Holistic Health Radio Episode 17: Finding credible research and calling out B.S. health advice with Katrina Pruszkowski

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Episode Summary

Today I’m joined by Katrina Pruszkowski, who works in the medical industry and runs an online fashion blog called Leather and Soie. She and I first met when we worked together in Adelaide and our mutual love of all things health and fitness, plus a few late night vodkas and busting a move on the dancefloor, led to a lifelong friendship.

Having both been through our own eating disorder journeys, we realise the importance of getting sound evidence-based health advice. However, in today’s world where every second person is citing some research paper, it’s hard to know what evidence is actually credible?

In today’s podcast we chat through:

• How you can decipher a good scientific study from a bad one
• The difference between correlation and causation and why that’s so important
• Hierarchy of research – if you want the “gold standard” of evidence this is what you need to look for
• Peer reviewed vs. Non-peer reviewed plus
• Misinterpretation of results made by the media

Speaker Background – Katrina Pruszkowski

Can you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I grew up competing for Australia in Gymnastics and Sport Aerobics, where my passion for health and fitness began. Whilst studying my undergraduate degree in Human Movement (majoring in Exercise Physiology) I was a personal trainer, coach, and group fitness trainer. I also completed my graduate diploma in International Sports Management after a stint in the Middle East, enabling me to grasp a better understanding of the business side of sport and fitness.

Currently, I work as a Product Manager in a medical device company, with almost 7 years’ experience in the both the medical device and pharmaceutical industry, having looked after products in cardiovascular disease (both coronary & EP), diabetes, endovascular, and now renal disease. I love working in a patient focused industry, that utilises not only my skills and passion in science, but in business strategy too. I will also be finishing my MBA this year, which has enabled me to not only improve my skills in business management, but broaden my breadth of thinking in areas such as psychology, economics, and negotiation.

On top of those passions, I also have a (fashion) style blog, because I absolutely love helping women find their own personal style; this helps women not only feel more confident, but contributes more positively to sustainable living, by maximising their current wardrobe and consuming less.

In your own words, please describe your own health journey and where you’re with it now.

Right now, at the age of 32, I am happy to say I live a balanced lifestyle of weight training, a few body attack classes, and good food & wine! This took me a while to achieve after many years competing at high level sports, and suffering from anorexia when I was 15 years old.

I have been through many ups and downs, but every day I become more and more at peace with myself and I am confident with what I have to offer. I am thankful for my health, my life, and my wonderful family & friends.

What are you passionate about at work and in your own personal life?

I am most passionate about spending quality time with my husband, family and friends, as well as continued education. The more I learn, the more I realise I don’t know! I want to keep learning and growing in all aspects of my life, so I can help more people.

I also love a good workout session, a great Italian or Japanese meal, as well as plenty of travelling! I hope to continue doing all of this in fabulous style, for years to come!

Where can we find out more about you?

Website: www.leatherandsoie.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/leatherandsoie

Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/leatherandsoie