This week we welcome freelancer Dora Walsh into the Focus spotlight. A qualified nutritionist, Walsh’s articles raise reader awareness of health issues while debunking health myths. She is currently a health and nutrition blogger for Virgin Media and is also working on her first book.

About your journalism:

What do you write about?

I write about health and nutrition, debunking health myths and raising awareness on the best way to stay healthy. I’m also a qualified nutritionist, so I know a little bit about the subject. I’m also a commentator and broadcaster on food and nutrition. I love fiction too and I’m currently writing my first book.

Where are we likely to see your work?

I’m the health and nutrition blogger/columnist for Virgin Media http://blogs.virginmedia.com/homefamily/health/diet-blog. And I also have my own nutrition blog reviewing different health foods and diet trends www.nutritionguru1.com.

What’s the most memorable work you’ve done?

I would say, the book I’m writing, but I will have to keep quiet about that until it’s published. It’s an enchanting story though.

Since I’m often asked to debunk faddy diets, I recently wrote a piece on Jennifer Aniston’s baby food diet, Cheryl Coles’ blood typing diet and even Vannesa Feltz’s gastric band which drew quite a lot of attention…

What interview or feature would you love the chance to do?

I would love to write for The Sunday Times. Maybe a feature on holistic nutrition covering topics or foods that most people would never know about. It would be a real eye opener. Nutrition isn’t all about celebrity diets…

About you and PRs:

Where do you source ideas for articles?

Since I also practice nutrition and I’m a commentator, it’s essential for me to keep up to date on the latest food trends and nutrition news.

There are various means, like scientific papers, nutrition bulletins, national news, lectures or walking in my local supermarket.

I’m always watching out for product launches and scour the supermarket shelves on a weekly basis. The latest fad is coconut water which is quite healthy actually. I recently wrote an article on it.

How can PRs be useful to you?

They can keep me up to date on new and relevant health stories and product launches.

How and when do you like them to get in touch?

Directly with relevant information that could provide fuel for good stories. Or for other stuff through my agent Sarah Jane Cass at www.somethinelse.com/category/talent/
if they are interested in having me work on their brand privately as a Nutritionist.

Do you find press conferences, trips, parties and other events useful or an interruption?

I find them useful up to a point.

If you could make one change to the way PRs deal with you, what would it be?

Please send me relevant, concise information.

About you:

How would you pay the bills if you weren’t a journalist?

I have a bit of a portfolio career at the moment, so I would find a way. It would be great to do more presenting which I love.

If we gave you £1000, how would you spend it?

On my bills.

What books are on your bedside table, magazines in your bag, or blogs on your screen?

I always have a few books on the go on all different subjects whether fictional, factual or supernatural. I just finished reading This Book Will Change your Life by A.M Holmes. It’s a compelling read about a man’s reconnection with the world as he slowly awakens from his aseptic style of living. I’m also reading The Nature Doctor by Alfred Vogel which I also love.

[img|jpg|Dora Walsh]