The Taking Care of You stress management program - a series of 45-minute sessions for middle- and highschool students - is held at the Excelsior Springs Community Center (ESCC) every Tuesday at 2 p.m. through Oct. 17. The program was developed by the University of Missouri (MU) Extension to teach individuals of middle school and high school age how to manage stress. According to Melissa Cotton, MU Extension nutrition and health education specialist, Taking Care of You is a class that provides a research-based educational program. “Taking Care of You was made possible through a partnership with the Excelsior Springs Substance Abuse-Free Environment (SAFE) Coalition and the ESCC,” she said. “Typically, the course is taught to adults, but I am adapting the program to be more interactive and engaging for youth,” Cotton explained stress has a significant impact on someone’s health and it’s something everyone encounters throughout their lives, including youth. “A little stress can be a…