For those of us who are wheelchair bound, we have fewer options when it comes to taking care of ourselves. We have to find ways to adapt to be able to follow many healthy recommendations. However, some things may come easier to those of us who get around in wheelchairs than to the general population.

I’m speaking specifically about meditation. Being in a wheelchair for many years has helped me develop plenty of patience. Because of that patience, when I tried meditation for the first time, it came completely naturally.

Try a daily 15 minutes or so of quiet meditation. Turn off all distractions, close your eyes, and focus on your breathing. Take the time to really let yourself escape the daily pressures. For me, it’s the most free I ever feel. And I can do it every day. Try it.

I know the topic of healthcare and health insurance is a hot topic because it’s an election year. And there is going to be many perspectives thrown around, each trying to solve the issues.

But as I sit here in my wheelchair, I’ve been thinking about what’s wrong with the healthcare system. I’m not sure any of the candidates for public office can (or will) tell it like it is. Maybe it’s because I have a unique perspective—and not just because I’m sitting in a power wheelchair.

First, the whole idea of employer-provided health insurance came about through labor unions. I’m sure some of the intentions in the beginning were noble. Trying to help your employees live healthier is a good thing. But here’s the deal, by providing health insurance through an employer, you’ve now created far too much separation between the person who is making healthcare “purchases” and the way their money actually changes hands.

What other major purchase decisions do you make in your life where you don’t really know what the “thing” costs? Or without shopping around?

If your car was in the repair shop and the mechanic called you and said “We’re worried that there might be a serious issue with your brakes. We need to run a special diagnostic test to determine if there is an issue.” Wouldn’t you have a few questions? How much is the test? What will it tell us? What are the risks of not having the test? What makes you think my brakes have the issue in the first place?

The funny thing is, doctors are more than prepared to answer all those questions. But because we have our employer and our health insurance company involved in the payment process, we feel separated. We don’t see healthcare “purchases” as purchases. And as a result, there are no (or too few) true market pressures in the healthcare industry.

If the mechanic’s answers to your questions revealed that the risk is that your brake pads might wear out too quickly and the cost of the test is $5,000—you’d tell him that he’s crazy. But if the issue was your brakes might completely fail the next time you drive, you’d be willing to pay quite a bit to get it fixed. Or you might want to check around to see if someone else can do the test for cheaper.

Anyway, my point is, all the solutions being thrown around won’t help the end consumer feel in control of their own healthcare dollars. Therefore, they won’t bring real market pressures into the healthcare industry. And therefore, nothing will change. Costs will continue to spiral. And the average Joe sitting in his wheelchair will be stuck paying ridiculous prices, getting unnecessary treatments, and generally feel constantly frustrated with the whole healthcare mess.

Recently I found a massage therapist who has experience helping clients who are wheelchair bound. It has been the greatest thing for me. I tell her all the time that she has magic hands. I’ve suffered from low-back pain and hip pain for years.

Her massage therapy sessions typically include some passive stretching and then some muscle-lengthening massage. It has helped me so much. And the fact that she’s aware of specific issues to watch out for those in wheelchairs is just great. She even helps me watch for pressure sores.