Blue Springs, MO January 2025 by City Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Start Fresh: Make 2025 Count

For many of us, this time of year is filled with excitement—a chance for a reset, new horizons, and fresh goals.

For others, January can bring reminders of past setbacks and the pressure of hoping this year will be different.

We aimed to go beyond quick fixes and shortterm solutions in this issue. Instead, we focused on inspiring sustainable, long-term improvements in physical, emotional, and mental health.

Inside, you’ll discover inspiring and educational stories about local businesses that prioritize health and wellness. Learning their stories has been a joy, and we hope they inspire you as much as they did us.

When it comes to anything in life—business, finance, food, home, or personal health—it’s not what you do some days that makes the biggest impact; it’s what you do most days.

For example, taking a vacation daily isn’t realistic, but scheduling a few trips a year is manageable. A steak dinner with cocktails every night may not be ideal for your health, but indulging occasionally is perfectly fine.

It’s the choices you make most of the time that matter.

So, plan the vacation and find ways to rest regularly. Join a fitness community or gym and savor that dessert you’ve been eyeing at Sinclair’s Restaurant.

This year, it’s about balance. It’s not the “sometimes” that moves the needle—it’s the “most of the time.”

Here’s to a peaceful, fulfilling, and fabulous year. We’re rooting for you!

AUSTIN BREWER, PUBLISHER @BLUESPRINGSCITYLIFESTYLE

January 2025

PUBLISHER

Austin Brewer | austinbrewer@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Katarina Brewer | katarina.brewer@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Cheryl Leppert | cherylleppert@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mary King, Katarina Brewer

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Megan Cason, Megan Bohannon

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

COO Matthew Perry

CRO Jamie Pentz

CTO Ajay Krishnan

VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson

VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley

AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1: Focus+Films owners attended the KC Chamber Dinner and produced the Kansas Citian video. 2: Essential Eats Grazing, LLC catered a custom Grazing Table for a Celebration of Life event. 3: The Lievsay Family helped light up Rotary Park with a beautiful holiday light display. 4: The Shaun Ashley Team hosted their annual Pie Day celebration. 5: Travis Hunt, Melissa Winston, and Blue Springs Rotary members wrap gifts for a local family. 6: Trinity Wellness celebrated its 1st anniversary of Yoga and Fitness Studio Expansion. 7: Christmas on Main magic with Home Sweet Home Reality and Santa.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

KATARINA BREWER

THE SHAUN ASHLEY TEAM

ALI COLLINS

KATARINA BREWER

Meyer knows Music enjoyment

MUSIC! At Meyer Music we’ve been teaching, supplying instruments and playing music as a family for 58 years. We know that learning to play an instrument has a positive effect on school performance and offers enjoyment that lasts a lifetime. Whether you are new to playing the piano or an advanced pianist, Meyer Music is proud to offer teacher-approved Yamaha Arius digital pianos through our month-to-month rent or rent-to-own programs. Come in to play it for yourself, and ask about our private music lessons for your student or for yourself. It’s never too late to learn something new!

business monthly

Finally Get Fit In 2025

Tired of going in circles with diets and exercise programs? Elevation Fitness has everything you need to get strong and lean—without the restrictions. From flexible nutrition coaching to personal training and accountability support, they will help you get fit and stay on track for good. Book your free coaching call at www.elevationfitness.fit. Scan

Giving Back: Supporting Students and Making a Difference

Merle Norman Cosmetics is proud to announce the success of its November initiative! Through the generous support of customers and the community, they collected 62 items for the Blue Springs School District Student Support Center and donated $1,000 to the Blue Springs High School Cats Care Program through sales contributions. This effort highlights the commitment to making a positive impact in the community.

Plaza Heights Brings Education and Hope to Zambia

Plaza Heights Christian Academy students and families raised over $11,000 for their Classrooms for Chozi fundraiser. These funds will help build a classroom in Zambia, providing students with access to education, clean water, nutritious food, and a space to share the gospel with families and the community. Thank you for making a lasting impact!

Photography by Plaza Heights Christian Academy

Photography by Merle Norman Cosmetics

Photography by Elevation Fitness

Trinity HEALING AT WELLNESS

Where

holistic care meets community connection

ARTICLE BY MARY KING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN BOHANNON

Trinity Wellness, led by founder Neda Carnes, is more than just a wellness center—it’s a community hub. Rooted in holistic care, it offers everything from eco-friendly products to yoga, massage, and personalized fitness plans. Nestled in Blue Springs, Trinity Wellness blends Eastern and Western medicine, creating an unparalleled health and wellness experience.

Walking into Trinity Wellness, you’re greeted with an inviting aroma, Neda describes as “the scent of health.” The boutique, dubbed the “art boutique,” features a carefully curated selection of products—80% of which are eco-friendly or handcrafted by small, U.S.-based businesses. These items complement the services offered at Trinity Wellness, allowing visitors to take a piece of their wellness journey home.

The original studio space now hosts restorative classes such as hot yoga, breathwork, and meditation. Neda’s expertise in Eastern bodywork, including Thai massage—playfully called “lazy person’s yoga”—sets Trinity Wellness apart. She describes the practice as a way to guide the body into relaxation and alignment, a service rarely offered locally.

Next door, the wellness area features three treatment rooms. Offering nearly 40 types of bodywork therapies, Trinity Wellness caters to a wide range of needs, from stress relief to pain management. Carnes emphasizes, “We’re not just a spa or medical clinic; we guide clients to what their body truly needs.”

The infrared sauna adds another layer of healing, harnessing radiant heat and chromotherapy to improve skin, circulation, and emotional well-being. Neda says it’s a favorite among those tackling winter blues, eczema or simply seeking a relaxing escape.

Fitness at Trinity Wellness reflects the same commitment to individualization and holistic care. The fitness studio, split into two expansive spaces, emphasizes functional movement. Neda and her team work with youth athletes, older adults, and everyone in between, tailoring programs to specific goals like post-surgery recovery or building endurance.

Unique to Trinity Wellness is their custom health assessment, a program Neda developed by combining her background and expertise in kinesiology, massage therapy, and fitness coaching. “It took years of trial and error,” Neda shares, “but now we have a system that’s both effective and accessible to everyone.”

Neda’s journey to opening Trinity Wellness began with a passion for helping others heal, inspired by massaging her grandmother’s hands as a child. After earning her degree in exercise science, she gained invaluable experience in physical therapy and luxury spas. However, she wanted to blend her expertise with the personalized care often missing in larger institutions.

Starting small in a single treatment room, Trinity Wellness has grown organically, expanding both its

physical space and services. Neda attributes her success to both her dedicated team and her deep roots in the Blue Springs community. “I’ve worked with generations of families,” she says. “Watching them grow and sharing in their journeys is what keeps me here.”

Her team reflects this ethos of collaboration, with each staff member contributing unique skills to the “potluck” of services offered. This spirit of innovation and inclusivity has allowed Trinity Wellness to continuously evolve.

Neda sums up her mission simply: “Movement is medicine. Healing is personal. And wellness is for everyone.”

Whether you’re exploring the boutique, attending a yoga class, or enjoying a massage, Trinity Wellness offers something truly special—a place to heal, connect, and thrive.

OH THE PLACES YOU WILL GO ON

A JOURNEY OF passion and purpose

Combining athletic experience with chiropractic expertise to help others thrive

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CASON

For Dr. Jimmy Keutzer of Midwest Spine & Sport, the journey from athlete to chiropractor was less a planned destination and more an evolving passion. Rooted in a love for sports and a fascination with the body’s ability to adapt and excel, his path is one of resilience, discovery, and a commitment to helping others unlock their potential.

Growing up, Dr. Keutzer didn’t initially see himself dedicating his life to football, but the sport became his calling. From high school championships to grueling seasons in Junior College (JUCO) football, his journey was anything but conventional. Playing at Fort Scott Community College was a raw, unfiltered experience—marked by hard work and resilience. It was a place where players, each with unique motivations, pushed themselves to their limits.

Transitioning to Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) marked a turning point. With access to individualized nutrition and recovery plans, Dr. Keutzer discovered the transformative power of tailored training. “At SEMO, I learned to approach my health with a strategic mindset. Our workouts were tailored to individual player needs and positions, and this personalized approach extended to our nutrition plans and recovery routines. This shift not only enhanced my performance as an athlete but also contributed to my personal growth.”

Injuries became a defining part of Dr. Keutzer’s story. A torn labrum during his sophomore year led to subpar rehabilitation, leaving him with unresolved challenges. But when SEMO’s holistic recovery plan enabled him to regain strength and mobility, it reshaped his understanding of what effective care could achieve.

“That experience showed me how critical a comprehensive, personalized approach is—whether you’re recovering from an injury or trying to optimize performance,” Dr. Keutzer reflected.

After hanging up his cleats, Dr. Keutzer discovered a new passion: coaching. While interning at Elite Performance Academy, he led evening training sessions for middle and high school athletes. What started as weight room instruction quickly expanded into coaching football and providing personal lessons. Coaching gave him a new perspective: every athlete is unique, with different strengths, weaknesses, and movement patterns.

“Coaching taught me that no two paths to success are the same,” Dr. Keutzer said. “This understanding shaped my philosophy as a chiropractor—every patient deserves individualized care that addresses their specific needs.”

Chiropractic care became the next chapter, merging his love of sports with his desire to help others. Today, Dr. Keutzer applies the lessons he learned as an athlete and as a coach to deliver personalized care. His holistic approach focuses on pain relief, improved mobility, and long-term stability, helping patients—from weekend warriors to elite athletes—perform at their best.

“The most rewarding part is seeing patients overcome pain and get back to doing what they love, whether it’s a competition or a simple recreational activity,” Dr. Keutzer shared.

As a chiropractor, coach, and lifelong advocate for physical health, Dr. Keutzer is driven by his belief in the body’s ability to adapt and improve. His passion for sports and fitness keeps him at the forefront of innovative practices, ensuring his patients receive the best possible care.

“I’ve seen firsthand how the right training, recovery, and mindset can unlock new levels of performance,” Dr. Keutzer says. “My mission is to help others discover that potential within themselves. I always try to empower my patients to push past their limitations and achieve their goals.” Whether it’s on the field or in the clinic, Dr. Keutzer continues to inspire those around him to pursue their goals with determination, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.

DR. JIMMY KEUTZER

Dr. Jimmy Keutzer, founder of Midwest Spine & Sport and Director of Athlete Development at Kansas City Athlete Training, empowers young athletes through personalized, evidence-based care. His three-step approach— relieving pain, improving mobility, and building stability—restores function, optimizes movement, and enhances performance in sports and life.

BUILDING HEALTHIER

HEAR FROM NASM-CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER ABOUT ESTABLISHING THE BEST HABITS

ARTICLE BY KRISTIN BURNELL

The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around. How many times do your resolutions fall through each year? It can be challenging to build new habits and switch up routines if you’re looking for a change. That’s why we rounded up the best advice to establishing habits and making them stay for good. We spoke with Danielle Johnston, National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer and aspiring kinesiologist, who broke down her top tips to maintaining healthy habits this new year.

HABITS

START WITH A SMALL HABIT AND MAKE IT SOMETHING YOU ENJOY

Think 1-3 things maximum and then give yourself at least a month or two to apply the change. If you like to eat and cook, maybe try a new recipe or browse a cookbook in the library or bookstore for inspiration. If you like fashion, maybe try cleaning out a section of your closet (i.e. tops, bottoms, shoes, etc) to make way for 1 new piece. If you like being outdoors, maybe you try adding in just a 5 minute walk down the road.

IF YOU MISS A DAY, TRY AGAIN

If you miss a day or make a mistake with whatever resolution you’re working on, take that next opportunity to try again. Danielle uses the goal to eat healthier as an example. Health can be interpreted in many different ways but if you can take the small first step of looking at ingredients, that alone can make a world’s difference in the recipe you use so maybe you don’t even have to alter or substitute it. Or if your goal is to snack less but one day you snack more, don’t wave the flag and sabotage your efforts. Take a minute to breathe through the moment and then move on, enjoying the ebb and flow of health instead of going all in or nothing. Starting small allows you to adjust everyday habits that will, with time, transition to lifestyle changes.

CREATE 3 DIFFERENT TYPES OF RESOLUTIONS

Danielle says to create 1 health resolution, 1 personal resolution, and 1 professional resolution as it is the best format to better yourself in multiple realms instead of just physical health. Too often, we get caught up in this “New Year New Me” mindset and create a list of things you want to change or start doing. But as they get lost in the busy to-do list of life and we forget,

“The new year is a classic kickoff to start fresh and build many resolutions that we all hope stick around.”

we can also feel like a failure and revert to “I’ll try again tomorrow or next year.” But what if you don’t have to start over, just keep going.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS AND VISUALIZE YOUR FUTURE

Whether you keep a notebook of your habit building, or keep track on your phone, it is important to acknowledge the personal progress made. This will also help you see the future that you want to build as you make more desirable changes in your life. If you want to track how you feel after working out, it will serve as a reflection on the progress made through what has been written down. This will encourage you to continue pushing for your goals!

A Place to Gather

Sinclair’s is Blue Springs’ top spot for gathering with family, friends, or hosting a business meeting. With our welcoming and distinctive atmosphere we offer something for everyone.

We also provide a private dining room, perfect for hosting your special events. Stop by today and experience our charming bar and grill. At Sinclair’s, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy!

Specialize in Rehabilitation and Acupuncture, while focusing on the Back, Neck, and Extremities. Chiropractic offers other alternatives to fixing the source of the problem not just the immediate symptoms.

ARTICLE BY KATARINA BREWER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGAN CASON

TRANSFORM YOUR HEALTH NATURALLY

A MINOR ADJUSTMENT BLENDS EXPERTISE AND HOLISTIC CARE TO MANAGE PAIN, SUPPORT WEIGHT LOSS, AND PROMOTE OVERALL WELLNESS

If you’re seeking a fresh approach to pain relief, weight loss, and overall wellness, Dr. Andy Minor at A Minor Adjustment offers a unique solution. With two decades of chiropractic experience, Dr. Minor combines advanced techniques with a holistic, all-natural approach to health, helping patients manage chronic pain and achieve sustainable weight loss.

“My advice for long-term health is to surround yourself with like-minded individuals and lean on your community when challenges arise.”

A PATH OF PASSION AND PRECISION

Dr. Minor’s journey to chiropractic care was shaped by a variety of interests and experiences. Growing up helping his father with woodworking projects, working on cars, and being passionate about bodybuilding, Dr. Minor developed a strong appreciation for physical health and hands-on work. Initially, on a path toward physical therapy, a conversation with a family friend encouraged him to consider chiropractic care instead. His decision to tour Cleveland Chiropractic College was all it took for him to see that chiropractic was the right path for him.

Today, after 20 years in practice, Dr. Minor combines his technical expertise with an unwavering commitment to patient health and wellness, driven by a genuine passion for improving lives.

INTEGRATING CHIROPRACTIC CARE WITH WEIGHT LOSS

Dr. Minor views chiropractic care not only as a solution for pain or spinal issues but as a foundation for overall health and weight management. “Many musculoskeletal problems are linked to being overweight,” Dr. Minor explains. “While chiropractic care alone won’t shed the pounds, losing extra weight can significantly improve pain relief and mobility.” To address this, Dr. Minor has introduced a weight-loss program that seamlessly integrates chiropractic principles with holistic, all-natural methods, offering patients a comprehensive approach to wellness.

Unlike conventional weight loss programs that rely on appetite-suppressing medications or invasive procedures, Dr. Minor’s approach focuses on restoring the body’s balance. By using specialized supplements designed to rebalance pH levels and reduce cravings, patients can more easily adopt a healthy lifestyle. Dr. Minor oversees each weight loss journey, ensuring personalized guidance and monitoring progress.

THE STEMWAVE ADVANTAGE

Another groundbreaking aspect of Dr. Minor’s practice is the use of StemWave technology, which uses powerful acoustic waves to promote healing in joints and tissues. Dr. Minor shared, “For patients dealing with chronic pain, StemWave offers a non-invasive alternative to surgery. Whether you’re struggling with knee pain, shoulder discomfort, or even carpal tunnel syndrome, this technology stimulates cellular growth to repair damaged tissue and reduce pain.”

The StemWave machine has proven to be highly effective for many of Dr. Minor’s patients, providing relief for those who have been told that surgery is their only option. “One patient came to us with limited range of motion and pain in his right shoulder,” Dr. Minor recalls. “After just a few treatments, he experienced a 60% improvement in mobility and a remarkable reduction in pain.” Similarly, patients dealing with long-standing hip issues have found new hope, with reduced pain and greater mobility.

SUPPORT THAT TRANSFORMS LIVES

Dr. Minor’s practice stands out for its unwavering support, throughout treatment and beyond. Whether pursuing weight loss or managing chronic pain, Dr. Minor’s approach emphasizes community, encouragement, and sustainable change.

For weight-loss patients, the emphasis is on building healthier habits and a new lifestyle, with regular check-ins and ongoing support from Dr. Minor and his team to ensure lasting success. For chronic pain, a comprehensive plan may include chiropractic care, StemWave treatments, and lifestyle recommendations, addressing both physical healing and emotional well-being.

Dr. Minor treats every patient like family, offering personalized care and ongoing support that inspires lasting change.

smart SWEETS

The beginning of the year is packed with inspiration and motivation to get back on track after a sweet-filled holiday season. It can feel extreme, and it also can be depleting to cut oneself off from everything indulgent after weeks of eating favorite sweet and savory recipes. For sugar lovers who believe going cold-turkey feels intimidating or overwhelming, nutrition-packed desserts are a great way to stick to healthy food goals without the guilt.

Nutrient-Rich Dessert To The Rescue

ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN

Frozen PEANUT BUTTER Bites

Danger ahead: this snack is amazing. It’s the easiest of the bunch and also satisfies a sweet tooth craving. This can be whipped together in just 5 minutes and makes just a small amount. Feel free to take creative liberty here with your amounts, but if you make it to this recipe, they are around 90 calories per bite.

1. Cut a banana into 8-10 small slices, around 1/2 inch each.

2. Spread 1/2 tablespoon of peanut butter (or your choice of nut butter) on each banana slice.

3. Drizzle a small amount of melted chocolate chips or caramel over each bite.

4. Freeze for 15-20 minutes and enjoy!

Pro tip: A dash of sea salt flakes on top of these can be *chef’s kiss.*

These are great to keep on hand in the freezer all weeklong. Once they set, add them to a closed container to keep the bananas from browning.

Late night snack cravings are real! When finding yourself rooting through the cabinets for a sweet fix, these protein cookie dough bites are a great way to curb temptation. This recipe yields around 20 small bites, which can be cut into small squares or rolled into dough balls. Each bite is around 105 calories. If you find the dough is a little too dry, add a dash of milk as needed.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup milk

• 1/2 cup vanilla protein powder

• 1/4 cup maple syrup

• 1/4 cup peanut butter (or alternate nut or sunflower butter)

• 1 cup almond flour

• 1 teaspoon vanilla

• Chocolate chips as desired

Pro tip: Use mini chocolate chips and for a dash of savory add sea salt flakes on top. Once combined, store the bites in the refrigerator in a covered container to keep them moist.

Protein COOKIE DOUGH Bites

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS IN JANUARY

Penguin March

Kansas City Zoo | 11:00 AM

The Penguin March is returning to the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium. Join the fun each Saturday and Sunday in January and February as the penguins waddle through Helzberg Penguin Plaza. The Penguin March is included with your Zoo admission or membership. You don’t want to miss this adorable parade.

JANUARY 10TH – 12TH

KC Remodel + Garden Show

American Royal Center | 10:00 AM

Looking for expert advice on décor trends or home renovation ideas? Explore creative exhibits, meet industry experts, and discover thousands of products for decorating, construction, and remodeling at this annual event. Admission is $11 for adult tickets purchased in advance, and children under 12 get in free. Visit www.kcremodelandgarden.com for all the details.

JANUARY 11TH – 12TH

Monster Jam

T-Mobile Center

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled experience at Monster Jam! Watch world-class drivers race, perform stunts, and crush obstacles in massive, high-flying monster trucks. Bring the whole family for heart-pounding action, unforgettable thrills, and a chance to see these incredible machines up close. Don’t miss the excitement—get your tickets now at www.monsterjam.com/en-us/events/kansas-city-mo/jan-11-2025-jan-12-2025/.

JANUARY 13TH – 18TH

New Year, New You!

Merle Norman Cosmetics - Blue Springs | 10:00 AM

Ring in the New Year with style at Merle Norman Cosmetics. Enjoy 10% off in-stock wigs, 5% off special orders, and 25% off vibrant Fantasy Color wigs. Book a makeover with your purchase and get 10% off makeup products from your session. Start 2025 with a fresh, fabulous look!

JANUARY 25TH

2025 Health + Wellness Event

Trinity Wellness | 1:00 PM

Begin your holistic health journey at the Trinity Wellness Health + Wellness Open House. Experience expert guidance, connect with local vendors, enjoy complimentary 15-minute wellness services, and participate in 30-minute yoga and fitness classes. Bring friends and family to explore Trinity Wellness and take the first step toward an optimal lifestyle! Visit www.trinitywellnesskc.com/ for more information and to sign up.

JANUARY 29TH – FEBRUARY 1ST

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert

Helzberg Hall at Kauffman Center

Relive the magic of the film that started it all. Watch as the wand chooses the wizard, a troll runs wild, and enchanted mirrors come to life—all in HD with the KC Symphony performing John Williams’ iconic score. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event as all your favorite characters cast their spell once more. To purchase tickets visit www.tickets.kcsymphony.org/hp1

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