Health, Hope and Happiness

How can you recover smarter after a workout?

The conversation continues in Part 2 of C&A's Health, Hope and Happiness podcast as host Dan Mucci sits down with GlenOak High School Athletic Trainer Alex Shaheen to explore the science of recovery and athletic performance.In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ Do ice baths or heat therapy really work?
✅ What role do cupping, compression, muscle stimulation, and rest play in recovery?
✅ How does GlenOak use technology to monitor student-athletes and safely manage the demands of playing multiple sports?

Whether you're a student-athlete, parent, coach, weeken...

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 recovery is a critical part of overall performance and wellness.

In Part 1 of this conversation, he discusses what matters most immediately after a workout, how to properly refuel the body, and why understanding load m...

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, including:
• Age-specific tips for summer structure and routines
• How balance, flexibility, and fun can work together
• The importance of discussing expectations and rules when children stay at other households
• Ways to help children transition back into school...

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
• What to expect during the visit
• How the assessment process works
• How our team helps connect families to services and support

At C&A, our staff is committed to welcoming families with compassion...

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 create space for mentorship, accountability, and personal growth. The result is more than just improved performance on the field—it’s a stronger sense of resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

Tune in to hear how this unique approach is shapin...

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 installment, we turn our attention to anorexia nervosa—specifically, how it impacts girls and female athletes. This is a serious and often overlooked issue, and we dig into how it affects not just performance, but overall we...

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 mental health issue among male athletes. These are individuals who, despite being muscular or in peak physical condition, believe they’re never big or strong enough. Many continue to lift excessively, rely on supplements, and in some cases, even purge food in pur...

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 of Health, Hope and Happiness, Dan Mucci talks with experts from the Emily Program about building healthy eating habits, hydration, and spotting early signs of nutritional disorders.

In this episode, we take a closer...

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 Kreitz, this honest and powerful panel discussion gives us a window into the lives of Stark County teens.

 From the pressures of academics, sports, and part-time jobs, to the mental...

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 trainer is continually evolving.

As a sports medicine teacher at GlenOak and someone who oversees more than 24 athletic teams, Alex shares his insights on staying up-to-date with the late...

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 with addiction after graduating college, his move to California, and the pivotal moment that led him to rehabilitation. Now, as a successful actor and a father of two, Eddie reflects on how mental health has impacted not only hi...

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 seek coping mechanisms, such as substance use, as a way to relax, boost confidence, or belong to a group. Despite having what he describes as a "normal" childhood, the internal challenges of navigating social expectations and the desire to manage...

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 mental and physical well-being of athletes.Dr. Graef’s approach—bringing in an athletic trainer or nutrition coach to help guide these discussions—is a great strategy. It helps ensure that any weight management plans are safe, well-balanced, and individualized for ea...

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 performance and overall well-being.

Dr. Graef emphasizes the serious consequences of poor body image, including an increased risk of depression and even suicidal thoughts. He warns against normalizing the pressure to m...

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 can be pressure for athletes to excel in both sports, which may result in burnout or stress, impacting mental health and performance.Team Dynamics: Coaches may feel that splitting focus can disrupt team cohesion or create competition for...

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 how to handles stress and anxiety in different sports. If you are a two sport-athlete, Dr. Steve Graef offers some insightful tips to help you navigate the success and pitfalls of being a multi-sport...

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 fans informed and engaged.Setting an Example: By modeling professional behavior online, coaches can influence their athletes’ social media habits. This includes being respectful, avoiding inflammatory posts, and maintaining a positive tone.Promoting Values: Coaches can...

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 Recruiting Process
Visibility and Exposure:Character Assessment:Monitoring and Assisting by Coaches and Parents
Education:Active Monitoring:Support and Guidance:Dr. Steve Graef’s tips likely emphasize a balance between showcasing one’s abilities and ma...

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 time to establish how communication will work between parents and coaches. Set up a meeting with the coach to discuss and agree upon communication norms. This can include:
Preferred Communication Channels: Email, phone calls, or meetings.Timing: When it’s appropriate to reac...

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 the fall sports season approaches, it's a great time for coaches to reflect on how they're conveying their messages to their players. Dr. Graef’s insights can provide valuable strategies for ensuring that athletes not only he...

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 sport. This physical preparation reduces the risk of injuries during the season and improves overall performance.Team Cohesion: These workouts bring athletes together early, fostering team bonding and camaraderie. Team chemistry often begins to develop during preseason, which can positively impact team...

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. This kind of support is crucial not only for recovery but also for maintaining the athlete's mental well-being during a difficult time.

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 schedules to more flexible ones, or even a combination of both. This discussion likely touches on how different approaches can impact family dynamics and children's well-being during the summertime.

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 encourages individuals to learn how to foster acceptance and inclusivity for everyone.

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 parents in supporting athletes who are facing the disappointment and frustration of being sidelined by injury after working so hard to reach their goals. It's crucial for coaches to find ways to keep the i...

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 in open communication, provide education on the risks, offer support resources, and collaboratively develop an action plan. Consequences like temporary benching may be necessary, but they should be accompanied by support and rehabilitation efforts rather than...

It sounds like Dr. Steve Graef is addressing an important issue in youth sports: the behavior of parents on the sidelines. Maintaining decorum and promoting sportsmanship among parents is crucial for creating a positive and supportive environment for young athletes.

Parents play a significant role in shaping their children's attitudes towards sportsmanship. When they exhibit negative behavior, such as yelling at officials, players, or other parents, it sets a poor example for their children and can contribute to a toxic atmosphere.

Dr. Steve Graef's advice likely includes strategies for parents to manage their emotions and behavior...

It's disheartening to hear about instances where sportsmanship isn't upheld, especially considering the importance of teaching and modeling it from the outset of a player's athletic journey. Sportsmanship encompasses more than just the actions on the field; it's about respect, integrity, and empathy towards opponents, teammates, coaches, and officials.

The prevalence of social media and instant sharing has indeed intensified the spotlight on athletes' behaviors, both positive and negative. While it's great for celebrating good sportsmanship moments, it also means that instances of poor behavior can quickly spread and have lasting consequences.

Parents and coaches play...

Mental health among teens is such an important topic, and having students from different high schools sharing their viewpoints can provide a broader perspective on how different communities address these issues. Mary Kreitz's experience in clinical work likely helped guide the conversation in a productive and empathetic direction, while Jacki Power's dual perspective as both a teacher and a parent likely added depth to the discussion. It's great to see communities coming together to address these crucial issues affecting young people.

Panelists include students from Canton Central Catholic, Massillon Washington, Canton McKinley and Sandy Valley high schools in...

Absolutely, fostering a culture of good sportsmanship within a team is crucial for creating a positive and respectful environment, both on and off the field. Coaches play a pivotal role in shaping the attitudes and behaviors of their players. By emphasizing values such as respect, integrity, and empathy, coaches can instill in their players the importance of fair play and graciousness in victory and defeat.

Leading by example is key. Coaches who demonstrate sportsmanship in their own actions and interactions serve as powerful role models for their players. Whether it's congratulating opponents, showing empathy towards teammates, or accepting...

Dr. Steve Graef's insights into differentiating between anxiety, sports pressure, and typical adolescent behavior in student-athletes can be invaluable for parents. Here's a summary of the guidelines he may provide:
Open Communication: Encourage parents to establish open lines of communication with their student-athletes at all stages of their sporting journey, from Little League to high school. This involves creating an environment where the athlete feels comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings about the game and their mental state.Setting Boundaries: Help parents set boundaries with their athletes regarding discussing the game and how the athlete is feeling. While it's...

The pressure on athletes can be immense, and it's crucial to address not just their physical well-being but also their mental health. Providing tips on balancing different aspects of life and recognizing when to seek help can make a significant difference in athletes' overall well-being. It's encouraging to see efforts being made to support athletes in all aspects of their lives.

Coaches today are being asked to do more than worrying about the X's and O's of their sport these days. One area that coaches are paying more attention to is an athlete's mental health. Today, coaches may monitor the unprecedented scrunity and pressure athletes face playing sports. Some of this pressure is due to social media. What warning signs should a coach be looking for to see if an athlete is struggling with their mental health.

In today's episode of "Ask Dr Steve," Dr. Steve Graef examines this topic and provides insights for coaches. Dr. Steve makes sure...

How do parents manage their child from experiencing sports burn out. Burn out for many kids begins at an early age of competing year round or trying to play all the sports their friends play. As children grow older, pressure may build to compete year round. And for many parents, with multiple kids, parents will experience burn out getting their children to all of their activities. In this episode of Ask Dr. Steve, Dr. Steve Graef offers tips for parents on how to manager their own expectations and potential burnout to also managing their kids expectations and potential for burnout...

Many athletes today are experieincing sport burn out at earlier and earlier ages. One statistic smentioned is 45% of youth athletes quit their sport beacuse of burnout and 70% of kids quit sports by age 13 due to burn out. One contributing factor is athletes from a young age are playing sports year round include summer/fall leagues or AAU. Playing more than one sports in some cases can contribute to the burnout affect. If an athlete is experieincing burnout, what steps can the athlete take. In this episode of Ask Dr. Steve, Dr. Steve Graef offers tips for athletes to avoid getting...

In the latest episode of Ask Dr. Steve, Dr. Steve Graef discusses how coaches at all levels can tell if an athlete is experiencing burn out. Today, athletes are participating in their chosen sport 365 days a year with taking little time off. If an athlete plays multiple sports, this may help alleviate burnout from one sport or the other but burnout from practicing may occur. This is a great listen for youth coaches, middle school and high school coaches.

While most parents are supportive of their athlete and only want the best, many parents unwillingly place too much pressure for their athlete to perform well in the " big game or must win game." This pressure can lead an athlete to have performance anxiety. Oftentimes as well, parents have internal nervousness before their athlete plays a big game. This episode of the Health, Hope and Happiness podcast discusses ways parents can help their athlete maintain a good balance between school, friends and athletics and introduces ways to normalize conversations where the athlete feels this external pressure so the athletic contest...

Many athletes experience performance anxiety, especially leading up to the big game or must win game. Athletes often experience nervousness, butterflies and other feelings waiting all day to play a game at night. In this episode of the Health, Hope and Happiness podcast, Dr. Steve provides tips for athletes to deal with nerves and performance anxiety. He also discusses how athletes can block out the noise leading up to the game - from family, friends and media. These tips may also carry over to help the athlete in their academic career as well.

During the season, many coaches will place undo pressure on players to perform for the "big game" or a "must win game." This additional pressure on athletes may cause some performance anxiety in practice that translates into the game. Coaches may also feel anxiety themselves in calling or managing the game. In this edition of the Health, Hope and Happiness podcast, Dr. Steve Graef addresses how coaches can help an athlete who is struggling with performance anxiety. He provides tips how having conversations at the beginning of the season can lead to less tension during the duration of the season.

In this episode, Columbus, Ohio, based sports psychologist Dr. Steve Graef discusses how a coach can create an inclusive team culture. Many athletes come from a diverse backgrounds and bring multiple perspectives to a team. Dr. Steve discusses how coaches can create and embrace the diversity. He also talks about how an athlete can the diversity of his teammates and create team bonding activities. This timely topic provides interesting perspectivies and tips to help coaches, athletes and navigate what can be a challenging and as Dr. Steve states, "a messy topic."