First thing every morning, after my shower, I give myself a foot massage. The water wakes me up—I’m usually a little groggy from all the meds I take for HIV and related troubles. Fresh out of the shower, my feet still soft and malleable, I massage them with a few drops of fragrant oil. I rub the heels and each toe, giving those neglected parts the attention they deserve. This helps stimulate my circulation and combats HAART-related diabetes symptoms and neuropathy. I use a bath and massage oil from The Body Shop flavored with ylang ylang, rose and patchouli. It’s earthy, rich and robust, like cognac. Then I’m ready to put my best foot forward.

--Jake Peters, Toronto