Dr Ilse Wydeman

24/10/2026

🌿 CORTISOL: THE STRESS HORMONE — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Feeling tired but wired? Struggling with sleep, constant stress or changes in your weight? You may have wondered whether your cortisol levels are to blame.

But what exactly is cortisol, and when should you be concerned?

🧠 What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. It helps your body:

Respond to stress

Regulate blood sugar and blood pressure

Control inflammation

Maintain your sleep-wake cycle

⚖️ Can stress affect your cortisol?

Chronic stress can affect your body's stress-response system and sleep patterns. However, symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain (especially around the abdomen), poor sleep and difficulty concentrating are not specific to high cortisol levels. Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms.

🔍 When should you test your cortisol?

Cortisol testing is not routinely needed for everyday stress or weight gain. Your GP may recommend testing if there are signs of a hormonal disorder, such as Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.

Importantly, a single random blood cortisol measurement is generally not a reliable way to diagnose chronically elevated cortisol.

💚 What can you do to support healthy stress regulation?
✔️ Prioritise consistent, adequate sleep
✔️ Exercise regularly, without overtraining
✔️ Eat balanced, regular meals
✔️ Make time for relaxation and activities you enjoy
✔️ Seek support when stress becomes overwhelming

📍 Have questions about stress, hormones or persistent fatigue? Book a consultation with your GP.

HealthAwareness

01/10/2026

🎉 Celebrating 2 Years! 🎉

Today marks 2 years of my practice — two years of learning, growing, and, most importantly, caring for the wonderful patients who have trusted me with their health. 💚

What started as a new practice has grown into a place where families can feel heard, supported and cared for — and I am incredibly grateful for every patient who has been part of this journey.

Thank you for your trust, your support, your kind words and for allowing me to be part of your lives. It is a privilege to walk alongside you through the seasons of health, illness, prevention and everything in between.

Here’s to two years of caring, growing and building a practice with heart. 🩺💚

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Dr Ilse Wydeman

24/09/2026

🇿🇦 Happy Heritage Day! 🇿🇦

Today we celebrate the rich diversity that makes South Africa unique — our cultures, languages, traditions, stories and the people who bring them to life.

As a healthcare practice, we are privileged to care for people from many different backgrounds. Every family has its own story, traditions and values, and each one forms part of the beautiful tapestry of our country.

Today, let’s celebrate what makes us different — and what brings us together. ❤️

Happy Heritage Day from Dr Ilse Wydeman and the practice team!

25/08/2026

🌿 Asthma is more than just having an inhaler for emergencies.

🌬️ Key points:
• A reliever inhaler should not be your only asthma treatment.
• Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) help control airway inflammation.
• Your treatment should be reviewed regularly and adjusted according to your symptoms and risk of exacerbations.
• Correct inhaler technique is essential — even the right medication won't work properly if it isn't used correctly.
• Know your asthma triggers and have a clear asthma action plan.
• Frequent need for your reliever inhaler is a warning sign that your asthma may not be well controlled.

💚 Good asthma control means being able to live, exercise and sleep without asthma constantly holding you back.

If you have asthma, speak to your doctor about whether your current treatment is still appropriate.

GP HealthyLungs

19/08/2026

🌿 How to use a nasal spray correctly for allergic rhinitis 🤧

A nasal spray can be very effective for blocked, itchy or runny noses — but technique matters!

Here’s the correct way to use it:

1️⃣ Gently blow your nose first to clear the nasal passages.

2️⃣ Shake the bottle if the instructions say to do so.

3️⃣ Tilt your head slightly forward — not backwards.

4️⃣ Use the opposite hand to the nostril you are spraying. For example, use your right hand for your left nostril.

5️⃣ Aim the nozzle slightly outwards, towards your ear — not towards the middle wall of your nose (septum).

6️⃣ Breathe in gently through your nose as you press the spray. Don’t sniff too hard, as the medicine may run into your throat.

7️⃣ Repeat in the other nostril if prescribed.

💡 Tip: Nasal steroid sprays work best when used regularly and correctly. They may take several days to reach their full effect.

If you experience frequent nosebleeds, significant irritation, or your symptoms aren’t improving, speak to your doctor.

👩‍⚕️ Breathe easier this allergy season — good technique makes a difference!

GP DrIlseWydeman

03/07/2026

19/06/2026

Can a blood test screen for cancer?

Many people ask whether there is a simple blood test that can detect cancer early. The answer is: sometimes, but not always.
Blood tests can help identify signs that may suggest cancer, such as:

✔️ Abnormal blood cell counts
✔️ Elevated tumour markers in certain cancers
✔️ Signs of inflammation or organ dysfunction

However, no single blood test can reliably screen for all cancers. Depending on your age, s*x, family history, and risk factors, recommended screening tests may include:
🔹 Cervical screening (Pap smear)
🔹 Mammograms
🔹 Colon cancer screening
🔹 Prostate cancer testing
🔹 Skin examinations

📞 Speak to your GP about which screening tests are appropriate for you and whether any blood tests may be helpful as part of your assessment.

PrimaryCare StayHealthy

29/04/2026

“Sorry doc… I Googled my symptoms.”

You’re allowed to. Really.

The internet isn’t the enemy — it’s just… a very noisy place. Some information is helpful, some is misleading, and some is downright anxiety-inducing.

That’s where I come in.

Think of me as your filter.
Bring what you’ve read, what you’re worried about, and what doesn’t make sense — and we’ll sort through it together.

No judgement. Just clarity. 💬

16/04/2026

What you think being a GP is like vs what it really is like 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️

What people think:
• “It’s just coughs, colds & antibiotics”
• Quick 10-minute chats and you’re done
• Routine, predictable days
• Lots of coffee breaks ☕
• Referring everything “serious” away

What it’s actually like:
• Being a detective 🕵️‍♀️ — spotting the one serious diagnosis hidden among many mild symptoms
• Managing everything — from mental health to chronic disease to emergencies
• Patients who trust you with their most vulnerable moments
• Balancing medicine, admin, counselling, and sometimes… tech support 😅
• Carrying responsibility that doesn’t switch off at 5pm

The truth?
Being a GP isn’t “just basics” — it’s being the front line, the safety net, and often the constant in a patient’s life.