SEARCH FACULTY/RESEARCH AREA:

Dr. Judy Sheeshka

Research Category Associations:

jsheeshk@uoguelph.ca

Dr. Sheeshka's current research projects generally have implications for national nutrition policy. For example, her projects address questions such as:

• Should fast food restaurants be required to post nutrition information on menu boards?
• Should television advertising of foods and beverages to children be restricted?
• Does Canada's Food Guide address consumers' needs for nutrition information on daily food intakes? If adults don't use Canada's Food Guide, why not?
• How should food insecurity be monitored in Canada? What are the most feasible indicators to use?

Underpinning much of this research is theory, particularly theories that include the role of the physical and social environments in behaviour change, and risk analysis theory. Dr. Sheeshka has over 14 years experience working with Canadian and U.S. experts in environmental medicine and toxicology to assess the health benefits and potential contaminant risks of consuming fish. This work has led to two appointments to scientific sub-committees of the prestigious International Joint Commission of the Great Lakes. Current work using risk analysis theory includes:

• What is the most effective way to communicate information about mercury in fish to Chinese Canadians?
• How do consumers of organic foods perceive the risks and benefits of organic foods versus conventional foods?