August is Women’s Month, and we’re celebrating the amazing women in the world of wellness for their achievements and contributions to society. From general practitioners to specialists and homeopaths, we meet the area’s top health professionals who dedicate their days to serving our community.
DR NIRESHA MUDALY – Psychiatrist
Dr Mudaly is a psychiatrist based in Ballito. “Mental health encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being. lt helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. Poor mental health makes us more vulnerable to certain physical health problems, such as heart disease, stroke and Type 2 Diabetes.”
Dr Mudaly believes that nurturing our mental health can help prevent the development of mental illness, and enjoy a more positive and meaningful outlook on our lives. To aid mental wellbeing, she suggests connecting with people; being physically active; learning new skills; being generous to others; and practising mindfulness.
Details: 031 941 6871, [email protected]
TARRYN MEYER – Bio-resonance consultant
Tarryn Meyer is the founder of Be The Change Wellness in Umhlanga, which offers quality herbal tinctures. The products are made with the utmost respect and care with the belief that plants are gifts and should be cherished. The products do not contain preservatives and by the time the herbs are bottled, the alcohol content is very little. “Basically, there is more alcohol in a ripe banana than there is in our products! This makes it safe for adults, children, and animals.” Contact Be The Change Wellness and mention this article, and get 10% off your tincture order or 10% off a bio-resonance scan.
Details: 079 868 9694, [email protected]
DR NOMBUSO MTHETHWA – Gynaecologist
Dr Nombuso Mthethwa is a gynaecologist who specialises in general women’s health. She has recently opened her new practice at Regency House in Ballito, where she collaborates with a number of other wellness specialists to offer her patients the care they need. An expert in her field, Dr Nombuso provides personalised treatments and is passionate about helping woman achieve optimal health, no matter which stage of life they are in.
Details: Suite 3, Women’s Health, Regency House, 3 Douglas Crowe Drive, Ballito,
087 821 6336, [email protected]
SARISHA HARIPERSHAD – Optometrist
Owner and optometrist at Torga Optical Ballito Junction, Cornubia Mall and Kwadukuza Mall, Sarisha provides optometry care to patients. Adept in performing vision tests and accurately analysing results and diagnosing disorders, she is also experienced in diagnosing and treating vision problems such as near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, presbyopia and in detecting cataracts and glaucoma. She is able to prescribe care, treatments, and medications to achieve optimal health, and is committed to excellent vision and patient care. Sarisha has a special interest in children’s and sports vision.
Details: Torga Optical Ballito: 032 946 1416/7,
Torga Optical Cornubia: 031 502 1658,
Torga Optical Kwadukuza: 032 437 8436
DR YAVISCHE REDDY – Ophthalmologist
Dr Reddy completed her undergraduate degree at UCT. She started as a medical officer in ophthalmology, and went on to specialise at UKZN in Ophthalmology. During her training, she was awarded the Neville Welsh Medal for exceptional results. She completed her post-graduate studies, and honed her skills as a specialist in the public sector, before heading off to set-up her private practice in Ballito and Stanger, where she has worked for the last six years. Dr Reddy is a caring and compassionate general ophthalmologist offering medical and surgical treatment of eye problems including diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, cataract and glaucoma.
Details: Suite 3, The Well, Corner Kirsty Close and Albertina Way. Associated Hospitals: Netcare Alberlito, Ribumed Day Hospital, Kwa-Dukuza Private Hospital, Victoria MediClinic, 032 586 0040
TERESA VOS – Owner and practitioner at TopForm Holistic Health
Teresa Vos, owner of TopForm Holistic Health, is passionate about helping her clients live a longer and more vibrant life by finding comfort in their own skin. Her specialised services include naturopathic, nutritional microscopy blood analysis, comprehensive health assessment scans, eating guidelines and functional medicine/supplements. She loves helping her clients boost their body’s defences and address stress, depression, anxiety and uncontrolled weight gain or fat storage. If you are struggling with gut health, hormones, stress, anxiety, irritability, cardio health, pain, sexual function or insomnia, arrange a consultation with Teresa.
Details: 082 452 7936, [email protected], IG and FB: @TopFormSA
SERISHA SEWPERSAD – Physiotherapist
Serisha qualified as a physiotherapist in 2003 from UKZN. She has worked across South Africa, the UK, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in a vast range of clinical and managerial roles. She has a passion for MSK, TMJ and care of the elderly. She is committed to Health Care Quality Improvement, Risk Management and Hospital Accreditation and has worked in these roles in many countries. In 2022, she completed her black belt in Six Sigma Methodology. Serisha has an appreciation for lifelong learning and has served on the Physiotherapy Scientific Education Committee and co-taught Advanced MSK Program to post-graduate physiotherapists. She regularly attends seminars to ensure that her practice remains at the forefront of evolving medical trends and innovation. Details: Suite 110, Beacon Rock Medical Centre, Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks, 031 575 8350, [email protected]
THE COSMETIC AND DENTAL EMPORIUM – UMHLANGA AND BALLITO:
DR HELENA VAN DER LINDEN – Dentist
With her father a maxillofacial surgeon, her mother a dentist and two siblings who are dentists, Dr Helena of The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Umhlanga always knew that she was born to be a dentist. Coming from a family of dentists has instilled in her an understanding and appreciation for precision dentistry, as it is often in the small details that a smile is made. She is passionate about digital dentistry, specifically clear aligner treatment, smile makeovers and perfecting adult smiles to create a natural looking smile. When Dr Helena is not perfecting someone’s smile, she is passionate about horse riding and show jumping, and she loves raising her young family in Ballito.
Details: The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, Suite 5& 6 Mayfair on the Lake,
5 Park Lane, Umhlanga, 031 566 5121, 082 686 9122 (WhatsApp), [email protected], www.umhlangadentists.co.za
NERISSA GOVENDER – Dental therapist
As a wife and a mother of two beautiful girls, Nerissa has a heart for people and is passionate about cleaning and whitening teeth with Pillips Zoom!. She loves seeing her patients happy with their new smiles, especially when using EMS-guided therapy. Having been with The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Umhlanga since inception, she has become an integral member of the team, not only taking care of her own patient’s oral hygiene and basic dentistry needs, but also assisting dentists in major cases. It is her prowess in the art of teeth whitening that has earned her the title “Queen of Zoom.”
Details: The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, Suite 5& 6 Mayfair on the Lake, 5 Park Lane,
Umhlanga, 031 566 5121, 082 686 9122 (WhatsApp), [email protected], www.umhlangadentists.co.za
DR MEAGAN CARROLL – Dentist
Being a young mother herself, Dr Carroll of The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Ballito loves working with children and families. She has a special interest in paediatric dentistry and orthodontics and is passionate about creating good dental experiences right from the early ages of development and alleviating the fear often associated with dentistry. Root canal treatments are among her favourite procedures and she loves how the new era of digital dentistry has transformed dentistry, specifically endodontics. Dr Carroll loves being a dentist in Ballito and the slower pace that the North Coast offers. Details: The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, Suite 29 San Hall Office Park, Ballito, 032 586 3284, 082 836 0810 (WhatsApp), [email protected], www.ballitodentist.co.za
SAVANAH EMANUEL – Dental therapist
As dental therapist at The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium in Ballito, Savanah is passionate about preventative dentistry and educating patients of all ages to maintain their oral health. She loves that with EMS-guided therapy, oral hygiene can now be less invasive and more efficient; and is a pain-free option compared to traditional cleanings. Savanah also enjoys performing Zoom! teeth whitening and loves how it gives her patients brighter and whiter smiles. For Savanah, oral hygiene is the foundation to general health and she enjoys working alongside her colleagues to ensure a holistic approach to every patient’s needs.
Details: The Cosmetic and Dental Emporium, Suite 29 San Hall Office Park, Ballito, 032 586 3284, 082 836 0810 (WhatsApp), [email protected], www.ballitodentist.co.za
DR LE-JEAN EHLERS – General practitioner
Dr Le-Jean Ehlers has a passion for women’s health and prides herself on providing comprehensive and personalised care; and empowering women to live their best, healthiest and most balanced lives. She always strives for a holistic approach to every patient and is supported by an amazing team of doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists, as well as a dietitian and somatologist. Her growing interest and training in aesthetic medicine allows her to merge the art of beauty with the science of health. By offering state-of-the-art procedures and treatments, she aims to help women embrace their natural beauty and boost their self-confidence.
Details: The Square Medical Centre, 250 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, La Lucia Ridge, 031 566 7000
DR THARUSHKA NAIDOO – Registered homeopathic doctor
Dr Tharushka Naidoo is a registered homeopathic doctor in private practice.
She offers homeopathic treatment for the entire family, for both acute and chronic conditions. Dr Naidoo incorporates lifestyle changes for her patients in the treatment and management of their conditions. She is passionate about her profession and prides herself in providing treatment that is current, evidence-based and effective. She has a fully stocked homeopathic dispensary at her practice where medicine is both compounded and dispensed by her. Dr Naidoo has a keen interest in female reproductive health treating conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis and infertility. Details: 031 561 1709, [email protected], www.drtnaidoo.co.za, IG:@drtnaidoo, FB: Dr Tharushka Naidoo
DR KHABONINA NKWELO – Family Chiropractor
Dr Khabonina, (fondly known in the community as Dr Khabz) is an evidence-based chiropractor who has a keen interest in treating pregnant women, as well as paediatrics, women’s health, sports injuries, and general practice. She focuses on developing treatment plans that address her patients’ individual needs and goals. She uses a combination of chiropractic manipulation/ joint mobilisation, soft tissue release therapies, rehabilitation, and patient education in her treatment plans. She is an active member of the Paediatric Chiropractic South Africa and Chiropractic Association of South Africa.
Details: iZulu Office Park, Ballito, 087 354 9042, [email protected],
www.northcoastchiropractors.co.za
DR RACHEL SHANNON – Biochemist and General Practitioner
Dr Rachel Shannon is a biochemist and general practitioner based at PearlsMED in Umhlanga. She is a published research author in the field of diabetes. She offers both acute and chronic care, with an emphasis on diabetes and cardiovascular health. She offers pap smears, Implanon insertions/removals, medical weight loss options and menopausal hormone replacement options for women according to the latest evidence-based guidelines. Dr Shannon is a mom of two young girls and also loves treating all paediatric patients. With a strong laboratory science and clinical background, Dr Shannon provides a unique approach to treating patients compassionately and holistically. Details: PearlsMED, Level 3A, Pearls Mall, Lagoon Drive, Umhlanga Rocks, 0861 555 111, www.pearlsmed.co.za, IG: @dr.rachel.shannon_gp
DR MARY MACKENZIE AND DR STEPH OSBORN – General family practitioner
Dr Mary Mackenzie is Umhlanga’s landmark general practice with a special interest in aesthetic medicine. Founded by Dr Mary 30 years ago, Dr Mary and Dr Steph have created a healing experience in which patients feel heard and understood. Whether your child is sick, you need a mental health minute, you have hormonal imbalance, or you would like to treat yourself to Botox and fillers, they are available to help. “Visiting our all-female practice should be a fulfilling experience for you and your family and we have fun doing it!”
Details: Suite 4 Medi Gate, 2 Medi Gate Road, Umhlanga, 031 566 4073
VANESSA PERUMAL – Wound Care Specialist / Stoma Therapist
Sister Vanessa Perumal is an IIWCC (International Interprofessional Wound Care certified Specialist); OFS certified Stomal Therapist, Degree in Health Science Education and Management, HWSETA certified Facilitator, Assessor & Moderator. Her established clinical practice has been caring for patients for the past 13 years.
She is passionate about her patients and ensures integrated care for the following services: management of acute and chronic wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, post-operative wounds, cancerous and difficult-to-heal wounds, arterial and vascular ulcers, prevention, post-care amputations, and burn wounds. She works in a multifaceted environment with the aim to encourage best practices and best care protocol standards.
Supply of stomal devices and products on-site as well as couriers to destinations anywhere in South Africa. Her practice is contracted to most medical aids.
Details: Netcare Umhlanga Medical Centre, 321 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Suite 601, 6th Floor.
Details: 031-5825565. 25 High Street, Tongaat, [email protected]
DR VISHANI SONI – Dentist
Dr Vishani Soni has been practising dentistry in all spheres for over 16 years. She has earned a Bachelor of Dental Surgery, a Master of Science in Dentistry, a Postgraduate Diploma in Oral Surgery, Postgraduate Diploma in Implantology and she was recently added to the Golden Key International Honour’s Society. Her services include painless anaesthesia technique; fillings/cleaning; composite veneers; paediatric dentistry; wisdom teeth extraction; limited biopsies; apicoectomies; splinting of traumatised teeth; crowns/bridges; implants; whitening; denture design, repair and re-line; periodontal treatment and braces.
Details: Ilala Dental Studio in La Lucia Ridge,
031 109 1492, and Fairway Dental Studio in Durban North, 031 564 7768.
DR ADITI SHAH – Dentist
Dr Aditi Shah is an empathetic family dentist at her practice, Pause Dental Care. She engages with all patients, from toddlers to seniors, treating their diverse dental needs and helping them work past their fears to gain a lively, pain-free smile. Her special interest in facial aesthetic treatments allows her to further assist patients to live confidently. “Growing up on the relaxed North Coast, I’ve loved the serene simple life and have created my dental practice to share that atmosphere.”
Details: Pause Dental Care, 4 Swapo Road, Durban North,
031 350 3196 / 066 033 0667 (WhatsApp), [email protected]
IG: @pausedental
