It’s a Matter of Your Health with Dr. Veita Bland

Guest Host: Marben Bland (sitting in for Dr. Veita Bland)
Guest: Dr. Joanne Spence, Certified Yoga Therapist, Author, Educator, and Former Clinical Social Worker

Episode Description

What if one of the most effective ways to reduce stress, improve sleep, ease chronic pain, and calm your nervous system begins with something you're already doing—breathing?

In this episode of It's a Matter of Your Health, guest host Marben Bland sits in for Dr. Veita Bland to explore the life-changing benefits of yoga with Dr. Joanne Spence, an internationally respected certified yoga therapist and educator.

Dr. Spence explains why yoga is truly "for every body"—regardless of age, fitness level, mobility, or previous experience. She dispels common myths that yoga is only for flexible people or those who can perform difficult poses and demonstrates how gentle movement, mindful breathing, and self-awareness can improve physical and emotional well-being.

Listeners will learn:

• Why breathing is one of the most powerful tools for regulating the nervous system.
• How yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and poor sleep.
• The difference between commercial fitness yoga and therapeutic yoga.
• Why chair yoga makes the practice accessible to older adults and people with limited mobility.
• How trauma-informed yoga helps people heal while respecting individual experiences.
• A simple one-minute daily practice anyone can begin today.
• A guided breathing exercise designed to activate the body's natural "rest and digest" response.

Dr. Spence also shares her own remarkable story of recovering from chronic pain following a serious automobile accident and explains how yoga transformed both her health and her life's work.

Whether you're completely new to yoga or looking for a gentle way to improve your overall health, this conversation offers practical, evidence-informed advice that you can begin using immediately.

About Our Guest

Dr. Joanne Spence is a certified yoga therapist, author, educator, and former clinical social worker with more than 30 years of experience. She served as the first yoga therapist at Western Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh and has taught yoga in hospitals, schools, correctional facilities, community centers, and wellness programs. She is the author of Transform Yoga: A Toolkit for Therapists and co-author of Trauma-Informed and Trauma-Responsive Yoga Teaching.

Connect with Dr. Joanne Spence

www.joannespence.com 

https://substack.com/@joannespence

Learn More

Visit www.drblandradio.com for additional episodes, health resources, and blogs from It's a Matter of Your Health.

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Grief rarely follows a schedule. In this thoughtful edition of It's A Matter of Your Health, Dr. Veita Bland, M.D., welcomes Rev. Dr. Teresa Fry Brown, a professor at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology, for a candid conversation about loss, healing, and resilience. Drawing on professional expertise and personal experience, Dr. Fry Brown explains why grief is not linear and why there is no “right” way to mourn. Together, they discuss the loss of spouses, parents, and loved ones, the value of grief counseling, and how milestone events—birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and family celebrations—can unexpectedly renew feelings of loss. A compassionate and encouraging conversation for anyone navigating grief.  

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Learn what should be included in an emergency kit, how to protect important documents, prepare pets and elderly loved ones, create a family emergency plan, and identify trustworthy sources of information during a crisis. Scott shares practical, life-saving advice that every household can use before disaster strikes.

Don't wait until the storm is at your doorstep. Listen now and learn how to protect your family and community.

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On this edition of It's a Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland, MD, welcomes Zoe Lindsay Mills, Board-Certified Genetic Counselor with Cone Health's Hereditary Cancer Program, for a fascinating conversation about genetic testing and hereditary cancer risk. Together, they explore who should consider genetic testing, how family history can reveal hidden health risks, and the role genetic counselors play in helping patients make informed decisions. Highlights include discussions about BRCA genes, cancer prevention strategies, genetic privacy protections, insurance concerns, and the differences between clinical and direct-to-consumer testing. This informative episode empowers listeners to better understand their family health history and the growing role of personalized medicine in improving health outcomes. 

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What should you do before your first doctor's visit in 10 years? Can a continuous glucose monitor help prevent diabetes? How do friendships affect longevity? Which fruits and vegetables have the highest pesticide levels? In this engaging Mailbag Edition of It's A Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland, MD, joined by producer Marben Bland, answers listeners' questions with practical, easy-to-understand medical advice. Learn why preventive care matters, how lifestyle choices impact your health, ways to stay connected as you age, and which foods make the Environmental Working Group's "Dirty Dozen" and "Clean Fifteen" lists. Don't miss this informative episode packed with tips to help you live a healthier, longer life!

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How often do we take our eyesight for granted? On this episode of It’s a Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland welcomes renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Roy Whitaker Jr. for an eye-opening conversation about glaucoma, aging eyes, and protecting your vision for life.

Dr. Whitaker explains why glaucoma is called the “silent thief of sight,” the warning signs people should never ignore, and why African Americans face higher risks of blindness from the disease. The discussion also covers eye exams for children and adults, cataracts, dry eyes, diabetes, hypertension, nutrition, sunglasses, and the latest treatments helping preserve sight today.

This informative episode is a reminder that protecting your vision starts with prevention, awareness, and regular eye care.

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This week on It’s a Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland welcomes Mrs. Shiron  Saunders, Co-Director of Education for Dudley Products, for an eye-opening conversation about healthy hair care, protective styles, alopecia, relaxers, wigs, and natural hair maintenance. From braids and lace fronts to scalp health and professional hair care, Mrs. Saunders shares practical tips to help listeners avoid damage and protect their hair for the long term. The discussion also explores the importance of self-love, proper hair care education, and knowing when to seek professional help. Whether you wear your hair natural, relaxed, braided, or styled, this empowering episode reminds us that healthy hair starts with healthy habits and informed choices. 

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On this edition of It’s a Matter of Your Health, host Dr. Veita Bland welcomed etiquette expert Lizzie Post, co-president of the Emily Post Institute and co-host of the Awesome Etiquette Podcast, for a timely conversation on graduation etiquette, weddings, Zoom manners, and the growing role of AI in everyday life.

Listeners learned how to handle graduation invitations and gifts gracefully, navigate family tensions during milestone celebrations, plan meaningful weddings without unnecessary pressure, and practice professionalism during virtual meetings. Lizzie also shared important insights about using AI responsibly while keeping the human touch in communication.

This engaging conversation reminds us that good etiquette is more than rules—it’s about respect, relationships, and thoughtful communication in every season of life.

Listen to It’s a Matter of Your Health for more conversations that inform, inspire, and empower

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This week’s episode of It’s A Matter of Your Health delivers timely, practical, and life-saving insight into a topic affecting millions - allergies. Featuring expert voices like Dr. Joel Gallagher and Nurse Practitioner Ann Ames, this conversation goes far beyond sneezing and tissues.

From understanding the difference between allergies and infections to uncovering how environmental factors like climate change, pollution, and even antibiotics impact our immune systems, this episode is packed with real-world knowledge you can use immediately. One powerful moment highlighted how misdiagnosis of symptoms could delay the detection of serious conditions—reminding us why professional care matters.

Listeners will also appreciate practical tips on:
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 ✔️ Choosing the right medications
 ✔️ Avoiding common treatment mistakes
 ✔️ Navigating rising healthcare costs with smart solutions

What stands out most is the show’s ability to connect science to everyday life, especially in addressing how socioeconomic conditions affect health outcomes in our communities.

If you’ve ever wondered why your allergies seem worse—or what to do about it—this episode is a must-listen.

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From the pit to the palace—Joseph's story reminds us that what others mean for evil, God can turn for good! Genesis 50:20 declares that even in betrayal, abandonment, and injustice, God is working out His purpose in our lives.

You may be in a pit of despair, trapped by materialism, or just stuck in dysfunction—but here's the truth: if you stay rooted in God's Word, you won't stay down! Like Joseph, your story doesn't end in the pit. When you're planted in God, you're not buried—you're positioned to rise! Jeremiah 17:8 promises that those rooted by the water will thrive even in drought.

Don't let the pit steal your purpose. Stay rooted in His Word, and watch God elevate you from the prison to the palace. Your breakthrough is coming!

Catch the full message from our series "The Four Hallmarks of a Disciple" and discover how to move from surviving to thriving!

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