Lifestyle
Removing Tattoos for a Safer, Brighter Future: The Power of Community Service and Science Education
Removing tattoos through community service and science education empowers individuals to escape violence, build new identities, and secure employment.
Last Updated on July 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff
Tattoos
Tattoos have always been a form of self-expression and artistry, but for some individuals, certain tattoos can have unintended consequences. In East Los Angeles, a groundbreaking program is helping individuals remove tattoos associated with gangs and sex work, providing them with an opportunity to transition to a healthier life. By combining tattoo removal with community service and science education, this program aims to reduce exposure to violence, facilitate the building of a new identity, and improve employment prospects. The results of this innovative approach were presented at the American College of Surgeons Clinical Congress 2023, shedding light on its positive impact.
Reducing Exposure to Violence:
The presence of gang-related or sex work tattoos can make individuals vulnerable to violence. Dr. Damon H. Clark, the lead researcher of the study, explains that rival gang members and even law enforcement may act more aggressively towards individuals with these tattoos. By removing these tattoos, the program aims to protect individuals and contribute to their healing process. It allows them to break away from their former lives, establish a new identity, and reduce the likelihood of relapse or even suicide.
Building a New Identity:
Tattoos can serve as a constant reminder of a person’s past, making it difficult to move forward. The tattoo removal program provides individuals with an opportunity to shed their old identities and embrace new possibilities. By erasing visible markers of their past affiliations, they can gain a fresh start and leave behind the stigma associated with their previous lifestyle. This newfound freedom empowers them to pursue positive changes in their lives and opens doors to new opportunities.
Improving Employment Prospects:
Gang-related tattoos often pose significant barriers to employment and military service. Many employers and military branches have strict policies regarding visible tattoos, which can limit job prospects and career advancement. The program recognizes this challenge and aims to help individuals secure gainful employment. By removing their tattoos, participants increase their chances of finding meaningful work and breaking free from the cycle of poverty and substance abuse that often accompanies their former lifestyles.
The Role of Community Service and Science Education:
The program takes a comprehensive approach to support individuals on their journey towards a brighter future. In exchange for tattoo removal sessions, participants engage in community service activities, such as volunteering, attending support group meetings, or contributing to non-profit organizations. This not only benefits the community but also provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment for the individuals involved.
Additionally, the program offers science education, including courses in biology and healthcare-related subjects. By expanding their knowledge and skills, participants gain the confidence and qualifications necessary to pursue careers in the healthcare industry or other science-related fields. This education not only enhances their employability but also provides a path towards personal growth and self-improvement.
Positive Outcomes and Success Stories:
The study’s findings reveal the program’s effectiveness in transforming lives. An overwhelming 88% of participants expressed a desire for tattoo removal to transition towards a healthier life, while 81% reported successfully achieving their goals, such as escaping gang affiliation and improving job prospects. The program’s impact extends beyond tattoo removal, as evidenced by the story of a former client who, after completing the program, finished high school, attended college, and is now a Secret Service agent.
The tattoo removal program in East Los Angeles demonstrates the power of combining community service, science education, and tattoo removal to help individuals reduce their exposure to violence, build a new identity, and gain employment. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to violence and trauma, this innovative approach offers a path towards healing, personal growth, and societal reintegration. As we continue to explore new solutions to social challenges, it is crucial to recognize the potential of programs like this, which treat violence as a medical problem and invest in individuals’ futures for the betterment of our communities.
Source: American College of Surgeons
About the American College of Surgeons
The American College of Surgeons is a scientific and educational organization of surgeons that was founded in 1913 to raise the standards of surgical practice and improve the quality of care for all surgical patients. The College is dedicated to the ethical and competent practice of surgery. Its achievements have significantly influenced the course of scientific surgery in America and have established it as an important advocate for all surgical patients. The College has approximately 90,000 members and is the largest organization of surgeons in the world. “FACS” designates that a surgeon is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
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Food and Beverage
Diva Fam Inc. Announces Voluntary Recall of True Sea Moss “Sea Moss Gel Superfood” Products Due to Possible Health Risk
Diva Fam Inc. is recalling all True Sea Moss Sea Moss Gel Superfood flavors nationwide due to missing pH/temperature records and potential botulism risk.
Diva Fam Inc.. announced a voluntary recall of all lots and flavors of its True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood due to a lack of required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for pH-controlled food products, according to a company statement released January 9, 2026.
The company said the recall applies to products manufactured prior to January 9, 2026. The manufacture date (MFD) is indicated on the can lid in MM/YYYY format.
Why the products are being recalled
Diva Fam said the recall is related to missing required regulatory authorization and temperature monitoring records for certain pH-controlled food products. The company noted that pH-controlled foods that are not manufactured in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements may present a potential risk of microbial growth, including organisms that can produce toxins associated with botulism.
Botulism is a rare but serious illness that can affect the nervous system. Symptoms may include general weakness, dizziness, double vision, difficulty speaking or swallowing, and, in severe cases, difficulty breathing or muscle weakness.
Diva Fam said no illnesses or adverse health events have been reported in connection with the products subject to this recall to date.
Where the products were sold
The affected products were distributed nationwide through select retail locations, online via https://truеsеamоss.cоm/, and other distribution channels, according to the company.
Recalled products (all flavors, all lots)
The recall includes all flavors and sizes and batch numbers of True Sea Moss brand Sea Moss Gel Superfood packaged in 16 FL OZ (473 mL) glass jars, manufactured prior to January 9, 2026.
Recalled flavors and UPCs
| Flavor | UPC |
|---|---|
| Mango | 5065006235875 |
| Pineapple | 5065006235288 |
| Wildcrafted | 5065006235073 |
| Apple and Cinnamon | 5065006235776 |
| Elderberry | 5065006235189 |
| Passion Fruit | 5061033691882 |
| Blue Spirulina and Raspberry | 5065006235813 |
| Strawberry | 5065006235271 |
| Cherry | 5061033691264 |
| Mango and Pineapple | 5065006235301 |
| 5 Blends in 1 | 5061033690052 |
| Soursop | 5061033691875 |
| Lemon Pie | 5061033691271 |
| Orange | 5061033692926 |
How the issue was identified
The company said the matter was identified during a California Department of Public Health inspection that raised questions regarding regulatory authorization and related production records for certain distributed products. Diva Fam said it is cooperating fully with regulatory authorities and initiated the voluntary recall to ensure regulatory alignment.
The company said the recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
What consumers should do
- Discontinue use of the affected product.
- Follow the instructions provided by the place of purchase regarding product return or disposal.
- Contact the company for additional information (details below).
Consumer and media contact
Consumers seeking additional information may contact:
- Email: support@divafam.com
- Phone: (818) 751-3882
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
Source: Diva Fam Inc. (PRNewswire, Jan. 9, 2026)
https://stmdailynews.com/culvers-thank-you-farmers-project-hits-8-million-donation-milestone/
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Lifestyle
A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service
Legacy of Service: Discover how military service creates lasting family legacies across generations. Explore powerful veteran stories from the Veterans History Project, including Pearl Harbor survivors and Code Talkers, and learn how to preserve your family’s service history.
A Legacy of Service: How family stories shape service
(Family Features) Major historical events like war or military service make a lasting impact on family identity, values and traditions, often reverberating across multiple generations. Veterans frequently speak about their military units as if they were family, given the unbreakable bonds that develop between comrades. However, for some veterans, “brothers in arms” is more than a figurative turn of phrase. Throughout the 20th century, entire families felt the firsthand effects of war, with multiple generations serving. Brothers enlisted together. A father’s military legacy inspired his children to join up. Sweethearts met and married while in uniform. These stories not only illustrate the experiences of individual veterans but also provide an intimate glimpse into family legacies of military service. Consider the Veterans History Project, a program overseen by the Library of Congress, which collects and preserves the firsthand remembrances of U.S. military veterans and makes them accessible for future generations to better understand veterans’ service and sacrifice. These personal stories encompass original correspondence, memoirs, diaries, photographs and oral history interviews, all offering deeper insight into the long-term impact of military service. Veterans’ narratives are collected by volunteers, and anyone who served from World War I to today can submit their personal story, regardless of whether or not they saw combat. The collections frequently shed light on the importance of family in military experiences. Whether expressed through heartfelt letters home, enduring family legacies of service or the experience of serving alongside loved ones, these stories reflect profound connections.
Family Identity During the Cold War, Jennifer McNeill rose from Army Dental Assistant to Command Sergeant Major at the Army Eisenhower Medical Center in Fort Gordon, Georgia. Her collection includes a poignant photograph of her mother sharing images of her four military daughters in uniform, underscoring how family identity and military service are closely connected. Values Military service makes a lasting impression on veterans, shaping the experiences and the values that guide them through life. Ray Chavez is one such example. He was the oldest known Pearl Harbor survivor before his passing in 2018. For most of his life, he remained silent about his experiences, but in 1991, his daughter, Kathleen Chavez, who served in the U.S. Navy during Desert Storm, convinced him to return to Pearl Harbor. That trip marked the first time he spoke openly about his service. Kathleen shared their family’s deep military legacy in her oral history for the Veterans History Project. Traditions Across Generations Serving in the military is a deeply personal journey, but for many veterans, it’s an experience that transcends generations. Bill Toledo enlisted in the Marine Corps in October 1942 at the age of 18. Along with his uncle, Frank Toledo, and cousin, Preston Toledo, he served as a Code Talker transmitting military messages through secret codes. In his oral history, Bill vividly recalled both the challenges of combat during the invasion of Iwo Jima in February 1945, and the treasured moments spent with his uncle. These and many other family stories of military service and remembrance are available to the public at loc.gov/vets. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (men looking at scrapbook)
Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress (man and woman on park bench) Author
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Lifestyle
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse launches Glam Bites: delicious beauty gummies with zero sugar, no sugar alcohols, and no artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners—designed to support beauty from within.
Swisse Launches Glam Bites: Zero-Sugar Beauty Gummies Designed for Busy Routines
Swisse, the premium supplement brand under Health & Happiness (H&H) Group and a Certified B Corp, is kicking off 2026 with a new way to support “beauty from within.” The company just introduced Swisse Beauty Glam Bites, a line of zero-sugar beauty gummies made with science-backed ingredients—without the usual “junk” found in many gummy supplements. Positioned for today’s always-on lifestyle, Glam Bites aims to make daily self-care feel less like another task and more like a quick, enjoyable habit: bite, nourish, and glow.What makes Glam Bites different?
Gummy supplements are popular, but they often come with tradeoffs—added sugars, sugar alcohols, artificial flavors, or ingredients that don’t align with cleaner-label preferences. Swisse is leaning into the opposite approach. According to the company, Glam Bites are crafted with:- Zero sugar
- No sugar alcohols
- No artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners
- Gluten-free
- Free from major allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, sesame)
A beauty routine that starts from the inside
Swisse is framing Glam Bites as a simple daily add-on that supports skin, hair, and nails through targeted micronutrients. Leading dietitian Dana A. White highlighted the brand’s approach in the announcement, noting that Glam Bites deliver “powerful, science-driven beauty benefits” through a precisely balanced blend of nutrients—while keeping the formula free from artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners.The Glam Bites lineup (available now)
Swisse launched Glam Bites in three formulas, each with its own ingredient blend and naturally flavored profile.1) Hair Skin Nails Glam Bites
- Price/Count: $19.99 (60 count)
- Key ingredients: Biotin, Zinc, Bamboo Extract
- What it supports: Stronger hair and nails, plus skin firmness and elasticity*
- Flavor: Blood orange (naturally flavored)
2) Glow Skin Glam Bites
- Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamins C & E, Sea Moss, Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides
- What it supports: Collagen production, improved elasticity, and a stronger skin barrier*
- Flavor: Blueberry lavender (naturally flavored)
3) Skin Defense Glam Bites
- Price/Count: $24.99 (60 count)
- Key ingredients: Astaxanthin, L-Glutathione, Green Tea Extract
- What it supports: Healthy aging, even skin tone, and antioxidant protection against environmental stressors*
- Flavor: Raspberry green tea (naturally flavored)
Why gummies—and why now?
Swisse is launching Glam Bites at a time when gummies are increasingly becoming the preferred supplement format for younger consumers. The company cited research showing:- 45% of Gen Z and 31% of millennials favor gummy supplements.
- 74% of U.S. personal care buyers agree that skin health reflects overall health.
A global wellness brand expanding its portfolio
Swisse was founded in Australia in 1969 and has grown into a global wellness name known for premium supplements made with ingredients backed by scientific research and produced under world-class manufacturing standards. With Glam Bites, the brand is clearly betting on a “cleaner gummy” future—one that fits modern routines and modern label expectations.Where to buy
Swisse Beauty Glam Bites are available now.- Shop on Amazon
- Shop direct: https://swisse.us/collections/glam-bites
- Learn more: https://swisse.us/
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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