Health, Hope and Happiness

Mental Health Walk In Clinic_1

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, understanding, and no judgment as they take an important first step toward care.

Leadership classes for student-athletes that go beyond the athletic field

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 shaping student-athletes into leaders, equipping them with skills that extend far beyond the game and preparing them for lifelong success.

The Emily Program - Anorexia_1

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.

What is the affect of bigorexia on male athletes?

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."

What should athletes be eating — and how much?

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.