by Janet Smellie
Northern News Services

NNSL (Jan20/97) - The second season of Live and Well is returning to televisions across the North this week.

Produced by the GNWT Department of Education, Culture and Employment with other sponsoring departments, the six-part series will air once a month and focuses on social issues facing teenagers related to health and well-being.

During its first season, suicide and high-risk behavior were tackled, says the show's producer Valerie Conrad.

Conrad says this season's kick-off will deal with the hard reality of how detrimental smoking is to your health.

The 90-minute show, premiering Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. MT is titled Tobacco Issues for Teens, and will start with a documentary-style video followed by a live phone-in show.

"There's so much pressure to smoke because advertisers are now targeting young people so much. I'm hoping this show will make young people think twice before they start smoking," Conrad says.

She says the video was produced with a "twisted style of humor," which will inspire smokers to butt out.

Returning to Live and Well as host is Peggy Holroyd, who hosted the program during its first season.

Holroyd, who's finishing up Grade 12 in Yellowknife, says she's hopeful the show will be as successful as it was last year.

"I think the topics we've dealt with and are dealing with are real important for teenagers to discuss. We're not trying to tell them what to do, but to give them options and let them know help is out there. We're not a preaching show, we're just trying to let people know there are others out there with the same problems."

Holroyd says suicide prevention is on the agenda for this season.

Joining Holroyd, who is planning to go to Carleton University to study journalism when she graduates from high school, as co-host of Live and Well is Michael Akittiq from Igloolik.

Akittiq graduated from high school in Yellowknife and is studying teaching at Aurora College.

He says going live after showing a video is the only way kids are going to reach out.

"I think its a good way to talk about issues. Young people aren't into pre-taped shows. I'm looking forward to working on the show," Akittiq says, adding he plans to return to Igloolik to teach once he graduates.

Conrad says that to further enhance its interactive potential, Live and Well is also being publicized on the Internet.

"NWT schools and teachers that have access to the Internet will be encouraged to create chat sessions regarding any particular show that will be publicized will in advance."