I had a check up with my physician last week. I like her a lot. She’s a good doctor and has always seemed to take my best interests to heart. As a routine part of the check up, we got discussing my eating habits. Now I’m no nutrition fanatic, but I’ve always tried to eat pretty healthy. I like vegetables and consider my diet pretty balanced.

But then the topic of diet soda came up. I always thought I was making a better choice by going with the diet soda. But my doctor advised me to give it up‹not to pick up sugar soda in its place, but to drink more water. She said for me particularly, she’s worried about kidney stones and said there’s pretty strong evidence that ties diet sodas with caffeine to kidney stones.

Three years ago, diabetic neuropathy took my feet. It was horrible and traumatic. I’m still suffering in many ways.

After my surgery, I was able to receive a power wheelchair through my medicare benefits. It wasn’t free, but I can tell you that I never could have afforded it without the help from medicare. I believe medicare paid 80% of the cost.

Because of that medicare benefit, I have been able to still get around and maintain a little independence.

But I’ve been reading a lot about the mess that our elected officials have made of medicare. What if my granddaughter someday faces a challenge like mine? Where will the funds come from for her power wheelchair? Or for her medications? Or prosthetic?

It’s not right. There will be no funds for future generations. The system will be bankrupt. So many of those who are working today are paying into medicare and they’ll never be able to benefit from it.

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.