This is the twelfth edition of The 2 Susans, a monthly LinkedIn newsletter produced by Dr. Susan Baumgaertel and Dr. Susan Vogler.
We are two doctors who are curious about aging. Our newsletter embraces conversations about aging from many different perspectives—medical, psychological, societal and even personal. Of course we’ll have a lot of content that pertains to peri/menopause and beyond.
To read the March edition, click here. To read this new edition on LinkedIn, click here.
Enjoy the reprint below!
Stress Awareness
April is Stress Awareness Month, a topic that we can all identify with! Dr. Vogler covers a number of key points related to the fallout from unmanaged stress and highlights a great podcast. Dr. Baumgaertel connects the dots between pain, anxiety, chronic disease and autoimmune disease and links to some thoughtful posts to help manage stress.
Susan V:
Stress: the body’s response to the demands of daily life
Everyone experiences stress differently, and each person’s response is unique. Although some coping strategies are more effective than others, we all have our methods for managing the emotions that come with a stress response. Undoubtedly, stress is unavoidable and worsens by overthinking and dwelling on negative thoughts. Ineffective coping strategies and a disconnect between external demands and personal resources can amplify the response to a stressful situation.
Feeling stressed is a daily reality that affects everyone, regardless of the situation. At its core, it stems from a desire for change that may or may not be achievable, and emotions like worry can hinder effective management. Negative thinking patterns, avoidance behaviors, and perfectionism frequently contribute to elevated stress levels.
When not well managed effectively, stress can lead to serious health issues, including elevated blood pressure, which may result in even more serious health problems if left unaddressed. It’s no wonder that stress management is one of the most frequently searched topics online, as many seek strategies to cope. While stress is often viewed negatively, in some cases, it provides benefits.
In certain situations, moderate stress levels can be motivating to achieve personal and professional goals. It can strengthen resilience, enabling women to develop more effective coping strategies. It can improve focus by sharpening concentration, fostering social support, and raising health awareness. Additionally, women may experience personal growth and self-discovery, helping them clarify their priorities and values. While chronic stress can be detrimental, effective management strategies can promote well-being.
Effective coping strategies such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, and yoga can help foster self-compassion and acceptance of the present moment. Additionally, cultivating a broader sense of purpose can provide a valuable perspective. It’s essential to remember that emotions, like stress, are transient; they come and go and are never permanent.
Interested in learning more about strategies to manage stress?
Check out The Happiness Lab podcast, hosted by Dr. Laurie Santos. The January 27, 2025, Season 10 Episode 5 edition is titled ‘Stop Stressing About Stress.’ The Happiness Lab podcast is on Apple, Spotify, or YT Music.
Sunrise Summer 2024 overlooking Buzzards Bay. Photo credit: Dr. Susan Vogler.
Susan B:
Palindrome
I recently read with interest two articles about anxiety medications. One was in the Wall Street Journal, March 13, 2025, “Generation Xanax: The Dark Side of America’s Wonder Drug,” and the second one was from The New York Times, March 12, 2025, “Don’t Underestimate the Risks of Benzodiazepines.” (I’ve gifted the NYT article so you don’t have to navigate a paywall.)
Around 1992, during my third year of medical training, I rotated through an inpatient chronic pain treatment center at the University of Washington Medical Center. It’s where I met Dr. Chan Gunn, a Canadian pain specialist who came to Seattle for one day each month and did “dry needling.” This was the world’s first multidisciplinary pain clinic, established in 1961 by Dr. John Bonica, an anesthesiologist who was the founding father of the discipline of pain medicine.
I gave one of my first lectures to the group of experienced pain specialists at this program, some of whom had worked with Dr. Bonica and taught from his textbooks that all students and residents in the country learned from. To say I was a bit intimidated is an understatement! I remember using an overhead projector to give my presentation—that was pretty high-tech back in the day.
I don’t recall exactly how I arrived at the title of my talk, but I called it “Xanax, The Palindromic Benzo.” Xanax is a benzodiazepine (benzo, for short), a class of medication primarily used to treat anxiety. In high doses it can cause anxiety. There were pain clinic patients that were taking 1 mg four times daily—that is a lot! Tapering had to be done very carefully and methodically to avoid serious consequences.
Imagine my surprise to learn Dr. Gunn is now 94 and has left a legacy of IMS centers (intramuscular stimulation with a needle for treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes) not only at the University of British Columbia but also across Canada in Halifax, Toronto, Saskatoon and Edmonton.
Why am I reflecting on pain?
Chronic autoimmune diseases often involve pain, anxiety and so many other unwelcome signs, symptoms and conditions. ➡️
Chronic pain and stress is frequently intertwined. 🔁
Stress often contributes to chronic autoimmune diseases. ➡️
Chronic diseases can cause stress. 🔁
Hence, the palindrome.
It can be hard to break of out these cycles, but a variety of stress management techniques can help. Here are just a few posts that speak to this:
☯️ Creating Your Own Daily Oasis
☯️ Throwing
☯️ When Pillars of Wellness Intersect
Let’s all strive to break this palindrome!
Spring 2025 arrives in Seattle. Photo credit: Dr. Susan Baumgaertel.
🗓️ The May edition of The 2 Susans will reflect on our first year of writing this newsletter!
📝💬 The 2 Susans would love to hear from you!
Let us know the aging topics YOU are curious about. Please also share this newsletter in your network and tag us—we are so grateful.
Susan B: susan@mymdadvocate.com
LinkedIn, myMDadvocate, MenopauseMenu, The Menopause Menu book
Susan V: susan@voglermedical.com
The 2 Susans newsletter is for informational purposes only. It does not represent medical advice and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your private physician.