Wellness
Dialed & Defend Makes Its Philanthropic Debut in Newport Beach
The Dialed & Defend launch took place at Ali Garawi’s Linda Isle waterfront estate, with the event space set on a floating dock in Newport Beach.
Dialed & Defend officially launched on Sunday, December 14, with an intimate charity gathering hosted by Ali Garawi at his waterfront home in Newport Beach.
Co-founded by Ali Garawi and his brother Muha Garawi, Dialed & Defend announced a $250,000 commitment in sauna and cold plunge equipment from Dialed Labs to Southern California fire departments during the event. This significant initial investment represents the first wave of a broader, long-term national mission. The initiative extends the mission behind their companies, Dialed Labs and Dialed Moods, into the philanthropic space, focusing on equipping fire stations with modern recovery tools designed to support the physical, mental, and emotional demands placed on first responders.
Guests arrived throughout the afternoon via continuous Duffy boat transportation and were welcomed into an elevated yet relaxed waterfront setting. The event blended refined hospitality with immersive wellness elements, featuring curated appetizers, a dedicated caviar bar, signature cocktails, and specialty kratom and kava mocktails by Moonlight Mocktails. Live entertainment included a violinist, a magician, and an artist creating a live landscape painting during the gathering.
Dialed Labs saunas and cold plunges were displayed throughout the space, offering guests a firsthand look at the recovery equipment being deployed to fire stations across Southern California. The installations served as a tangible expression of the initiative’s mission and its emphasis on practical impact.

Dialed Labs CEO Ali Garawi and board member Michael ‘Harry O’ Harris at the Dialed & Defend launch, celebrating a $250,000 commitment to Southern California fire departments.
The program included remarks from Garawi, who shared his personal motivation for launching Dialed & Defend and spoke to the long-term toll firefighting takes on the body and mind. He emphasized the importance of providing first responders with meaningful recovery solutions that support long-term health and performance.
Sion Zekaria of the Fountain Valley Fire Department at Station 1, the first station to receive a Dialed & Defend installation, followed with firsthand insight into the role of sauna-based recovery within the fire service, highlighting its benefits for firefighter resilience, wellness, and longevity.
Dr. Daniel Higuera, PhD, CSCS, ACSM-CPT, Associate Professor of Kinesiology at Santa Ana College and a Dialed & Defend board member, provided additional context on the physical and mental strain firefighters face. Drawing from his work with more than 20 fire and police departments across Southern California, he spoke to the science-backed benefits of sauna and cold plunge therapy in supporting recovery and readiness.

A local firefighter at the Newport Beach waterfront celebration launching Dialed & Defend’s recovery equipment initiative.
The program concluded with remarks from board member Michael “Harry O” Harris, co-founder of Death Row Records and founder of Community First Action, who addressed the importance of community resilience during California wildfire seasons and emphasized the need for sustained support for first responders. He also spoke to the potential for Dialed & Defend to expand nationally in the years ahead.
The Newport Beach debut marked a defining milestone for Dialed & Defend, laying the foundation for a mission rooted in community, wellness, and action, and reinforcing the belief that those who protect our communities deserve access to the highest level of care and recovery.
Written in partnership with Tom White
Wellness
OncoSure Testing: Revolutionizing Cancer Screening with a Single Blood Draw
In the realm of medical innovation, OncoSure Testing emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a groundbreaking approach to cancer screening that is set to redefine preventative healthcare. With a steadfast commitment to early detection and accessibility, OncoSure has developed a revolutionary blood test capable of detecting all cancers with unparalleled accuracy and speed. Beyond early detection, OncoSure’s test plays a pivotal role in monitoring treatment progress and detecting cancer recurrence, offering vital insights for patients undergoing treatment or in remission.
The Genesis of OncoSure: A Mission Born of Passion and Purpose
The leadership team at OncoSure Testing is comprised of seasoned professionals with extensive experience in biotechnology, medical diagnostics, and preventative healthcare. Driven by a shared passion for innovation and patient care, they have dedicated their careers to advancing early cancer detection through cutting-edge technology. The catalyst for OncoSure’s inception was the recognition of the devastating impact of late-stage cancer diagnoses and the lack of accessible early detection tools. OncoSure was founded to bridge this gap, providing a test that simplifies the screening process and saves lives by detecting cancer even before symptoms manifest.
Unveiling OncoSure’s Groundbreaking Cancer Screening Test
OncoSure’s flagship product is an extraordinary blood test that screens for all types of cancer with remarkable accuracy. This non-invasive test requires only a single blood draw, making it exceptionally convenient for individuals seeking a hassle-free screening solution. Leveraging state-of-the-art technology, OncoSure’s test analyzes the blood for the presence of oncosomes, which are tiny vesicles shed by cancer cells. The presence of these oncosomes signals the presence of cancer in the body, even in its earliest stages. In addition, the test serves as a critical tool for patients currently undergoing cancer treatment, helping healthcare providers track the effectiveness of therapies and adjust care plans as needed. For those in remission, the test offers peace of mind by enabling the early detection of any potential recurrence.
What Sets OncoSure Apart: A Confluence of Accuracy, Affordability, and Convenience
OncoSure’s cancer screening test distinguishes itself through a unique combination of attributes:
- Unmatched Accuracy: OncoSure boasts an impressive accuracy rate of 96.43% across all stages of cancer, surpassing industry standards and providing reliable results that empower patients and healthcare providers alike.
- Unsurpassed Affordability: Recognizing the importance of accessibility, OncoSure offers its groundbreaking test at a price point that makes it attainable for a broad population. Furthermore, the company has introduced an innovative pay-over-time membership plan to further enhance affordability.
- Unparalleled Convenience: With just a single blood draw required, OncoSure’s test eliminates the need for multiple screenings and more invasive procedures, simplifying the process and minimizing patient discomfort.
Addressing Concerns and Emphasizing Universal Relevance
In response to concerns surrounding the accuracy of existing multi-cancer early detection tests, OncoSure Testing prioritizes reliable early detection. The company’s rigorous research and collaboration with top scientists have culminated in a test that delivers trustworthy results with minimal patient burden. Moreover, OncoSure’s capacity to monitor treatment progress and recurrence ensures it remains a vital resource beyond initial screening. It is crucial to emphasize that OncoSure’s test is designed for everyone, regardless of age, health status, or background. Cancer does not discriminate, and early detection is paramount in saving lives. OncoSure empowers individuals to take control of their health, offering a proactive approach to cancer screening that can make all the difference.
A Call to Action: Embrace Early Detection with OncoSure
OncoSure Testing’s revolutionary approach to cancer screening holds the promise of transforming the landscape of preventative healthcare. By providing an accurate, accessible, and convenient test, OncoSure empowers individuals to detect cancer early, when treatment outcomes are most favorable. For patients already battling cancer or in remission, OncoSure delivers critical insights that enhance care and peace of mind. The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and patient care is evident in its groundbreaking product and mission to make early cancer detection a reality for everyone. Embrace the power of early detection with OncoSure and take charge of your health today.
Wellness
Dude’s Skincare That Works: Discover How Derm Dude(™) is Breaking the Mold in Men’s Grooming
Picture this: it’s a scorching summer day and you’re lounging outside trying to enjoy the sun. But you’re shifting uncomfortably, with that all-too-familiar chafing feeling creeping up. At that moment, you realize that some serious grooming relief is in order.
Men’s grooming has historically been swept under the rug in favor of a specific subcategory of masculinity. Because men often face greater stigma around self-care than women, wanting to lead a cleaner, more hygienic lifestyle has become increasingly important. Derm Dude, a men’s skincare and grooming brand, aims to fight the taboos that keep tough guys from taking action against the odors and unpleasantries of their bodies.
By battling these “below-the-belt problems” with a sense of humor and relatability, Derm Dude has triumphantly extended its cruelty-free, highly-rated products for even the most macho of men. As the company grows, it showcases how men’s grooming can be entertaining and accessible.

Meet Drew Plotkin: Chief Dude of Derm Dude
Drew Plotkin, founder and “Chief Dude Officer” of Derm Dude, has spent nearly two decades developing and marketing successful beauty, skincare, and wellness brands.
Upon turning 50 during the pandemic-related lockdown, Drew’s divorce helped him realize a crucial truth about the self-care industry: personal care brands made for men are few and far between. Drew created Derm Dude for himself and other men with similar lifestyles and appearances. He recognized that guys with tattoos, beards, and balls required self-care products just as much as women.
Drew wants to catch up without overcharging or ripping off his customer base. By removing the complicated language often found accompanying skincare products, his buyers can feel and smell good in all the right places while trusting the science behind his offerings.
His aim to simplify men’s skincare has seen the creation of many memorable products, including Amaze Balls Deodorizing Ball Spray, Ballgasmic Sack Wash, Daily Head Shampoo and Conditioner, Happy Sack Nut Love Cooling Cream, and Holy Foot Cream—although these titles are playful, Drew and his team take their formulas seriously.

Derm Dude: The Hero of Men’s Grooming
Derm Dude produces American-made personal care products that promote men’s physical well-being and confidence. The company offers items for every part of a man’s body, including the back, crack, sack, and any crevices in between. Derm Dude promises to tackle the stigma of male grooming by providing ball, beard, body, foot, and tattoo care.
Happy Sack Nut Love Cooling Cream
Derm Dude’s flagship product, the Happy Sack Nut Love Cooling Cream, was created to tackle odor. This ball cream also addresses chafing with ingredients like DeoPlex®, which has anti-inflammatory and odor-reduction benefits.
Happy Sack offers more than just diminished odor and cooling properties. With six different scents, customers can smell like anything from sweet candy and coconut to bold and bossy booze. The product acts immediately and is long-lasting, surpassing the capabilities of traditional powders or body lotions.
The clinically proven DeoPlex® reduces odors by nearly 50%, while shea butter shields the skin from friction. With aloe vera and chamomile, this ball cream hydrates and nourishes the skin.
Avena Sativa offers anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties that calm and soothe ball itch. These organic elements make the product a perfect match for men with active lifestyles.
Holy Foot Cream
Derm Dude’s Holy Foot Cream provides relief to another frequently neglected part of a man’s body, turning the smelliest and sweatiest feet into pretty piggies. The formula absorbs odor while cooling and hydrating the feet for a truly fresh feeling.

Available in three distinct scents—Coconut Rush, MVP, and Strawberry Lollipop—the DeoPlex® and Arrowroot ingredients deodorize the most dastardly of dogs while wicking away moisture and sweat to prevent athlete’s foot. The combination of aloe vera and lactic acid exfoliates uncomfortable calluses while smoothing dry cracks.
Tattoo Power Set
As a brand built for the tough and tatted, Derm Dude’s Tattoo Power Set takes a tailored approach to men’s skincare. This tattoo aftercare kit includes the Nuclear Tattoo Balm, Instant Brightening Mist, and Advanced Aftercare Gel. As a bonus, customers get a complimentary Under My Skin book on self-discovery, written by the Chief Dude Officer himself.

This tattoo starter set also features natural ingredients, including burdock root, cannabis sativa seed oil, comfrey root extract, copaiba oil, and squalene. Its properties offer anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial benefits to help moisturize, protect, replenish, and strengthen inked skin.
Standing Out with Authenticity, Humor, and Results
Derm Dude’s humor-driven approach to personal care products helps eliminate the discomfort that often comes with men’s grooming. The founder explains how startups consistently struggle to spread the word about their businesses, especially when there are more prominent brands in the same industry.
For Derm Dude, authenticity and approachability have made all the difference in the long run. Possessing little to no experience or training with social media, Drew posted his first video on TikTok to promote his notable ball cream. The product instantly went viral with nearly seven million views.
Shortly after, he published over 30 viral TikToks, garnering hundreds of millions of views. This new exposure also led to several appearances on major network programs, including CBS, FOX, and NBC.
Derm Dude’s products are designed for much more than a few chuckles. Drew received backing from a double board-certified dermatologist who promised each offering would deliver authentic results. Regarding this swift success and support, Drew notes that “it just proves you can’t fake ‘real.’”
Derm Dude’s Future
Men’s grooming should be simple, fun, and incredibly powerful, with products like Happy Sack, Holy Foot, and the Tattoo Starter Set doing all that and more.
Looking ahead, Drew hopes to transform Derm Dude into the best men’s skincare brand on the American market, spotlighting his grassroots authenticity and experience.
If you’re ready to level up your grooming game, visit Derm Dude’s website to discover products built and branded for dudes like you–efficacious, no-nonsense, and with a pinch of cheekiness!
Mental Health
Creative Recovery: A Fresh Approach to Addiction & Trauma Recovery
Creative Recovery LA, a healing center known for pioneering addiction and trauma recovery, celebrated its grand opening on November 2, 2024. The event symbolizes a fresh approach to mental health treatment. Located in the heart of West Hollywood, Los Angeles, the center is changing traditional recovery methods by harnessing the healing power of the arts.
“Standard recovery treatment models aren’t always in tune with what the millions of Americans who are experiencing addiction need,” said Cory B. Savage, Founder of Creative Recovery LA. “That’s why I created a safe and non-judgmental environment that allows individuals to recover from addiction, trauma, and other mental health conditions with a combination of traditional medicine, artistic expression, and other evidence-based therapies.”
An Approach Based on the Healing Power of the Arts
The suite of programs at Creative Recovery LA has been designed to meet diverse needs, offering patients a variety of pathways to heal through creativity. Programs include:
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A creativity-driven structured regimen that focuses on personal growth, healing, and self-discovery.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): This program offers a comprehensive therapeutic experience blending art, movement, and proven healing methods.
Outpatient Services: These services include flexible, individualized sessions curated for each patient. They combine traditional therapies with creative expression to enhance results.
Sober Living at Hillock House: The house offers a nurturing environment with 24/7 support to residents. It empowers patients to reach their full potential by connecting with an encouraging community.
Each treatment option at Creative Recovery LA is crafted to provide varying levels of support tailored to each patient. From substance abuse treatment for alcohol and opioids to interventions for prescription drugs, Creative Recovery LA addresses a wide range of needs.
A Range of Healing Modalities
A key differentiator at Creative Recovery LA is the focus on creative therapies as part of the recovery process. Programs include:
- Music Therapy in a state-of-the-art recording studio to foster emotional release through music.
- Art Therapy through hands-on art sessions for processing trauma and expressing emotions.
- Mindfulness and Meditation to cultivate inner peace through mindful practices.
- Trauma-Informed Care, a compassionate approach that honors each individual’s past and guides them toward healing.
- Group Therapy, guided by therapists and artists, provides a supportive space for shared experiences and mutual understanding.
The center’s comprehensive therapy offerings also include yoga, motivational enhancement, and relapse prevention for a holistic recovery.
Celebrating a Fresh Approach to Healing
The grand opening event of Creative Recovery LA drew nearly 200 attendees, including local supporters, creative professionals, and community members eager to explore its offerings. Immersive art experiences by Kellen Hubbard, live sound baths, and tours of the facility’s yoga studio and music spaces were the main highlights of the ceremony.
An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by West Hollywood Mayor John M. Erickson, who presented a Certificate of Recognition to commemorate the launch. Speeches were given by Founder Cory B. Savage and Marquita Thomas, Founding President & CEO of the California LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce. A performance by country music duo Thompson Square added to the entertainment of the celebration.
For more information about Creative Recovery LA and its programs, visit https://creativerecoveryla.com.
About Creative Recovery LA:
Creative Recovery LA is reimagining the standard recovery model for addiction and trauma by emphasizing the power of the arts. The organization offers a safe, welcoming space for individuals to explore their healing journey through creativity. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities such as a music studio and sound healing areas, this recovery center guides patients through their personal recovery journey with compassion.
-
4 years agoMaggie Jenson Is Empowering People Battling Addiction
-
2 years agoLatino Pulse in LA’s Hip-Hop Heart: The FACEvsIT Evolution
-
Fashion2 years agoFrom Brothers to Business: The Inspiring Journey of YoungLA
-
Entertainment2 years agoFrom ‘Cold’ Streetwear to Cosmic Dreams: The Ryley Gauthier Odyssey
-
4 years agoDemonstrating the power of social media- British bombshell, Bonnie Locket:
-
Business1 year agoIron Wallet: The Ultimate Solution for Financial Independence
-
Entertainment2 years agoCheck out Lil Wayne’s New Artist, Drizzy P
-
Business1 year agoYou Are an IP Company – The New Entrepreneurial Blueprint for Building Intellectual Property Empires
