The Board of Aldermen approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with candid, LLC for branding services as outlined in the City’s strategic plan during its July 26th meeting.                
      “The main deliverable of the project is a ‘brand position’ which in its simplest form will define how Grain Valley differs from other cities and how we can stand apart, while making sure we portray the most accurate image of the city as possible,” Deputy City Administrator Theresa Osenbaugh said.                
     A new logo and tagline for the City, related marketing materials, along with branding guidelines for staff are included in the overall package. Osenbaugh emphasizes these elements are but a piece of how the City’s brand will be communicated.    
     “The brand position will largely be formed from the qualitative and quantitative research which will include the direct input of the community. As we look to attract more businesses, amenities, residents and travelers, it is imperative that Grain Valley communicates exactly what makes us the best choice for relocation or tourism.”
     The contract with candid, LLC, a Lee’s Summit based firm, totals $33,500; $19,400 to be paid in 2021, with the balance paid in 2022. Research and key messaging sessions will begin in August, with the targeted completion date of March 2022.
     In other business, the Board also approved a resolution to continue construction of phase 2 of the pedestrian trail at Blue Branch Creek. Phase 2 will provide connectivity between the Sni-A-Bar Farms neighborhoods and the high school campus and downtown corridor.
     The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Board of Aldermen will be Monday, August 9, 2021 at 7:00pm in Council Chambers at City Hall.
 

​     Summer is here! In addition to high temperatures, the summer season brings busy schedules filled with family-fun activities. This summer, spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the outdoors with family and friends. 
     Using an air fryer, you can spend less time preparing meals while still providing healthy options that your family will love.
     What is an air fryer? An air fryer is an appliance that works like a more powerful countertop convection oven. It can do the job of multiple appliances in one, while taking up minimal countertop space. Air fryers can be found in a wide price range, available for every budget. Investing in an air fryer can offer you and your family a variety of benefits.
 
Here are five reasons to own an air fryer:
     Healthy Twist: Minimize your oil usage, while still getting a nice crisp finish on your favorite foods. By minimizing your use of oil, you will also be able to better control your calorie intake.
     Time Saver: Busy families can always benefit from time-saving appliances. Using an air fryer will be quicker and cleaner than cooking by oven or frying in a pan.
     Easy to Use: This appliance is very user friendly with only a few buttons needed to control it. They also often come with a user manual that gives you time and temperature guidance for a variety of foods.
     Versatility: Air fryers come in a variety of sizes and can be used to cook almost any food including meats, fruits, vegetables and even baked goods.
     Keep Things Cool: It’s hot enough in the summer, so we don’t want to heat things up even more with our meal prep. The air fryer will cook your meal without creating a sauna out of your kitchen.
     Cooking at home is an important part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The air fryer can be a healthy and affordable way to help you with meal prep, making it easier to continue cooking at home.
     If you have more questions regarding your or your family’s personal nutrition needs, contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian. You can find out more about the nutrition services available at www.hy-vee.com/health.
 
     The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
     Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship.
     She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
 

     Last week I had the pleasure to speak to a group of people about the needs of supplements for people over 50 years of age; it included specific supplements for people taking certain classes of medications and the vitamins essential for that age group. 
     In that spirit I will discuss with you the vitamins/minerals that are essential to those people (daily amounts based on a person with normal body functions):
 
Vitamin D
     Without this vitamin, the body is not able to efficiently absorb Calcium; so this vitamin is essential for the maintenance of bone density and health.  Vitamin D may also help reduce the risk of heart disease, inflammation, and diabetes.  You can get this from fatty fish, fish liver oils, fruit juice, dark green leafy vegetables, egg yolks, fortified dairy, and fortified cereals.
     The other way to get Vitamin D is through sunlight on the skin.  The amount received is dependent upon the strength of the sunlight, the use of sunscreen, the amount of time in the sun, and the degree of pigmentation of the skin.  As we are spending more time in inside instead of outside the need for supplements has increased.
     The daily recommended amount of Vitamin D if you are age 51–70, is at least 15 mcg (600 IU) each day, but not more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU). If you are over age 70, you need at least 20 mcg (800 IU), but not more than 100 mcg (4,000 IU).
 
Calcium
     As stated above, this mineral is essential for the maintenance of bone density and health.  Something to keep in mind, it is much, much, much easier to maintain good bone density than to try to repair bone loss (actually it is almost impossible to repair bone loss).  
     You can get calcium from milk and other dairy, some forms of tofu, dark-green leafy vegetables, soybeans, canned sardines and salmon with bones, and calcium-fortified foods
     The daily recommended amount of Calcium for men 51-70 is 1,000 mg and for men over 71, it is 1,200 mg per day.  For women, no matter the age, is 1,200 mg per day. 
     One other thing, if you are being treated at all for bone weakness/low bone density/osteoporosis and not taking a Calcium and Vitamin D supplement, you are wasting your time/effort/money. 
     Your current intake of Calcium got you to this state of poor bone density, only an increase in Calcium absorption will allow the other changes to take affect.
 
Vitamin B12
     This Vitamin keeps the body’s nerve and blood cells health which can help with anemia, Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, etc.  You can get this vitamin from meat, fish, poultry, milk, and fortified breakfast cereals
The daily recommended amount of Vitamin B12 is 2.4 mcg for both men and women

Vitamin B6
    Vitamin B6 aids in the production of neurotransmitters.  These help brain and nerve cells transmit to each other with key benefits to metabolism, immunity, memory loss, arthritis, and diabetes.  Vitamin B6 is found in a wide variety of foods including: fish, beef liver, starchy vegetables, and fruit (other than citrus).
The daily recommended amount of Vitamin B6 for men is 1.7 mg.  For women 1.5 mg per day. 
 
Vitamin B9
     Studies have shown the Vitamin to slow or prevent memory loss, helps convert carbohydrates in energy, protect skin from premature aging, and increase red blood cell production.  Vitamin B9 can be found in vegetables and fruit, such as broccoli, brussel sprouts, spinach, and oranges. It can also be found in nuts, beans, and peas.
     The daily recommended amount of Vitamin B9 is 400 mcg DFE (400 mcg as food, 667 mcg as supplement with food, 800 mcg as supplement without food)
Almost all these essential elemental needs can be met with a good daily vitamin taken every day. 
     Please remember each person is different and the required dosing to maintain efficient body function may differ from what is written in this article and to consult with your care provider when you are going to start/stop/change any prescribed medication or over the counter supplement.
     Please feel free to reach out to us at Info@Crosettis.com, or your care provider, with any questions about this article.  Let me know if you would like me to write about a topic of your interest.
 

​    America’s most popular home garden plant happens to be my favorite (and most successful crop) as well. It doesn’t matter if it is fresh from the garden or prepared into a favorite sauce or salsa, the versatility of the tomato makes it easy to understand why it is America’s favorite.
     Tomatoes belong to the Solanaceae family, more commonly known as the nightshade family. Other members of the Solanaceae family include peppers, potatoes, tomatillos, eggplant, and even tobacco. For centuries, the association with the nightshade family coupled with the strong scent given off by the plant, led to the myth that tomatoes were truly poisonous.
     Long before it was considered fit to eat, it was grown only as an ornamental garden plant, sometimes called "love apple."
     Tomatoes are native to the Andes of Peru, where they first grew in the wild as a bright red, marble-sized, cherry-type tomato. Gradually, they would spread throughout South America and north into Central America but then the trail goes cold until Christopher Columbus’ travels to and from the ‘new world’, which would eventually land the fruit in Spain in the mid-16th century. 
     Over the next several decades, different cultivars spread through Spain, France and Italy and became a widely accepted food in the Mediterranean region. As the tomato varieties spread north and east through Europe, they were not as widely accepted among the English and German and were thought to be poisonous.
     As the colonies established in the United States, the tomato became less feared. One of the earliest notable growers of tomatoes was none other than Thomas Jefferson, a remarkably progressive Virginia farmer as well as a statesman, who grew them in the late 1780’s. By the early 1800’s, tomatoes had become a common enhancement in the Creole gumbos and jambalayas of Southern cooking. By 1850, the tomato had made its way into most American urban markets and today is grown world-wide, where the temperate seasons allow. California, Florida, and Georgia lead tomato production in the US.
     Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, and fiber. They are also one of the richest sources of lycopene, a phytonutrient that shows great promise in cancer prevention. It’s worth noting that the amount of lycopene increases when tomatoes are cooked, as in a sauce. Regardless of that fact, salsa is still my favorite way to enjoy tomatoes.
     This Greek salsa recipe is a twist on the southwest favorite and gives a nod to the Mediterranean region who first accepted tomatoes.
     Denise Sullivan is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in the Urban West Region, serving Jackson and Platte Counties. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region
 

     Summer is a great time to focus on eating more vegetables, and it’s easier than ever when there is an abundance of fresh, colorful vegetables in the garden and grocery store! Dial up the flavor on summer vegetable favorites with herbs and spices that can bring big flavor to your table. Adding spices and herbs is easy to do, costs pennies per serving and can offer a healthy boost!
     The right type of herb typically depends on what you cook. Both fresh and dried spices can be used in different ways to add flavor and nutrition. Fresh herbs add the most nutritional benefit. Add them at the end of cooking to add a boost of fresh flavor and visual appeal. Use a 3:1 ratio fresh to dry in recipes. Fresh herbs can be stored for two weeks in the refrigerator while dried herbs can be kept in a dark pantry for six months and dried spices up to three years.
     Fruit and vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber. Aim to eat 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Pickling is another way to add variety and work color into a healthy diet! Quick pickles, also known as refrigerator pickles, do not require canning and are easy to do. Simply soak veggies or fruit in a brine in the fridge to preserve them.
     Try using a combination of fresh and dried herbs and spices to add flavor when pickling.  Fresh herbs like dill, thyme and oregano hold up well while ground spices like turmeric and paprika add great flavor and color!  The longer they soak, the better they get! Check out the recipes below for quick pickling ideas!
     Visit hy-vee.com/health to connect with your local Hy-Vee dietitian, get more information on consultation packages, virtual nutrition store tours and more!
     The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
     Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship.
     She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
 

  
     Continuing from my  last article on a subject specific for the summer time; I would like to talk about insect repellents. In this article I will talk about the whys, which’s, and how’s of insect repellents.

Why use insect repellents
     Not only is the use of insect repellents going to help you and your family not itch after your outdoor adventure, it can and will, help in the prevention of insect borne diseases.  Some of these diseases are Lyme disease, Zika, West Nile disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Ehrlichiosis, Tularemia, Heartland virus, Bourbon virus, St. Louis Encephalitis, and others.  They are treatable (ability to decrease the severity) if identified early and treated. 

Which insect repellents to use
     Before we dive into this let me say this: insect repellents keep biting insects away (mosquitos, ticks, chiggers, flees, and biting flies), not stinging insects (bees, hornets, and wasps). There is not a repellent for stinging insects, so the best way to avoid them is to remove things that may attract them (trash, sweet smelling scents, food, etc.) and do not disturb their home (unless you are prepared to destroy the nest and handle the swarm).
     Which product you choose should be dependent upon the length of time you will be outside, what you are trying to repel (flying insects, ticks, or both), and your preference in type of repellant.  
     There is no rule of thumb, so to speak, about what to use; the container should show which type of pests it repels and for how long.  If you would prefer to research online to choose which brand to purchase, you can go to the EPA website at https://www.epa.gov/insect-repellents/find-repellent-right-you. You type in the information necessary (length of time, what to repel, product preferences) and the site provides a listing of repellents  that fit your scenario and are EPA approved.

     A quick rundown of the active ingredients options is below:

EPA approved safe and deemed effective repellents:
Catnip oil
Citronella
DEET
IR 3535
p-Menthane-3,8-diol
Lemon Eucalyptus oil
Picaridin
2-undecanone

Other insect repellents – Safe but not proven effective by EPA:
Geranium
Peppermint oil
Soybean oil
Ultrasonic devices

Other ways to repel biting insects that can be used alone or better yet, in conjunction with repellants:
Stay away from areas that attract insects (garbage cans, orchards, flowerbeds, standing water, etc.)
Avoid scented skin treatments (soap, perfume, hairsprays, etc.)
Clothing with bright colors or floral prints may attract insects
Check for ticks once you return from the outside adventure
Long sleeve shirts and pants with the legs tucked into the socks
Spraying permethrin on clothing (not skin) will repel ticks
 
How to apply the repellents
Do:
Pick the product that comes in the form of a stick, lotion, or pump sprays
Follow directions on container
Apply repellent to exposed skin and clothing only (not under clothing)
Only apply enough to lightly cover the exposed skin and clothing.  More does not change anything except the amount of chemical the person is exposed; it does not increase duration or efficacy
Use open areas to apply the sprays to avoid inhalation
Apply spray repellents to children by spraying on hands of adult and adult applying to areas on child
Wash skin with soap and water when done outside to remove remaining repellent and wash the clothing before wearing again 
 
Do Not:
Do not use on children under 2 months of age (use mosquito netting)
Do not apply repellent to children’s hands as they tend to rub eyes or place fingers in mouth
Do not spray repellent on cuts, wounds, burned, or irritated skin
Do not use combination DEET repellent/sunscreen products as multiple applications of the sunscreen may lead to overexposure of DEET
 
     Finally, if you notice a “bull’s eye” pattern around the bite or experience fever, headache, and/or muscle aches, you should reach out to your care provider for further evaluation.
     I hope this helps you and your family in the use of insect repellents for the situation you will be in and remember the best for today may not be the best for tomorrow. 
     Please feel free to reach out to us at Info@Crosettis.com, or your care provider, with any questions about the information in this article.  Let me know if you would like me to write about a topic of your interest.

     With the temperatures already into the 90’s and the pools opening I feel it is a good idea to cover the two types of sunscreens available, their pros, and cons, and how to choose the one for you and your family in this situation.  
     Before that let us discuss what UVA, UVB, and UVC are and why we need to be concerned with them.  Ultraviolet (UV) light waves are not visible by the human eye and are classified by wavelength. UVA has the longest wavelength where UVC has the shortest.  
     UVC and some UVB are filtered out by the Ozone layer of the atmosphere, which leaves the remaining UVB and all the UVA to affect your exposed skin.  UVB with its shorter wavelength only penetrates the top layers of your skin causing inflammation and damage (aka sunburn); whereas UVA rays can cause damage deeper in the skin which could lead to cellular changes (cancer potential).
 
Two types of sunscreens
     The two types of sunscreens (Mineral and Chemical) work through two different mechanisms of protecting the skin from damage.  Mineral sunscreens stay on the surface of the skin and physically block the penetration of both UVA and UVB rays through scattering and deflecting from the skin.
     Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and absorb the UV rays.  Once absorbed the rays are converted into heat and released through the skin. 
     Which type of sunscreen you choose should be dependent upon not only the time/area you will be but also the activities in which you and your family will be participating.  Review these pros/cons for both mineral and chemical sunscreens to help you make the appropriate decision.
 
Mineral sunscreens pros/cons
Pros
Effective as soon as they are applied
Block both UVA and UVB rays
Not absorbed into the body
Will not clog pores
 
Cons
Must be liberally applied (full coverage of skin)
Visible as a white film on skin
Can be rubbed, sweated, washed off easily
Frequent reapplication
Loose powder or spray-on types can be inhaled which can injure the lungs
 
Chemical sunscreens pros/cons
Pros
Less product needed to fully cover area
Product is easier to spread on skin
Not visible once applied
 
Cons
Some UVA exposure could happen
Needs time to become active once applied
Can exacerbate rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation
Need for reapplication is dependent upon the amount of UVA/UVB rays absorbed, with no real indicator as to when the time for reapplication has approached.
     Absorbed into the body with no completed studies showing the effects of these compounds on the body in short term or long-term spans of time.
 
     Here are some things to consider as well with your choice:
Read the ingredients
Mineral – choose ones with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as they have the most studies on their safety and effectiveness
Chemical – avoid Oxybenzone (linked to numerous health risks)
Lotions are the best form
Sprays can be more convenient, but lotions dramatically reduce potential inhalation and lung exposure
 
Consider event
     Use a mineral type if you are going to be in direct sun for the majority of the time, but if you are going to be active in the water, or sweating/moving throughout the day, then a chemical type would be a better choice
 
Apply properly
     It is better to apply a lower SPF lotion correctly than a high SPF incorrectly.  Remember if it is a chemical sunscreen, there is a 20-minute wait period before it is fully active.
 
Reapply
     At least every two hours place another coat on; especially if sweating or swimming and using mineral sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen in direct sun.
 
     I hope this helps you and your family in deciding which type of sunscreen is best for the situation you will be in and remember the best for today may not be the best for tomorrow. 
 
     Please feel free to reach out to us at Info@Crosettis.com, or your care provider, with any questions about this article.  Let me know if you would like me to write about a topic of your interest.
 

     It’s time to celebrate the men in our life! Men’s Health Week, celebrated Monday, June 14 through Sunday, June 20, helps raise awareness about preventable health problems found among men and boys.
     Historically, men have been more susceptible to certain diseases than women due to hormone differences. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death among men in the United States and can be preventable through diet and exercise.
     At Hy-Vee, individuals can meet with a Hy-Vee dietitian for recommendations on how to prevent disease through a better diet, including discussing their individual recommended dietary allowance (RDA). RDA is the average daily level of intake sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all healthy people in a specific life stage.
     Simple steps men can take to improve their health include following their RDA, getting 30 minutes of daily exercise, reducing stress, getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night, having routine bloodwork done, and eating a lower sodium and saturated fat diet.
 
The RDA for men aged 19-50 is as follows:
Carbohydrates 130g
Fiber 38g
Protein 56g
Calcium 1000mg
Phosphorous 700mg
Potassium 4700mg
Iron 8mg
Sodium 1500mg
Folate 400ug
Vitamin C 90mg
Vitamin D 15ug
 
     The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
 
     Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship.
     She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.
 

    A favorite fruit from my childhood that my mother grew in her garden that I’ve never had much luck with is cantaloupe. I don’t know if it was the variety she grew or if there was something magical about the soil, but my mom could grow the biggest, sweetest cantaloupe that I had ever seen. Or was is muskmelon, as my grandmother called it?
     As a young child, this confused me! As it turns out, both my mom and grandmother were right, but my grandmother was more right!
    All cantaloupes are muskmelons, but not all muskmelons are cantaloupes. A true cantaloupe has a warty looking rind and will not slip easily from the vine when ripe. These are widely grown in Europe.
     A muskmelon, like my mother grew, has a pronounced netting on the rind, is fragrant, and slips easily from the vine when mature. Despite these differences, the U.S. Department of Agriculture only uses the term “cantaloupe” to describe both true cantaloupe and muskmelon, thus the terms are often used interchangeably in U.S. markets. They are a member of the Cucurbitaceae family, along with other viny plants like gourds, squash, and pumpkins.
     Cantaloupes were first cultivated in the Near East and were growing in areas from Turkey to China, including north-west India, Afghanistan, and Uzbekistan. Cantaloupes were cultivated by American Indians near the present city of Montreal in the 1500’s and the vicinity of Philadelphia in the 1700’s. Commercial cantaloupe production did not begin in the United States until the 1870’s and was initially centered in Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. Worldwide, the United States is the 8th largest producer of cantaloupes/other melons.
     Around 1.5 billion pounds of cantaloupe are grown annually from California, Arizona, Indiana, North Carolina, and Texas, with California and Arizona producing over 80% of the total.
     When shopping for a fresh cantaloupe, look for one that is somewhat symmetrical and feels heavy for its size with a stem end that feels slightly soft. The color should be a creamy, light yellow orange with little to no green. Ripe cantaloupe should smell sweet-especially at the stem end- and a little musky.
     Because of the high water content, cantaloupe, like most melons, is low in calories. Cantaloupe is an excellent source of beta carotene and Vitamin C, both powerful antioxidants that show promise in cancer prevention and supporting the immune system. It is also rich in potassium, folate, and fiber. 
     Cantaloupe and all melons should be washed well before cutting, as the knife can easily transfer bacteria from the outside to the inside flesh. Cut melon should also be refrigerated after cutting, as it can create a prime environment for bacteria to grow.
     Cantaloupe is a common ingredient it a fruit salad or it can be served with cheese and meats for a light summer dinner. Cantaloupe can also be pureed for a cold soup or even mixed with juice or sparkling water for a refreshing beverage. For a fun, kid-friendly summer treat, this fruit kebob recipe is best when served chilled.
     Denise Sullivan is a Nutrition and Health Education Specialist for MU Extension in the Urban West Region, serving Jackson and Platte Counties. For research-based nutrition and food safety information and programs, visit https://extension.missouri.edu/counties/urban-west-region
 

     Tucked away, often in the back corner of the grocery store, is a group of foods that are a great nutritional gem — otherwise known as the dairy group.
     The dairy group includes milks, yogurts and cheeses and are available in many flavors and varieties. Consuming the right amount of products from the diary group is important for a well-balanced diet. 
     Even those who are lactose intolerant can still enjoy dairy in their diet. There are products in the market now that go through an extra process to remove the excess lactose. There are also a number of plant-based dairy alternatives available for those who are allergic to the milk protein.
     Here are five reasons to include dairy products into your regular diet:
     Bone Health: Dairy products are a great source of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D. All of these nutrients play an important role in building and maintaining bone density in people of all ages.
     Quality Protein: Dairy products can be a good source of protein, which is important for building and repairing muscle tissue among other things.
     8 ounce serving of milk = about 8g of protein (13g in Fairlife ultra-filtered milk)
     1 ounce serving of cheese = about 7g of protein (depending on the type)
     150g serving of Greek yogurt = 10-12g of protein (about 15g in Icelandic yogurt)
     1 cup serving of cottage cheese = 28g of protein
     Energy Production: The lactose found in some types of dairy can easily be converted into usable energy by the body. Milk is also a good source of certain B vitamins that play a crucial role in energy production.
     Feeling Full: The protein that is found in these dairy products also takes longer to digest than the carbohydrates. Add a dairy product to your meal or snack to help keep yourself fuller for longer and avoid excessive snacking.
     Overall Well-being: Certain dairy products also contain essential nutrients like vitamin A, potassium and niacin; all of which have their own part in keeping the body healthy and in proper working order.
     Products from the dairy department make a great addition to a healthy and balanced diet. It is important to be conscious of your serving sizes and balance your dairy picks with other food groups. If you have more questions regarding dairy or your personal nutrition needs, contact your local Hy-Vee dietitian.
     You can find out more about the nutrition services available at www.hy-vee.com/health.
 
     The information in this article is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.
 
Tara Sallee is a Hy-Vee corporate dietitian dedicated to helping people live healthier and happier lives. Tara received a Bachelor degree in dietetics and nutrition from Missouri State University. Tara went on to attend Kansas University Medical Center where she received her Master of Science degree in dietetics and nutrition and completed her dietetics internship. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. With a passion for nutrition and wellness, Tara is dedicated to educating customers and promoting healthy lifestyles.