Health, Hope and Happiness

Recovery can make the difference between progress and burnout. On today’s episode of Health, Hope and Happiness, GlenOak High School Athletic Trainer Alex Shaheen shares practical insight on the best ways high school athletes—and adults—can recover after a workout. From sleep and nutrition to load management, heat/cold therapies and the challenges of playing multiple sports, Alex breaks down why r...

Summer break brings fun, flexibility, and family time — but how important are routines for kids during the summer months? In this episode the Hope, Health and Happiness podcast,, C&A Lead Trauma Specialist Mary Kreitz discusses why maintaining healthy summertime routines can make a significant difference in children’s emotional well-being and behavior. Mary shares helpful guidance for families...

 When your child is facing a mental health challenge, getting help quickly matters. C&A’s Walk-In Mental Health Assessment Clinic offers families another pathway to access support and services in a timely, caring, and compassionate environment. This podcast shares important information about our Walk-In Mental Health Assessment Clinic. Families will learn: • What to bring to the appointment •...

In this episode of the Health, Hope and Happiness Podcast, we explore the powerful connection between leadership development and mental health in student-athletes. At Jackson High School in Stark County, Ohio, the softball program is taking a proactive approach—integrating weekly leadership sessions into their fall and winter conditioning routines. Led by senior players, these peer-driven classes...

C&A's Health, Hope and Happiness podcast concludes our three-part series in collaboration with the Emily Program, focused on healthy eating and the mental health of young athletes. In our first two episodes, we had powerful conversations with Brittany Davis and Megan Merrells about balanced nutrition, bigorexia and the pressure many athletes feel around body image. Now, in this final installme...

The Health, Hope and Happiness podcast continues it's three-part series with the Emily Program discussing healthy eating habits for athletes. Today, Brittany Davis, the Midwest senior regional director, and Megan Merrells, a registered dietician, discuss bigorexia, and how this eating disorder affects male athletes. Although the term may sound new, 'bigorexia'—or muscle dysmorphia—is a growing men...

Welcome to this episode of Health, Hope and Happiness podcast, the first in a special three-part series focused on youth and athletic wellness. Today, we're joined by two guests from The Emily Program, Brittany Davis, Midwest regional director, and Megan Merrells, a registered dietitian, who bring years of experience supporting young athletes and youth navigating eating disorders. In this episode...

Welcome to the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast—where we dive into the issues that matter most to our community’s well-being. I’m your host, and in today’s episode, we’re asking a big question: How do students feel about mental health? In this special edition, we turn the mic over to the real experts—our students. Led by Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's Trauma-Informed Specialist Mary K...

Welcome to the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast! In this episode, we’re excited to be joined by GlenOak High School Athletic Trainer, Alex Shaheen, as part of our Athletes Strong for Mental Health initiative. Alex is here to talk about how athletic trainers play a vital role in keeping athletes healthy, and how they assist when injuries occur. We’ll also dive into how the role of an athletic tr...

In Part Two of this powerful two-part series, actor Eddie McClintock continues his conversation, offering an in-depth look into his journey of recovery and the invaluable lessons he’s learned along the way. Eddie bravely shares the challenges he faced while rebuilding his life, maintaining sobriety, and emphasizing the importance of mental health support. This episode delves into Eddie's struggles...

In this episode of the Health, Hope, and Happiness podcast, Eddie McClintock's story sheds light on the complex relationship between mental health, substance use, and personal identity, particularly in the context of adolescence and high school athletics. As a young athlete, Eddie faced the pressures of fitting in socially and maintaining a certain image. These pressures often lead adolescents to...

This episode provides a great resource for coaches who work with athletes on managing body image, weight and performance goals. Discussing weight changes and body composition can indeed be a tricky subject, especially in sports where physical appearance or weight categories play a big role in performance, like gymnastics or wrestling. Yet, fostering a supportive environment is essential for the me...

In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve," Dr. Steve Graef dives into the crucial topic of body image and its impact on athletes. He highlights how the pressure to conform to specific body ideals—common in high school and college sports—can lead to a host of mental health issues. Negative body image can contribute to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and disordered eating, all of which can hinder per...

In this episode of "Ask Dr. Steve" brought to you by Stifel, Dr. Steve Graef delves into the complexities coaches face when working with two-sport athletes. Some of the key challenges include: Time Management: Coaches often worry about athletes balancing commitments between sports, which can lead to scheduling conflicts and reduced practice time for one or both sports. Performance Pressure: There...

What are some of the challenges that two-sport athletes endure? In the summer, communication between two coaches as what practices and games you will be attending or which weight-lifting and agility workouts an athlete will be at. During season, staying focus on the current sport while do a little work for the next sport. There are many benefits to playing two-sports from using muscles to learning...

Social media offers a powerful platform for coaches to shape the narrative around their team and set a positive example. Here’s how coaches and their athletes can handle social media effectively:Coaches may use the platform in this manner. Strategic Posting: Coaches should use social media to provide updates on upcoming games, changes in the lineup, and other essential team information. This keeps...

Dr. Steve Graef's insights on using social media effectively can be incredibly valuable for athletes navigating this complex landscape. Here’s a breakdown of how athletes can make the most of social media, its impact on the recruiting process, and how coaches and parents can assist:Best Ways for Athletes to Use Social Media Brand Building: Engagement: Education and Awareness: Impact on the Recruit...

Navigating the parent-coach dynamic as athletes transition into high school can be complex. The relationship between parents and coaches often shifts from one of close collaboration to more defined boundaries. Here’s how to manage this transition effectively and foster a positive environment for your child:1. Establish Clear Communication GuidelinesBefore the Season Starts: Preseason is an ideal t...

Communication is crucial across all settings, but in athletics, it takes on a unique significance. Effective communication between a coach and athletes can make or break a team's performance and cohesion. In the latest episode of "Ask Dr. Steve," Dr. Steve Graef delves into this very topic, exploring how clear and effective communication can enhance understanding and performance on the field. As t...

Preseason workouts play a crucial role in setting the foundation for a successful sports season. Here are some key points to emphasize why these workouts are important and how coaches can effectively communicate their significance: Physical Preparation: Preseason workouts are designed to enhance athletes' fitness levels, improve agility, strength, and endurance specific to the demands of their spo...

Columbus, Ohio, sports psychologist, Dr. Steve Graef is a valuable resource for coaches, athletes and parents! In this episode, he discusses how coaches can help athletes cope with injuries, which can be incredibly challenging for athletes, both physically and mentally. It's awesome that Dr. Graef is  providing advice on how coaches can support injured players and keep them engaged with the team....

Mary Kreitz highlights the significance of routines and schedules for families during the summer, especially from a therapeutic standpoint. Establishing routines can provide emotional and behavioral benefits for children of all ages, helping them feel more secure and confident in their daily lives. Kreitz  explores various approaches families can take during the summer, ranging from strict schedul...

Child and Adolescent Behavior Health's Trauma Led Specialist Mary Kreitz highlights the significant mental health challenges faced by LGBTQ+ youth, including anxiety and depression exacerbated by lack of acceptance from family, friends, and community. She emphasizes that Pride events play a crucial role in helping these youth feel seen and supported through allies in the community. This discussion...

An athlete trains and works hard in the off season often doing weight conditioning, agility and performance work outs and participating in summer workouts and games. The athlete reaches their goal in season of starting or earning significant playing time only to see an injury sideline them for a few games or the season. Dr. Steve Graef's advice could be incredibly valuable for both coaches and par...

In identifying potential substance use among athletes, coaches and parents should watch for behavioral changes like mood swings or social withdrawal, physical symptoms such as bloodshot eyes or weight fluctuations, performance declines without explanation, shifts in social circles, and secretive behavior. If an athlete is caught using substances, a balanced approach is crucial. It's best to engage...