About Betty Chaffee

Betty Chaffee, PharmD, is owner and sole proprietor of BetterMyMeds, a Medication Management service devoted to helping people get the maximum benefit from their medications.

Thyroid Medication Update: What You Should Know

Thyroid Medication Update: What You Should Know

Low thyroid (hypothyroidism) is a common problem among adults. It’s most often caused by iodine deficiency in other parts of the world, but here in the US it’s usually due to an autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto’s disease). More often than not, a diagnosis of hypothyroidism will require lifelong treatment with a thyroid hormone replacement. Luckily, thyroid replacement therapy is relatively simple. Safe and effective oral medications are available and doctors are

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CGM: Are Your Healthy Habits As Healthy As You Think?

CGM: Are Your Healthy Habits As Healthy As You Think?

I went on a month-long adventure recently. No, didn’t go on a vacation abroad, didn’t hike the Appalachian Trail or climb a mountain. I used a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) for a month to see how my lifestyle affects my blood sugar. Let me tell you why I did it, what I learned, and why I think you might benefit from doing the same! What is CGM? Continuous Glucose Monitoring

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Dietary Supplements for Nerve Pain

Dietary Supplements for Nerve Pain

Nerve pain, especially in the legs, feet, and hands, is common among adults in the United States. Also called peripheral neuropathy, it affects up to 30% of adults, and nearly 10% of those over age 65. There are many causes of peripheral neuropathy, including: diabetes vitamin deficiencies trauma Infection immune diseases medications or chemicals Chronic nerve pain interferes with daily activities. Symptoms of burning or shooting pain, numbness and tingling

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Dietary supplements – The importance of potency and purity

Dietary supplements – The importance of potency and purity

What’s REALLY in the supplement product you just purchased? At first thought, it might seem a given that a product actually contains the ingredients listed on the label, in the listed amounts. But it turns out that for dietary supplements, that’s not always the case. The production and sale of dietary supplements is a booming industry. Nearly 3/4 of US adults use at least one supplement on a daily basis.

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