By Karen Kier
Pharmacist on behalf of the ONU HealthWise team
Tom Hanks starred in the 2019 biographical drama about Mr. Fred Rogers titled A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was a television staple for children from 1968 until the last episode in 2001. The program was filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania near Fred Rogers’ hometown of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.
Fred Rogers was a shy, overweight child who was frequently bullied by classmates. Fred took these life experiences, both good and bad, to try and develop a deeper understanding of people. Journalist Tom Junod became a friend of Rogers after being assigned an interview with him for Esquire magazine. Tom was amazed at how quickly the relationship developed out of pure kindness from Fred Rogers. He was noted to say that Mr. Rogers really wanted to know what you had to say and how you felt. Junod noted the authenticity of Fred Rogers.
Mr. Rogers’ wanted to be your neighbor, he wanted to be your friend, and he was proud of you (listen to his songs)! He made you feel special right through the television. Tom Junod commented in an interview years later that “he (Mr. Rogers) used that power to do good”.
Why all of this chatter about being a friend and doing good? Because it is good for your health!
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