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 well-being and mental health.

 Brittany, the Midwest senior regional director, and Megan, a registered dietitian, return with insightful, practical advice for coaches and parents. They break down what signs to look for and how to support athletes who might be struggling.

It’s an important, eye-opening conversation with potentially life-saving takeaways. Let’s get into it.

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 pursuit of an unattainable ideal.

While eating disorders in female athletes have been extensively studied and discussed, male eating disorders often fly under the radar—overlooked by parents, coaches, and even athletic trainers. In today’s world of strength training, performance enhancement, and image-driven social media, it’s time we shift the conversation.

In this episode, you'll hear a unique perspective on how male athletes view themselves—and learn how to spot the signs when self-image becomes self-destructive. It’s an important and eye-opening conversation you won’t want to miss."

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 look at healthy eating habits for athletes. Brittany and Megan break down what proper nutrition really looks like for developing athletes, how eating impacts both physical performance and mental health, and the subtle signs parents and coaches should watch for when it comes to disordered eating. We also dive into the unique challenges posed by some sports that involve extreme weight components and how these can contribute to eating distorders. 

Brittany offers valuable reminders throughout the conversation about the importance of bringing joy and “fun” when eating, even in competitive environments. Plus, we explore how supplements can either support or hinder nutrition, and why food should always be the foundation for any athlete’s health.

Whether you're a coach, a parent, or an athlete yourself, this episode is packed with practical insights and compassionate advice to help build healthier, stronger young athletes on and off the field. Let’s dive in.

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 toll of social media and cell phones, these students share what it's really like to grow up in a digital world—a world vastly different from the one their parents knew.

You’ll hear firsthand how they navigate stress, cope with anxiety, and find moments of hope in the chaos. Their insight is raw, real, and more relevant than ever.

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 latest treatments and modalities. This is a must-listen for both coaches and athletes, as we explore how the collaboration between trainers and teams truly benefits the athlete."

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 his own life but also his family.

This candid and inspiring discussion offers listeners a chance to reflect on their own lives and opens a door for crucial conversations within families and communities. C&A is honored to share Eddie's remarkable story, with the hope that it provides valuable insight and encouragement to those who may be on their own path to healing.

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 stress or anxiety may have contributed to his experimentation with substances.

For Eddie, using substances initially provided a way to "feel better" or gain temporary relief. This could be linked to the idea of substances acting as a coping strategy for underlying emotional struggles, which many people—particularly those with mental health challenges—turn to in their formative years. Whether it was anxiety, loneliness, or a sense of inadequacy, the temporary relief offered by substances can feel comforting. Unfortunately, this can quickly evolve into addiction, especially when substances become a means of managing emotions that haven't been addressed in healthier ways.

As a star athlete, Eddie's use of substances was hidden well, showcasing the tension that often exists between outward success and internal turmoil. Many athletes hide their struggles because there is a public expectation to be strong, disciplined, and in control. Parents, coaches, and teachers might overlook signs of substance use due to the athlete's success, focusing more on performance than on personal well-being. This can make it even harder for someone like Eddie to seek help or acknowledge the problem, as there is fear of disappointing others or appearing weak. The double life he led—excelling in sports while struggling with addiction—was an incredibly challenging dynamic that speaks to the broader issues many people face when dealing with addiction and mental health issues in high-pressure environments.

In Part One of the series, Eddie's honest conversation about his journey—filled with struggles and moments of hope—offers a valuable perspective on how addiction can affect anyone, regardless of outward appearance. His story emphasizes the importance of seeking help, highlighting that recovery and hope are possible even after years of hardship. The episode serves as a reminder that addiction doesn't discriminate, and finding a path to healing often begins with an open conversation about one's struggles.

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 each athlete. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining positive body image, and focusing on performance rather than just aesthetics, can also reduce the risk of negative mental health impacts.Some key takeaways that may be useful for coaches:

1. Personalized Approach: Each athlete has unique needs. It's essential to tailor discussions and plans based on their individual goals, sport demands, and health status.
2. Support and Resources: Involve the right professionals, like nutritionists, athletic trainers, and psychologists, to ensure athletes are getting accurate advice and support.
3. Open Communication: Coaches should create a culture where athletes feel comfortable talking about body image issues without fear of judgment. This can help address any concerns early before they escalate.
4. Focus on Health, Not Just Aesthetics: Help athletes see the connection between their body composition, nutrition, and performance goals, emphasizing strength, endurance, and overall health rather than just achieving a certain number on the scale.
5. Mental Health Awareness: Body image issues can sometimes lead to or exacerbate anxiety, depression, or disordered eating. Coaches should be aware of these risks and be prepared to connect athletes with the necessary mental health resources if needed.

This sounds like an important conversation for any coach to be having—whether they are working with athletes in high school, college, or professional settings. The balance between promoting performance and maintaining well-being is crucial, and it seems Dr. Graef offers some helpful strategies for navigating this.

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 meet certain body standards, as it can be harmful to athletes.

To navigate these challenges, Dr. Graef offers practical advice. He encourages athletes to seek guidance from athletic trainers or nutritionists when considering changes to their body composition. This episode is a valuable resource for any athlete looking to maintain a healthy mindset while pursuing their goals.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Team Dynamics: Coaches may feel that splitting focus can disrupt team cohesion or create competition for playing time, leading to tension within teams.
4. Resource Allocation: Limited resources (like facilities and coaching staff) can complicate how coaches support dual-sport athletes effectively.

Dr. Graef emphasizes the importance of open communication. Coaches should foster an understanding environment, recognizing the value of multi-sport participation for athlete development. Instead of creating obstacles, coaches can collaborate with athletes to create flexible training schedules that accommodate both sports.He also suggests that athletic directors play a crucial role by advocating for policies that support multi-sport athletes and providing resources that help coaches manage these challenges effectively. This episode is a valuable resource for coaches at all levels who want to enhance the experience and well-being of their student-athletes.

















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