PARK RIDGE—In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and in concert with the Mayors Wellness Program, PKRG-TV will present a three-part series of programs “to enhance the well-being of our town” that focus on topics including anxiety, diversity, and eldercare.
The programs began airing in May and will continue through June, said PKRG Managing Director Howard Fredrics. He said the topics were chosen by PKRG-TV’s member committee.
“We decided based on what we (PKTG-TV’s member committee) believed would be of interest and value to our audience, in order to enhance the well-being of our town, and based on the availability of potential guests” said Fredrics.
He said the shows initially will be broadcast on Optimum Ch. 77 or FIOS Channel 22, and then posted to YouTube at a later date. No timeline for such posting was provided.
In Episode. 1, Conquering Anxiety and Stress, “It’s pretty clear that we’re living in times of considerable stress, brought on by such events as the pandemic, the 2020 election and events surrounding the Jan. 6th insurrection, and the current war in Ukraine,” said Fredrics.
Appearing alongside Lori Fredrics, a PKRG-TV host, in episode one was child psychologist Dr. Frank J. Sileo, a state licensed psychologist, and founder/executive director of Psychological Enhancement, LLC, of Ridgewood.
In Episode 2, former New York Giants player Robert E. Douglas, a 2008 Super Bowl winner and certified diversity expert, speaks about diversity, equity and inclusion in society and sports. He is interviewed by PKRG-TV host Trevor Dublin.
“We felt that the subject would be helpful in educating our viewers about the value and impact on the well-being of having a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace and community,” noted Fredrics. He said discussing the topic is consistent with Park Ridge’s newly created Diversity Committee.
Douglas has a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University and is owner of Clarity/Triumph Coaching and Consulting.
Episode 3 features a Q&A with eldercare attorney Steve Tarta of Midland Park that touches on topics such as advanced directives, health care proxies, living wills, and selecting a senior facility, including fiscal and physical health management for seniors.
Fredrics said here, “We felt that our community, including both our seniors, and their family members would benefit from learning about both financial and physical health management issues, that would address a range of concerns affecting our senior citizens.”
Tarta has been in business since 1992.
Fredrics said, “Our town, through its Mayor’s Wellness Program, managed by the Mayor’s Wellness Committee, has organized a series of events that are taking place during May and June, which are designed to help residents to improve their physical and mental health and well-being.”
He added, “PKRG-TV is working to try to include coverage of some of these events, either under the auspices of our Well Being TV series, or as stand-alone programs, as appropriate. But in any case, all of these events and programs are part of a larger effort by the town to improve the health and well-being of its residents.”
All programs will be broadcast initially on PKRG-TV and later added to the station’s YouTube.
Approximately 15 local wellness activities and events are also planned locally in May and listed on the borough website. Interested residents can register on the borough website and participate in an online raffle.
Visit pkrgtv.com.