doctor is there to guide you but your engagement matters.

Asking the right questions turns a routine visit into a meaningful step toward long-term, preventative health.

Every year, as the seasons change, we see an increase in colds, flu, and general fatigue.But what many people don’t real...
09/04/2026

Every year, as the seasons change, we see an increase in colds, flu, and general fatigue.

But what many people don’t realise is this: Your immune system needs support before you get sick, not just after.

Building resilience ahead of winter can make all the difference in how your body responds to seasonal illnesses.

💧💧Immunity IV Infusion💧💧 R800
Designed to support and strengthen your immune system, this drip delivers key nutrients directly into your bloodstream for optimal absorption.

What’s included:
🩼Vitamin B12
🩼B-Complex
🩼Vitamin C
🩼Magnesium
🩼Zinc
🩼L-Lysine

These nutrients play an important role in:
✔️ Supporting immune cell function
✔️ Reducing the severity and duration of illness
✔️ Improving energy levels
✔️ Helping your body respond more effectively to infection

This is not about avoiding life or eliminating exposure, it’s about ensuring your body is better equipped to handle it.

Prevention is always more effective than recovery.

📍 Administered at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential

Blood tests are one of the most valuable tools we have in medicine but their accuracy depends heavily on what you do bef...
07/04/2026

Blood tests are one of the most valuable tools we have in medicine but their accuracy depends heavily on what you do before the test.

Small factors can significantly influence your results, sometimes leading to unnecessary concern or even misinterpretation.

If you want your blood work to truly reflect what’s happening in your body, here are four important guidelines:

⏳Fast for 12 Hours Prior⏳
Fasting is essential for tests like glucose, insulin, and cholesterol. Eating before your test can temporarily raise blood sugar and lipid levels, giving a false impression of how your body is functioning at baseline. A proper fasting window allows us to assess your true metabolic state, not just your last meal.

💊Avoid Biotin Supplements for 3 Days💊
Biotin (commonly found in hair, skin, and nail supplements) can interfere with certain lab assays, particularly thyroid tests and some hormone levels. It can lead to falsely high or low results, which may be misleading. Stopping biotin 2–3 days before testing helps ensure more reliable readings.

🌿Postpone Thyroid Medication Till After Blood Draw🌿
If you take thyroid medication, taking it just before your blood test can temporarily elevate hormone levels in your bloodstream. By postponing your dose that morning (and taking it after your blood draw), we get a more accurate picture of your baseline thyroid function, rather than a short-term spike. All other chronic medication may be taken before the blood draw or immediately thereafter.

💧Stay Well Hydrated💧
Dehydration can concentrate your blood, which may affect values such as kidney function markers, electrolytes, and even haemoglobin levels. Being well hydrated makes blood easier to draw and ensures your results reflect your body’s true balance, not a temporary fluctuation.

Accurate blood work leads to better decisions, more precise treatment, and ultimately better health outcomes.

Preparation may seem simple, but it makes all the difference.

When it comes to skin health, most people rely on trial and error. They constantly try different products, treatments, a...
02/04/2026

When it comes to skin health, most people rely on trial and error. They constantly try different products, treatments, and routines, hoping something works.

But what if you could take the guesswork out entirely?

Your skin is influenced by your genetics and a DNA Skin Analysis allows us to understand exactly how your skin is designed to function and age.

This includes insights into:

🧬Collagen production and breakdown
🧬Skin elasticity and wrinkle formation
🧬Pigmentation and sun sensitivity
🧬Inflammation and acne tendencies
🧬Antioxidant capacity and skin repair

From this, we can guide you on:

✨ The right nutrition to support your skin from within
✨ Targeted supplements your body actually needs
✨ Lifestyle adjustments to slow premature aging
✨ The most effective treatments and interventions for your skin type

Healthy, radiant skin is not just about what you apply on the surface; it’s about how well your body is supported at a cellular level.

If you’re serious about long-term skin health, prevention, and aging intelligently, your DNA is the most powerful place to start.

📍 Available at GESOND Medical Practice
📅 Booking essential

One of the most common questions I get is:“How long will my Botulinum Toxin last?”If it’s your first treatment, the effe...
26/03/2026

One of the most common questions I get is:

“How long will my Botulinum Toxin last?”

If it’s your first treatment, the effects of botulinum toxin typically last around 3 months. This is completely normal. Your muscles are learning to relax, and your body is adjusting to the treatment.

However, with regular, well-timed treatments, something interesting happens.

Over time, the targeted muscles become trained to contract less forcefully. Because of this, many patients find that their results begin to last longer (sometimes up to 5 or even 7 months).

Consistency matters.

Botulinum toxin is not about freezing your face or changing who you are. In my practice, it is used subtly to soften lines, prevent deeper wrinkles from forming, and maintain a natural, refreshed appearance.

The goal is not to look different. The goal is to look like yourself but the rested and confident version of yourself.

Every face is different, and longevity depends on factors such as:

🪷Muscle strength
🪷Metabolism
🪷Lifestyle
🪷Treatment area
🪷Dosage and technique

A proper consultation ensures we create a plan that suits your facial anatomy and aesthetic goals.

If you’ve been considering treatment and wondering about commitment; know that it is temporary, adjustable, and tailored to you.

Artificial intelligence has changed the way we access information. It can summarise research, explain concepts, and even...
24/03/2026

Artificial intelligence has changed the way we access information. It can summarise research, explain concepts, and even offer general guidance within seconds.

And yes, if you need quick advice on how to treat a minor bee sting or clean a small wound, general information can be helpful.

But there is a line.

Using AI tools to diagnose symptoms, personalise treatment plans, adjust medication, or replace a medical consultation is risky and sometimes dangerous.

AI platforms generate responses based on patterns in data. They do not examine you.

👉They do not take a full medical history.
👉They do not pick up subtle clinical cues.
👉They do not carry responsibility for outcomes.

There have been documented instances where AI systems “hallucinate”. Meaning they confidently provide information that is incorrect, incomplete, or entirely fabricated. In medicine, that margin for error matters.

Health is nuanced. Two patients with identical symptoms can have entirely different diagnoses depending on their history, medications, examination findings, and risk factors.

Medicine is not just information. It’s interpretation, pattern recognition, and clinical judgement built through years of study and experience.

Your doctor has trained extensively to understand complexity, weigh risk, identify red flags, and tailor care safely to your individual context.

AI can be a tool, but it should never be a substitute for proper medical care.

If you have symptoms that concern you, ongoing fatigue, mental health struggles, hormonal shifts, unexplained pain, or any change in your wellbeing, I truly urge you to see your doctor.

Your health deserves more than an algorithm.💙

We often focus on wrinkles, grey hair, or the number on the scale when we think about ageing.But ageing doesn’t start in...
19/03/2026

We often focus on wrinkles, grey hair, or the number on the scale when we think about ageing.

But ageing doesn’t start in the mirror. It starts in your cells.

One of the most important molecules involved in cellular energy and repair is NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide). NAD+ plays a critical role in:

✨Energy production within your cells
✨Supporting healthy brain function
✨DNA repair mechanisms
✨Regulating metabolism
✨Protecting against oxidative stress

The challenge?
Natural NAD+ levels decline with age and that decline is associated with fatigue, reduced mental clarity, slower metabolism, and decreased vitality.

Try our NAD+ IV Infusion for R1200.

This infusion is designed to support cellular energy, promote healthy ageing, assist with brain function, and contribute to overall vitality. Many patients also report improved focus and a greater sense of mental clarity.

This is not about trying to look 25 again. It’s about supporting your body so you can feel sharp, energised, and well as the years move forward.

Graceful ageing is proactive. It’s intentional. And it starts from within.

💚 Special at GESOND:
Book any 5 IV infusions and receive a complimentary Immunity IV Infusion, supporting both your mental performance and overall health.

If you only have 20% to give today, and you give that 20%, you have given 100%.Health is not built on perfect days.It is...
17/03/2026

If you only have 20% to give today, and you give that 20%, you have given 100%.

Health is not built on perfect days.
It is built on consistent, sustainable effort.

We live in a culture that promotes extremes. Extreme diets, intense workouts, radical overhauls. But the body does not thrive on extremes. It thrives on balance and predictability.

If you can’t overhaul your entire diet, start small.

🌿Swap one or two processed meals for whole foods.
🌿Add one extra serving of vegetables.
🌿Reduce sugar in your coffee.

If you don’t have an hour for the gym, use the 20 minutes you do have.

🌿Do a short yoga routine at home.
🌿Take a brisk walk after dinner.
🌿Stretch between meetings.

These small actions may feel insignificant in isolation but physiology does not respond to intensity as much as it responds to repetition.

One extremely healthy day per week will not meaningfully shift your metabolism. But small habits practiced daily for years? Those transform health.

Consistency without burnout is the real goal.

Your nervous system, your hormones, your metabolism; they all respond better to gentle, repeated signals than to dramatic spikes of effort followed by exhaustion.

A healthy life is not created by what you do occasionally. It’s shaped by what you do consistently.
So give what you can.
Build habits you can maintain.
And trust that small, sustainable changes compound into profound results over time.

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

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