Late-night TikTok binges can lead you to the weirdest places. That’s how I came across a video clip from Sling Bungee, a gym in Oklahoma, with 2.7 million likes. In their high-flying bungee classes, participants were zooming through cord-assisted squats and fun choreography. I knew I had to try it, and promptly found a gym near me.

In these classes, you’re hooked to an elastic cord suspended from the ceiling, and your heart gets pumping as you soar, but because the bungee harness supports your weight, the workout is low-impact.

“For people who can’t jump on the floor, the bungee helps you land softly, so it’s not hard on your joints,” says Jayde Kabeya, an instructor and national manager of group fitness education at Movati Athletic, a chain of gyms that offers bungee cord classes. Kabeya, who trains all of Movati’s teachers on bungee fitness, adds that on top of the low-impact, high-intensity cardio that bungee provides, it works the glutes and core because you’re relying on those muscles to remain stable. Bungee is also great for all ages: Kabeya says that Movati allows students as young as 13 to join and she routinely teaches folks aged 60 and older. (Kabeya notes that anyone who has had a C-section or major surgery in the last year, or who has recently given birth, should get the go-ahead from their doctor first.)

Veronica Jamnik, an associate professor at York University’s School of Kinesiology and Health Science, says that bungee allows for pain-free weight-bearing exercise, which is “essential for bone and joint health, with a bit more ease.”

Jamnik also notes that bungee cord fitness encourages participants to move in all different directions: backward, forward and laterally. This kind of varied movement can have many benefits. Moving backward, for example, can improve stability and balance, and engaging those lesser-used muscles (we don’t move backward often) can help reduce lower back pain. “Bungee is great for people who need to work on strength and balance. It helps them get used to moving.”

Kabeya warned me that first-timers sometimes struggle to get comfortable in the bungee apparatus. She pointed me to a rack full of comically stiff-looking padded shorts, which stop the harness from digging into the skin and prevent any loose clothing from getting caught. Between the harness and the padded shorts worn over my pants, I felt all sucked in—and ready to fly.

To get us familiar with the sensation of being pulled by the bungee cord, we started by strutting in different directions, engaging our cores to propel ourselves forward. During bodyweight exercises such as squats and side-to-side lunges, the bungee cord allowed me to get deeper, and I had to use my obliques against the bungee’s resistance.

From there, Kabeya introduced some more complex moves. In bungee-supported planks, we fell forward onto our hands and pushed back up to standing, working our arms and core. Some jumps had us yelping for joy as we leapt higher than we expected. Kabeya taught us “the chandelier”: We grasped the cord, kicked off the floor and tucked up our legs as we spun around. Then we put all the moves together in a choreographed dance to “Trust Fall” by Pink. Even though my core and thighs were burning and I was totally out of breath, the hour-long class flew by. “You forget you’re working out, but by the end, you’re drenched in sweat,” says Kabeya. “Bungee makes working out fun.”

3 beginner tips for lift off

Jayde Kabeya, national bungee instructor at Movati Athletic, shares her top tips for first-time bungee cord workouts.

1. Give it at least three tries. Your body needs to get used to the feeling of the harness. Plus, some of the moves depend on you putting a lot of trust into the bungee cord, which can be a bit daunting. “You have to learn how to use the bungee, and the first time isn’t the true experience because you don’t know how to move with it yet,” says Kabeya. “It takes about three times to get the full experience.”
2. Start loose. Bungee cords can be tightened for more resistance, which makes them harder to move against when you’re hooked in. Most beginners should seek out cords with less resistance—your instructor can help you strap into the right one based on your height, weight and strength level. As you get better, you can try the more resistant cords to increase the difficulty.
3. There are always modifications. While classes always start with small steps and hops before progressing to larger movements, Kabeya says that there are always options you can take if you’re not ready or comfortable with certain moves—like an extra step forward instead of a jump up. “We always start with learning how to transfer our weight, so you can learn how to trust the bungee,” she explains.

Next: This Is Why You Need a Rebounder Trampoline at Home

Over 80,000 Canadians are diagnosed with skin cancer each year. Here are some of the newest, most innovative treatments for skin cancer and pre-cancer.

(Related: I’m a Walking PSA for SPF—Don’t Make My Mistakes)

AI Mole mapping

This screening method involves taking full-body photographs of a patient’s skin annually, then using computer software with AI-assisted monitoring to compare the images and zero in on moles. “This would be beneficial for patients with tons of abnormal-looking moles, so it’s hard to follow them clinically,” says Lynne Robertson, program director of the Dermatology Residency at the University of Calgary. Mole mapping is also useful for patients who have had multiple melanomas, those with familial melanoma or those who have mutations that increase melanoma risk. Because this AI is mostly used on fair-skinned patients who are at higher risk for skin cancer, there is not enough data for these tools to work well for patients of colour, says Sunil Kalia, national chair of the Sun Awareness Working Group at the Canadian Dermatology Association and an associate professor at UBC.

Vitamin B3 (niacinamide)

Doctors recommend that patients with numerous pre-cancers, or those with a history of basal cell or squamous cell cancers, take 500 mg of vitamin B3 twice a day. “It’s been shown to decrease the number of actinic keratoses [pre-cancers], basal cell cancers and squamous cell cancers by between 13 and 23 percent after a year of use,” says Robertson.

Topical creams

Pre-cancers can now be removed in a less invasive way, with prescription creams such as 5-fluorouracil, which is a topical chemotherapy, or imiquimod, which is a topical immunotherapy, applied over a few weeks. These creams are also used off-label for certain types of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, says Alex Kuritzky, a Vancouver dermatologist.

Photodynamic therapy

This office-based therapy can be an alternative to surgery for a select group of patients with some cancers. Light energy is combined with a photosensitizing drug to kill pre-cancers, some basal cell cancers and squamous cell carcinoma in situ (also known as Bowen’s disease).

Immunotherapy and checkpoint inhibitors

These therapies treat advanced melanoma by helping a patient’s immune system attack the cancer cells. The patient will either be given an orally ingested pill or an intravenous infusion. “We now try to find what type of mutation is in the melanoma,” says Robertson. “It’s becoming a very personalized medicine.”

Next: Yes, People with Dark Skin Can Get Skin Cancer

I was about 14 months into my breast cancer treatment when I caught a glimpse of myself in a store mirror one day and noticed my skin looked different: Dull and very dry. It was also less elastic.

I was probably being too self-critical. It had been a rough year, to say the least: a new baby and the sleep deprivation that comes with it, and then a lump discovered when my baby was only 9 months old. I quickly had a double mastectomy, followed by chemically-induced menopause, with a shot every month suppressing my ovaries.

I had been relieved when the pathology results after my mastectomy showed the cancer hadn’t spread, but my oncologist said that going forward, the best line of defense for this type of hormone-driven breast cancer was the monthly shot, plus a daily pill (called an aromatase inhibitor) that would essentially consume any stray estrogen roaming around in my body. I was only 41.

I was lucky to evade most of the worst menopause symptoms—no hot flashes, no mood swings. (And a good lube helped with any vaginal dryness during sex.) But my bones did start to weaken from the lack of estrogen, and my vision started to rapidly deteriorate, cataracts and all. I was aging, and fast—and it scared the sh*t out of me.

Every time I scrolled through photos on my phone, I was taken aback by how much older I looked. My skin had gone from plump to sagging in record time. At my annual dermatology appointment, I mentioned something about this to my doctor and he explained how the depletion of estrogen can have an extreme result on the skin. “Unfortunately, Sarah, menopause is when a woman’s skin changes the most,” he told me as he inspected a mole on my arm.

I had to get in front of this. Cancer had taken so much from me already: my breasts, my eyelashes, my ability to carry another baby (we would go on to use a gestational surrogate to have our second child). It was time for me to be proactive.

I explored some non-invasive skin-tightening spa therapies and made an appointment for Morpheus8, the intense micro-needling radio-frequency therapy that promises to improve facial contours. It was getting a lot of attention (celebs swear by it), so of course I was game. After the first session I could already see the improvement in my skin and I felt better about myself than I had in a long time. It wasn’t cheap—I am privileged to be able to afford it—but I knew my mental health would pay the price without it.

A few months later, I saw an ad for something called Forma, another newer non-surgical procedure that would also use radio-frequency, along with thermal energy, to firm skin. I travelled across town to an upscale clinic that specializes in these bougie skin-tightening procedures. An hour later, I left there glowing, like I had just completed a workout.

I also purchased an at-home skin-toning device called NuFace. (Damn you Instagram, and your ads!) When I read that Jennifer Aniston herself was a fan, and actors are routinely gifted these micro-current devices in awards-show swag bags, I decided to “add to cart,” and pulled out the Amazon gift card I had gotten for my birthday. (At $120, this gadget felt like a steal.) It comes with a hydraulic acid gel (kind of like what’s used during an ultrasound) that you apply all over your face to help activate the micro-currents. The company claims that all it takes is five minutes a day gliding this little wand over your face and you’re on your way to a sculpted jawline and lifted skin.

While this device can’t begin to deliver results similar to in-office med-spa sessions, I do look forward to my late-night ritual with my—ambitiously named—NuFace. This act of self-care is just for me: Sitting on the side of the bathtub, listening to my favourite podcast while my two kids sleep peacefully in the next room, the portable micro-current device gliding over my skin, I feel… excited. I eagerly inspect my face after each treatment, impressed with how plump and refreshed my skin looks, even if just for a few hours.

Before cancer, the idea of something like Botox seemed ludicrous to me: Who would inject poison into their bodies to get rid of a wrinkle? But after you’ve been through cancer treatment and regularly ingest or inject various (lifesaving) drugs anyway, you are less precious about so-called toxins. After going through what I went through, I see Botox as a very solid means to an end.

The first time I tried it, the effects were so subtle that not one person even noticed. Even my husband just tends to think I looked happy and revived after any of these procedures. But I feel better, which is all that really matters. I do find myself omitting the details of my appointments with some of my close friends and family, who typically roll their eyes whenever I’ve mentioned I was getting something as ordinary as a facial. I’ve never tried to intentionally deceive them, and I am not ashamed of how much money I’ve poured into my skincare regimen—I just haven’t wanted anyone else to diminish my joy.

I used to be worried that some people may think all of this is pure vanity, or that I should just be grateful I’m alive. But I don’t think there’s anything wrong with wanting to replenish some of what was lost after my diagnosis. (And, for the record, I don’t think it takes cancer or chemically-induced menopause to justify or warrant the cosmetic choices you make when it comes to your own body.) I’m not weak for caring about how I look—it’s empowering.

Down the line, I’m not opposed to taking more invasive approaches either, such as plastic surgery. I’ve already had the mastectomy, a C-section, and breast reconstruction surgery, so it doesn’t intimidate me at all.

It’s true that these days, embracing the aging process is arguably more en vogue. Gen X celebrities such as Naomi Watts (54) now share openly about the skin changes that come with menopause. Courteney Cox, 58, has gone on the record about overuse of facial fillers and regretting how “strange” she looked at one point. Then there was Justine Bateman, who recently made headlines simply for being proud of how she looks at 57, aging “naturally” and refusing cosmetic procedures. I truly think that’s awesome—but that’s her path, not mine.

A couple years ago, on my 43rd birthday, I treated myself to my first filler injection. After the nurse finished, she handed me the mirror to review her work. I saw a glimpse of the woman I used to be, from a few years back, before cancer—and it was the best birthday present ever.

Next: Jeanne Beker on Finding Community and Support Through Her Breast Cancer Diagnosis

If reading about global warming—or experiencing firsthand the effects of climate change—has been raising your stress levels lately, know that this is a completely normal human response, says Britt Wray, a postdoctoral researcher on the intersection of climate change and mental health.

“To be anxious about what’s going on with the climate and wider ecological crisis shows you’re paying attention,” says Wray, the author of Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Crisis, which came out last spring.

This type of anxiousness, called eco-anxiety, was first defined in 2017 by the American Psychological Association as “a chronic fear of environmental doom.” Eco-anxiety has been hitting millennials and Gen Z the hardest, but 91 percent of Canadians surveyed reported they consider climate change a serious issue. And environmental experts are especially struggling.

“Climatologists are freaking out right now,” says Inês Lopes, a psychologist in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, who also specializes in the intersection of the climate crisis and mental health. Lopes explains that eco-anxiety can have psychological, emotional and physiological impacts that can manifest in life-altering ways, including feelings of hopelessness and helplessness, difficulty breathing and sleeping, panic attacks and depression.

Whether you’re a climate expert or an ordinary Canadian, these are completely reasonable reactions to some harsh realities. “The creeping effects of climate change, like drought, will affect people’s ability to work, to live and perhaps cause forced migration,” says Wray.

Another prevailing response to all this doom and gloom is avoidance. But Wray argues that trying to ward off the daunting news about our planet’s future and resisting these emotions only makes them stronger. Instead, we need to push for solutions, using both external activism and “internal forms of activism,” she says. “Internal activism is the processing of the anxiety, fear, anger, dread, despair, hopelessness, so the emotions can be accepted and folded into our lives without keeping us immobilized,” she explains.

Here’s how to make that shift and transform eco-anxiety into action.

Relieve yourself from guilt

Changing our personal habits—like using paper straws over plastic ones—is definitely worthwhile, but it’s a tremendously small fraction of the solution: The fossil fuel industry is responsible for at least 89 percent of global CO2 emissions. In fact, in the 1970s, after fossil fuel companies became aware their products would make up an outsized proportion of global emissions, they spread misinformation about the impacts of the greenhouse effect and created a PR campaign to pin global warming on individual consumers.

Wray urges her readers to resist this blame game and remember that the climate crisis will not be solved by our consumer choices alone—we need wider-reaching, sweeping policy changes. “I’m not going to get trapped in their narratives about individual guilt,” she says. We should all do what we can to align our values with our actions, but “these are systemic issues. We need systemic responses and people coming together to change our systems through policy.”

Don’t judge others

It can be frustrating to feel like we’re making responsible choices—eating less meat, busting out reusable grocery bags—while some people just can’t be bothered. But it’s important to understand the social inequities that may prevent many people from making these lifestyle changes. Buying only locally grown, whole foods or avoiding fast fashion can be expensive and time-consuming—many people do not have the wiggle room in their budget, or the time in a stressful work week, to devote the money and extra effort required to change these ingrained, and often structural, habits.

“We’re tied to systems of colonialism, capitalism and neoliberalism that puts people in complex, compromised positions of unlivable wages that minimize their capacity to make other changes,” says Meghan Wise, an environmental activist and coordinator at the UBC Climate Hub.

Make individual adjustments when you can, but have empathy for those who are unable to do so. “If we can support each other and make powerful climate actions available to everybody,” says Wise, “we can move together, faster, in the direction we need to.”

An example? Make public transit more accessible, says Wise. Urge policymakers to create and support safe and affordable public transportation options, from more subway routes to more e-bikes in our cities. “Studies indicate that if given the option and appropriate infrastructure, many people would take up e-bikes or public transit alternatives, which can have wonderful co-benefits to reduce community air pollution and increase collective mental health,” says Wise.

Find—and lean on—your community

We experience the climate crisis in different ways, depending on factors like where we live, our financial status and how educated we are about what’s happening around the world. Wealthier Canadians can afford to escape soaring summer temps by fleeing to the cottage; Canadians living outside BC may not understand the very real fears of wildfires, drought and flooding; and not everyone is learning about the climate-change-related catastrophes that can feel far away, like this summer’s floods in Pakistan.

When it seems like you’re the only person you know paying attention, it can easily lead to feeling alone with your eco-anxiety. Finding a community can help alleviate the isolation, Wray says. Balance the hopelessness and fear with more positive emotions, like courageousness and connection, by fostering resilient communities that push for solutions.

Wise suggests becoming an advocate in your community in a role that reflects your values—and that doesn’t mean it has to be directly linked to the climate crisis fight. “Working on food justice in your community is climate action; working on housing injustice is climate action,” she says. “Community cohesion is a critical aspect of community resilience.” Recognizing how you’re already contributing to a community can help ease that eco-anxiety.

Don’t discount the seemingly small—but significant—ways you can support climate-friendly organizations in your community and feel like you’re making a difference. Join a tool library instead of driving to Home Depot (cities like Toronto and Vancouver already have them), or start a sharing hub. “In my neighborhood, we share lawn equipment, garden tools, a ladder, power tools—things like that,” says Wise. Starting or joining your local Buy Nothing group (through an app, or via a Facebook group) instead of Amazoning everything you need to your house is another easy way to reduce your ecological impact and save money, while creating community bonds.

Employ healthy coping mechanisms

This is heavy stuff. Drowning your eco-anxiety with a bowl of ice cream or a glass of wine while scrolling TikTok can definitely provide temporary relief from the news cycle, but these forms of head-in-the-sand coping mechanisms may not be good for you in the long run. “Suppression can take a real toll on our body, immune system and general wellbeing,” says Wray.

Lopes says the most effective coping mechanisms are taking realistic action—doing what is within your means—and practising acceptance. You can take action against eco-anxiety by using emotion-focused coping and meaning-focused coping, which Wray outlines in her book. Emotion-focused coping helps manage negative emotions around a stressor that’s out of your control through mind-soothing practices like meditation, journaling and engaging in other pleasurable activities. Meaning-focused therapy encourages finding purpose to transform feelings into actions. “It’s about being alive at this time, throwing one’s talents at the problems and connecting with the community who can mirror these concerns and help support you,” says Wray.

As for the other coping mechanism, acceptance, Lopes says you need to come to terms with the reality of the situation. “There’s only so much you can do, and you can’t do it all alone,” she says. Knowing what’s in your control and what’s not can help prevent negative self-talk and those paralyzing, ruminating thoughts.

Demand policy changes—and vote

Look for campaigns pushing corporations to reassess the impacts of how they operate, and connect with your local political representative. “We can actually create a policy that says, for example, no more fossil fuel infrastructure,” says Wise. “Recognize who in your community has the power to mobilize policy changes, and what encourages them to make those changes.” Find out which candidates are fighting for the issues that matter most to you, write to your representatives, show up at meetings and make sure you vote.

We also need to build resilience and devise adaptations to a climate-changed world, says Wray. “We have to turn the ship around and reinvest in non-carbon intensive energy—and help each other adapt to the warming we’re already experiencing.”

For a starting point, search out organizations like Indigenous Climate Action, Be the Change Earth Alliance and Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), suggests Wise.

While managing eco-anxiety is important for our mental health, Wray wants more of us to be outraged, and more passionate, about the climate crisis. “I expect to see the mass mobilization on climate really ramp up in the years to come,” she says. “That will affect and infiltrate all aspects of how we work, how we live, how we do business, what we’re inventing and our solutions.” The more people get outraged and passionate about the climate crisis, the better off our trajectory will be.

Next: How a Mental Health Gym Can Transform Your Emotional Well-Being

This toothsome dish was created by my sous-chef, dear, sweet Laurence Fisette, who jogs, surfs, practices yoga and still manages to dedicate the whole of her heart to preparing, cooking and serving food to appreciative guests. There’s a dash of my Southern inspiration in this recipe, blended with her commitment to eating fabulously well and healthily at the same time. When you wake up craving Eggs Benny but don’t want all that buttery, heavenly, Hollandaisey, gluteny goodness to weigh you down as soon as you hit the sidewalk, catch a wave or practice your one-legged tree pose, try this nutritious—while still rich and satisfying—option. Especially in the fall, when our local tomatoes are still hot red with the memory of the bedazzling summer sun.

Spaghetti Squash Patties with Poached Eggs and Salsa Verde

Serves 4

Ingredients

Squash Patties

• 1 spaghetti squash
• 1 egg
• ½ cup grated Asiago cheese
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp sweet paprika
• ½ bunch fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1½ cups dried breadcrumbs
• 2 Tbsp flour
• ½ cup oil, for frying

Kale and Heirloom Tomato Garnish

• 4 cups fresh kale, de-stemmed and torn into 2-inch pieces
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 heirloom tomatoes

Salsa Verde

• 1 cup roasted chilies seeded and diced
• ½ cup minced red onion
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped
• 1 bunch fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
• 2 Tbsp minced garlic
• ½ cup lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 poached eggs

Directions

Prepare the squash patties: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Carefully cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds (you can freeze these for future vegetable stocks). With a paring knife, cut 8 to 10 small slits in the squash so the steam can vent. (You don’t want an explosion in the oven.)

Place the squash flesh side down on the prepared baking sheet (alternatively, you can use a casserole dish). Put in the oven to bake, checking on it at the 30-minute mark: depending on its size, the squash may have softened and be finished cooking at this point. If it’s not, you can flip it and continue baking for another 15 to 30 minutes. When the squash is softened all the way through, remove it from the oven and let cool to room temperature. When the squash is cool enough to handle, use a fork to pull the pulp out in strands. It will resemble cooked spaghetti.

In a large bowl and using two wooden spoons, toss together the squash, egg, Asiago, salt, chili powder and paprika. Gradually add the parsley, breadcrumbs and flour, continuing to toss.

Using your hands, form the mixture into patties the size of an English muffin.

In a medium frying pan, heat ¼ cup of the oil, enough to liberally coat the bottom of the pan. When the oil is hot, add four patties to the pan at a time (avoid overcrowding the pan or it will be hard to flip the patties) and shallow-fry for 3 to 4 minutes. They should start to release from the pan and turn golden brown. Using a sturdy spatula, gently turn the patties so they crisp up on the other side, another 2 minutes or so. Drain the patties on a plate or baking sheet lined with paper towel. (Personally, I reuse the pan and parchment I roasted the squash on. Reduce, reuse, recycle, right?) Keep them warm in a 300°F oven while you prepare the rest of the recipe (now would be a good time to poach the eggs, too).

Prepare the kale and tomato garnish: In a bowl, toss the kale with the olive oil. Transfer to a small frying pan over medium-high heat and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the kale begins to soften. Return to the bowl. Cut the tomatoes into wedges and add to the bowl of kale.

Prepare the salsa verde: Place all the ingredients except the olive oil in a blender or food processor and pulse until blended but still a bit rough.

Drizzle in the olive oil. The texture should be rustic— that is, not too refined!

To serve: Make sure the patties, kale and eggs are hot! Arrange 2 patties on each of four plates and top with 2 poached eggs each. Garnish with the kale and tomatoes. Spoon the salsa verde generously on top.

Excerpted from Together at Sobo by Lisa Ahier, with Susan Musgrave. Copyright © 2023 Lisa Elaine Ahier. Photographs by Jeremy Koreski. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Next: A Leek, Dill and Goat Cheese Frittata That’s Perfect to Eat for Every Meal

This recipe was conceived when we were making our signature polenta fries one lunch service and realized we had loads of polenta left over. I decided to turn it into a light vegetarian meal, heavy on the herbs. It is now a staple dish in our kitchen. It also looks beautiful on a plate, so you’ll get lots of oohs and aahs from your guests.

Grilled Pattypan Squash, Green Polenta and Garlic Aioli

Serves 6

Ingredients

Green Polenta Cubes

• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 tsp salt
• ½ cup coarse-ground cornmeal, plus extra for dusting
• 3 Tbsp butter, cubed
• ½ cup grated Asiago cheese
• 1 cup coarsely chopped mixed fresh herbs (I use flat-leaf parsley and basil)
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 cups canola oil, for frying

Garlic Aioli

• 1 egg yolk
• 1 tsp capers, rinsed 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ¾ cup olive oil

Pattypan Squash

• 1 lb pattypan squash
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ red onion, sliced ultra-thin, for garnish
• 1 radish, thinly sliced, for garnish
• A few sprouts of watercress, for garnish

 Directions

Prepare the polenta: Preheat the oven to 300°F.

In a medium ovenproof saucepan over medium-low heat, put 1 cup water, the milk and the salt. Cover with a lid and allow the mixture to come to a frothy, latte-like state. This will likely take 10 to 15 minutes. Do not let the milk bubble up and seep out under the lid. (If this happens it means the milk is scalded and the flavor will, um, not be so good.)

Very slowly whisk in the cornmeal until it’s smooth. No lumps allowed! The polenta will start to bubble in little eruptions—I call this the volcano stage. You must get your mixture this hot to ensure that the cooking process will continue in the oven. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.

Remove from the oven and stir with a wooden spoon so that no part of your mixture is sticking to the bottom of the pan. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 minutes.

Carefully remove from the oven and stir in the butter, using a wooden spoon. (Some of my worst burns are from accidentally spilling polenta when removing it from the oven. It sticks like glue and burns like hell.) Add the Asiago, then the herbs, and stir again until everything is well incorporated.

Pour the polenta into a 9- × 9-inch baking sheet and let cool to room temperature, about 1 hour. The polenta should then be cool enough to put in the fridge to set for a few hours.

Remove from the fridge and cut into 3- × 3-inch pieces. Lightly dust with cornmeal to prevent sticking.

When ready to serve, heat the oils in a heavy-bottomed pot suitable for frying until it reaches between 325°F and 350°F—test it with a deep-fry thermometer, or do the bread cube test.

Carefully add the polenta cubes to the hot oil. (Cook in two batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.) The cubes will get crispy, but don’t expect them to get golden brown (the herbs will have turned the

polenta green, and you can’t get golden brown from green, if you know what I mean). Drain on paper towel.

Prepare the garlic aioli: In a small bowl, place the egg yolk, capers, garlic and vinegar. Mix well with a whisk, then slowly add the oil, whisking until the mixture is emulsified. The aioli should be refrigerated if not used within the hour and will keep for up to 5 days.

Prepare the pattypans: Preheat the grill to medium-high.

Wash and cut the squash in half lengthwise. Toss with the olive oil. Grill for 2 to 3 minutes, then turn over and cook on the other side for another 2 to 3 minutes, until cooked through. Alternatively, you can roast the pattypans: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the oil-coated pattypans in a baking dish and roast for 10 minutes or until caramelized.

To serve: Spoon a few tablespoons of garlic aioli on each of six plates, then arrange the polenta and squash on top. Garnish with red onions, radishes and sprouts.

Excerpted from Together at Sobo by Lisa Ahier, with Susan Musgrave. Copyright © 2023 Lisa Elaine Ahier. Photographs by Jeremy Koreski. Published by Appetite by Random House®, a division of Penguin Random House Canada Limited. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

Next: For a Lighter Version of Eggs Benny, Try Spaghetti Squash Patties With Poached Eggs

Anyone who’s tried the Dyson AirWrap will blabber on about how it’s one of the most revolutionary haircare tools. And for good reason: The hair-dryer-meets-curling-iron delivers salon-like blowouts and bouncy curls without using extreme heat (or causing hair damage)—which is certainly more than we can say for our sizzling curling wands. Now, if you happen to be thinking “if only there could be a hair-dryer-meets-flat-iron that could straighten hair without extreme heat,” then, you’d be thinking like inventor James Dyson.

In May 2023, Dyson released the Airstrait, the fourth tool in the brand’s haircare lineup (including Dyson’s Supersonic hairdryer and Corrale hair straightener), which were all designed to use the least amount of heat possible to reduce hair damage. The Airstrait is basically a combination of the Supersonic and Corrale, as it straightens hair like the latter, but does so with just air like the former. It can turn even the curliest and coiliest locks into smooth and straight ones—and do so without extreme heat. And when it’s sopping wet.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Dyson Airstrait.

What does it do exactly?

The Airstrait is the first straightener designed to work on wet hair—and we mean wet wet, like fresh-out-of-the-shower wet—to simplify your beauty routine. It uses air (instead of hot plates) to straighten hair as it dries it, so it doesn’t cause heat damage like a conventional flat iron might.

How does it work?

The machine’s two arms hug a tress of hair and release angled high-pressure airflow downwards and into it. As you glide the machine down the tress, it dries and straightens it, while taming frizz and flyaways.

But isn’t styling hair when it’s wet bad for it?

Because the Airstrait uses just air to dry and straighten, it’s perfectly safe to use on wet hair. Plus, it’s made with glass bead thermistors that measure the temperature of the airflow to prevent the air from getting too hot and damaging hair.

Does it only work on wet hair?

It works on dry hair, too. The Airstrait has two styling modes: one for wet hair, and one for dry. Each mode offers different levels of air pressure and heat. The wet mode has three heat settings and the dry mode has two.

The Airstrait also has a cool mode, which delivers a cold shot of air to set the style, a top-up mode, designed for refreshing your style the day after, and a root drying mode.

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What else can the Airstrait do?

It also functions as a typical hairdryer. Just lock its arms together, turn it on its side and use as you would any other hairdryer. You’ll want to use it this way if you’re working with wet hair, in order to dry your roots—just for a minute or two—before drying/straightening your locks.

Is it only for people who want to straighten their hair?

The Airstrait can straighten wavy, curly and coily hair, and do so in mere minutes. It was actually engineered for all hair types, so that includes those with already straight hair, too—and no, it won’t cause flatness. Styling hair with air, instead of heat, helps create more volume and body, so you’ll find yourself with silky locks that have plenty of movement.

The Dyson Airstrait is available in Canada for $700 at dysoncanada.ca and sephora.com.

Next: The Best Ways to Care for Grey Hair

Bob Marley passed away from acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), an aggressive form of skin cancer, when he was just 36. (It showed up under a toenail and he initially brushed it off as a soccer injury.) Though Marley is the most famous example of how skin cancer can strike anyone, it’s true that it is much less common in those with darker skin, as melanin pigment offers some protection from UV exposure, says Sunil Kalia, national chair of the Sun Awareness Working Group at the Canadian Dermatology Association and an associate professor in the Department of Dermatology and Skin Science at the University of British Columbia.

“It’s not zero, but [skin cancer] is a thousand-fold less common in darker skin types,” says Kalia. “The risk is different depending on a person’s skin colour.”

In individuals with African or South Asian heritage, the incidence is about one case per one million per year, Kalia notes. The rate increases in those with East Asian, Hispanic and Indigenous heritage, but Kalia says it’s difficult to know the exact incidence because there isn’t enough data. “It doesn’t get studied as well, and there’s a lack of registries.”

Additionally, the ABCDE rule for detecting malignant melanoma—where moles are inspected for their asymmetry, border shape, colour, diameter and whether they’re evolving or changing—hasn’t actually been verified for darker skin types, adds Kalia. “One of the problems is that the melanoma they develop may not meet the same criteria.”

And while dermatologists are trained to recognize skin cancer in all skin types, including darker skin, primary care physicians might lack that awareness. “There could be physicians who are thinking, ‘Okay, this individual probably doesn’t have skin cancer because they are a darker skin type,’” says Kalia.

People with darker skin are also less likely to get regular skin checks. And when they do get skin cancer, it often shows up in places that don’t get a lot of sun exposure, like in nail beds, on palms or on the soles of the feet—in fact, more than half of melanomas in dark skin types are ALMs like Marley’s.

For these reasons, skin cancer is often detected later, and with worse outcomes. A diagnosis of advanced-stage melanoma (after the cancer has metastasized) is more common in Black and Hispanic patients than in white patients, and statistics from the Skin Cancer Foundation, a U.S.-based skin cancer awareness organization, show that the five-year melanoma survival rate in Black patients is 70 percent, compared with 94 percent in white patients.

“We need to have a better screening method for individuals with darker skin,” says Kalia, adding that it’s important to do it in a way that doesn’t cause undue anxiety in patients. “And we need more data on what the risk factors are.”

Next: I’m a Walking PSA for SPF—Don’t Make My Mistakes

At some point in our lives, there’s a good chance we’ll find ourselves caring for another person. In Canada and the U.S. 1 in 5 adults (mostly women) are providing unpaid care for a parent, sibling, spouse, child with special needs, older relative, or friend.

While a rewarding experience, caregiving can also be demanding—and in ways we might not be prepared for. According to Statistics Canada, 56% of unpaid caregivers say that the role leaves them exhausted. Many feel worried, anxious and overwhelmed, and 30% suffer sleep issues.

The most common age range for caregivers in Canada is 45-64, a time when women might still have children at home (“sandwich caregivers”), and be juggling careers and experiencing other transitions in their lives—such as menopause. Taking on the role of caregiver can exacerbate physical health issues commonly experienced during midlife: joint pain, fatigue, bladder leaks and more. It can feel isolating.

You’re not alone! There are practical ways to manage the emotional, mental and physical demands of caregiving. The key is recognizing the signs of potential burnout before the situation impacts your health and relationships.

Some common burnout signs to look out for:

• Loss of interest in activities or spending time with loved ones
• Weight changes or loss of appetite
• Exhaustion: emotional or physical
• Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness
• Sleep disruptions or insomnia
• Experiencing frequent illnesses
• Irritability, feeling negative emotions for the person you’re caring for

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, check in with your medical professional. At home, here are some tips to help manage your mental and physical wellbeing:

Talk it out.

As a caregiver, feeling overwhelmed or angry is completely normal. Share your experiences—openly and honestly—with friends, family or a neighbour. Or join a caregiver support group; here you can share frustrations about caregiving challenges with others in your situation, as well as find helpful resources. Talking can help you feel less alone and more supported, especially when facing the dual stresses of home life and caregiving. Professional help is another option—whether via a therapist, counsellor, social worker or community resource, such as a clergy member or elder.

Exercise for a calmer mind.

Finding time to exercise can be tough, but the health benefits are worth it: improved sleep, better cardiovascular health and a stronger body. That sense of accomplishment, knowing that you prioritized your own health, also fosters a positive mindset. Try to get 30 minutes of endorphin-boosting activity per day. And yes, housework counts!

Eat well. Stay hydrated.

It’s tempting to grab fast food as you’re dashing between visits, work and appointments. However, healthy eating—leafy greens, whole grains, dairy and calcium sources, and quality protein—is your best friend when it comes to nourishing your physical and mental health. Drinking good old H20 also increases energy, reduces fatigue, improves alertness and keeps your body running like a well-oiled machine.

Organize and prepare.

When you’re juggling multiple priorities, it can feel overwhelming—taking charge of your day can help you feel more in control and lessen that anxiety. Find a good management system or caregiving app to track appointments, medical files and medication timing. Educate yourself about your loved one’s illness so you know what to expect and how best to help. Check out the wealth of caregiver advice and support available. And be sure to prepare what you need in order to feel confident throughout the day.

Do one thing for you every day.

It’s important to carve out time for yourself when you’re focused on caring for others. Taking care of yourself is a necessity, not a luxury! Sit with a mug of tea or listen to a podcast. Or try a relaxing and rejuvenating salt bath: Epsom salts help your body to release toxins, which can soothe sore muscles and reduce body pain from arthritis or other conditions. Take a yoga class or a walk or learn meditation.

Ask for help.

If you need help, ask—whether it’s getting groceries, picking kids up from school, or coming by for a chat. You might be surprised by the willingness of others to pitch in. Be specific about what will help you.

Being a caregiver is a demanding situation and it can be an emotional time, too, caring for someone you love who is going through a lot of transition, while navigating the challenges of your own life.

Recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to your support network and take the steps necessary to look after you.

Nothing transforms an outfit quite like a good pair of sunglasses. They may be the last accessorizing step before you run out the door, but sunglasses have the power to turn any old ensemble into an intentional look. This summer, a real range of styles from decades past are in vogue. With their signature upswept corners, cat-eye frames, once the fave of icons like Audrey Hepburn, accentuate the cheekbones and offer a playful sassiness. Aviators, popularized in the ’70s and ’80s by celebrities like George Michael, have androgynous wearability thanks to their retro round form and double metal bars. Extra-large frames—ranging in shape from square to rectangle to hexagonal—are reliably dramatic, while sleek sporty styles tap into the viral appeal of athleisure. But the greatest perk of all? Sunglasses preserve your eye health. “They’re one of those medical devices that are not only protective, but there is also a huge fashion side to it,” says Mahnia Madan, an optometrist at the Vancouver Eye Doctor clinic. “Ultraviolet [UV] rays from the sun can be harmful to our eyes, the inside of the eye and the delicate skin around the eyes.” Sunglasses act as a barrier between your eyes and that radiation.

The key to maximizing this protection? Find a pair you actually like. “The best sunglasses are the ones that you’re going to wear the most,” Madan says. Luckily, there are tons of 2023 eyewear trends that are both fashionable and functional—look no further than recent runways. Cat eyes went angular at Celine. Aviators were given a futuristic edge at Fendi and Saint Laurent. Colossal sunnies came down multiple runways, including Ralph Lauren and Off-White. Frames aren’t the only element of sunglasses reimagined this year—coloured lens were everywhere (Marni went all in on purple) and bring a statement-making contrast to any outfit. Better yet, Madan says that variations in tint don’t affect protection.

But whichever style you choose, it’s crucial that you use your sunglasses consistently—especially because eye health issues are an unavoidable part of aging.

“As we get older, we’re going to get some wrinkles, we’re going to get grey hair and we’re going to get cataracts,” says Madan. “Some people are also prone to having macular degeneration with aging [due to] genetic factors.” Both macular degeneration and cataracts—a clouding of the lens of the eye—cause fading vision and are exacerbated by sun exposure. UV rays can also cause dry eyes, eye sunburns, rosacea around the eyes and skin cancers around the eyelids. Along with vision issues, these conditions can cause your eyes to look red and irritated. “Sunglasses reduce our chances of getting these things, or delay the onset,” Madan says.

Repeated exposure to UV radiation also accelerates the loss of skin elasticity and collagen, causing it to stretch and sag. Around the eyes, this leads to crow’s feet and pigment spots. But wearing sunglasses—especially lenses that offer 100 percent UV protection—can slow down these effects. To find glasses with enough protection, Madan recommends checking the label to make sure they block 75 to 90 percent of visible light with UVB and UVA protection. And if it says “UV 400,” the glasses will protect your eyes against nearly all harmful rays. Equally important: When shopping, don’t underestimate fit and lens quality—they can make or break protection in the long run.

“Imagine looking through a really crisp glass versus a smudgy plastic sheet,” Madan says. Some brands, especially higher-end ones, invest in top-tier lenses, so they focus light better and cut down on issues like glare and blurriness. If you buy a pair at the dollar store, on the other hand, the label may tout the same UV protection but you could be compromising on comfort and crisp vision. Ultimately, sunglasses that feel good to you are sunglasses you’ll faithfully reach for. So how do you go about choosing them?

“If your budget allows, I recommend having a couple of different pairs,” says Madan. If you regularly partake in outdoor activities—especially around snow or water, which reflect UV rays and increase the amount of radiation—you should prioritize practicality. “You want a really sturdy frame that has a good wraparound so you’re getting protection from everywhere. You also want the lenses to be polarized: another kind of tint on top of the glasses that cuts glare,” she adds, noting that it’s best to cover as much skin around the eye as possible. An “everyday” pair for running errands and going for walks can be more stylish and less utilitarian (think: triangular cat eyes or delicate hexagonal silhouettes). “And if you’re going to have only one pair, you want to make it versatile,” Madan advises. For this, try bigger frames with ample coverage.

Sunglasses can’t help but make a statement—they sit at the very focal point of your face. But when it comes to choosing them, you don’t need to compromise safety for style; you can get yourself a pair that does both. Madan is fine with any kind of sunnies at all—”as long as you wear them.”

Find your perfect fit with these protective and chic sunnies.

From left to right:

Made of lightweight acetate, these angular cat-eye frames are on trend while being wide and functional enough to protect your eyes’ surrounding skin. They can be fitted with polarized lenses, and the frame is available in other shades. $219, bonlook.ca

These extra-large sunnies feature temples adorned with the brand’s signature “C” logo. Their size also offers plenty of skin protection. Dark tortoise frames complement the brown-tinted polarized lenses for a soft, warm finish. $260, fyidoctors.com

The aviator’s vintage appeal is reimagined with this pair’s modern bold hue. The lenses are polarized, while the double top bar and raised keyhole nose bridge provide a lightweight and comfortable fit. $73, clearly.ca

Unisex designs are often the most versatile. Take these frames by Walmart’s George line. Polarized lenses and a wrap design make them suitable for everyday activity, but with a sleek matte black finish, they also double as an on-the-go accessory. $18, walmart.ca

With rounded edges, this design puts a contemporary spin on the classic boxy shape. Contrasting orange temples and blue frames stand out and offer a comfortable medium fit. $169, available at all Canadian Oscar Wylee stores

With an exaggerated hexagonal design, these shades are as oversized as it gets. Combined with thin frames and elegant metal detailing, they’re also delicate and wearable. Frames come in light blue as well and lenses can be polarized. $229, bonlook.ca

Next: 8 Simple Tricks to Better Protect Yourself From the Sun