Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a normal constituent of glycoaminoglycans in cartilage matrix and synovial fluid. Glucosamine sulfate builds cartilage with very few side effects

Available evidence from randomized controlled trials supports the use of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. It is believed that the sulfate moiety provides clinical benefit in the synovial fluid by strengthening cartilage and aiding glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Recent studies have shown that the cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is also effective for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. If this hypothesis is confirmed, it would mean that only the glucosamine sulfate form is effective and non-sulfated glucosamine forms are not effective. Glucosamine is commonly taken in combination with chondroitin, a glycosaminoglycan derived from articular cartilage. Use of complementary therapies, including glucosamine, is common in patients with osteoarthritis, and may allow for reduced doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

For information about glucosamine

What Operation Are You Recommending? Why Do I Need an Operation?  Are There Alternatives To Surgery?

These are three estential questions to ask your doctor or surgeon if they are recommending you have an operation. Make sure you understand how the proposed operation will help fix your medical problem. Also ask if there is more than one way of doing the operation? One way may require more extensive surgery than another.

All these questions will help you get the best from your health care. It has also been suggested that asking questions of your medical professionals really does help you to get better quality and safer healthcare.

Having your own blood pressure monitor may help you save a lot of money some day.

According to Wikipedia 25% of patients diagnosed with hypertension do not suffer from it, but rather from white coat hypertension (elevated arterial pressure specifically during medical exams, probably as a result of anxiety)  And a well functioning blood pressure monitor will prevent you from getting thid kind of therapy without really needing it.

For blood pressure readings taken with a home monitoring device to be accurate, they should be taken the same way each time. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute[10] offers advice on what to do before you take a reading to ensure consistency and accuracy of the reading. “Don’t drink coffee or smoke cigarettes 30 minutes before having your blood pressure measured.