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Photography By Marco Calderon
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Photography By Marco Calderon
When Nadia Afzal, DMD, delved deeper into her continuing education, she began to notice the profound impact that airway health had on her patients’ overall well-being. After committing herself to extensive study and training, Afzal’s approach to dentistry was transformed, leading her to establish Valley Tongue Tie & Sleep Wellness Center, where they address the root causes of airway and sleep issues.
Describe your personal philosophy when it comes to overall wellness!
My philosophy on wellness is rooted in the belief that health is a comprehensive journey involving the mind, body and spirit. I prioritize a holistic approach that integrates airway health, nutrition and sleep. By addressing these foundational elements, I strive to help my patients achieve not just a healthy smile, but overall well-being that enhances their quality of life.
How did your wellness journey begin?
My journey into wellness began early in my dental career, but it truly took shape when I attended an Airway Symposium at the Dawson Academy. It was there that I connected the dots between oral health and broader systemic health, particularly in relation to sleep and airway disorders. This revelation pushed me to expand my practice and focus on these critical areas by pursuing further education, which I realized were essential not only for my patients but also for my own family.
Talk about your decision to launch Valley Tongue Tie & Sleep Wellness Center.
Launching Valley Tongue Tie & Sleep Wellness Center was a natural progression of my passion for airway health. I saw a need in the Lehigh Valley for specialized care that addressed tongue ties, sleepdisordered breathing and orofacial growth and development related issues. My goal was to create a center that not only offered cutting-edge treatments, but also provided a warm, welcoming environment where patients could feel comfortable and supported in an optimal and comprehensive manner.
Tell us about some of the services offered at the center for children and adults.
We offer a range of services tailored to both children and adults. For children, we specialize in CO2 laser frenectomies for tongue and lip ties, which can significantly improve feeding, speech and overall development. For adults, we provide solutions for sleep apnea, including oral appliances, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to address the root causes of airway issues. We have a speech language pathologist who has advanced training with oral myofunctional therapy, as well as feeding therapy, and oral motor therapy for babies, kids and adults. Our sister practice, Valley Dental, also offers comprehensive dental care to support overall health and well-being.
What makes someone a good candidate for the center?
A good candidate for our center is anyone experiencing symptoms related to airway health, whether it’s a newborn with feeding difficulties, a child struggling with speech or sleep issues, or an adult with undiagnosed sleep apnea. We take a holistic approach, so anyone seeking a comprehensive evaluation of their health, with a focus on airway, nutrition and sleep, would benefit from our services.
How do you relieve stress?
Spending quality time with my family and friends is my number one stress reliever.
Gardening is also a favorite hobby that helps me unwind and brings a sense of calm to my day. And running!
Describe your morning routine. Is there anything you simply can’t start your day without?
My early mornings begin with mindfulness through prayer and meditation.
How about your nighttime routine?
My nighttime routine is all about winding down and preparing for restful sleep. After saying my prayers, I like to reflect and make a conscious effort to focus on all the good things that occurred during the day.
What are a few healthy habits you try to practice throughout the day?
Staying hydrated, taking short breaks to move around and maintaining a balanced diet are a few habits I practice daily. I also make time for quick mindfulness exercises.
What is your preferred exercise routine?
I enjoy a mix of cardiovascular exercises like walking or cycling, combined with strength training and stretching.
What’s your favorite meal to make at home?
Day to day, I prefer a good seasoned protein with vegetables from either my garden or the farmers’ market. My indulgence meals may include a good slow-cooked meat or maybe a pasta—but definitely paired with a homemade dessert by my daughter.
What are your favorite eateries and restaurants to visit in the Lehigh Valley for a good meal? What do you order?
Lately I’ve been loving Ayat, a Palestinian restaurant—the maqluba and grape leaves are a must! Close to my office I enjoy the ramen from Mister Lee’s Noodles. The veggie ramen curry is seriously the best! For coffee I like going to Nowhere Coffee in Allentown or The Joint—the pour-over from there is excellent!
Is there anywhere locally that you love to shop for grocery items?
I prefer shopping at local farmers’ markets and specialty stores, where I can find fresh, organic produce and high-quality ingredients. Supporting local businesses is important to me, and I love knowing exactly where my food comes from.
What’s something that you love to indulge in?
I do try to make time for self-care! I think as working moms, time is such a hard asset to negotiate for ourselves… and I’ve learned over the years that by making time for myself I can be a better version of myself for my family and patients.
What goals do you have for your personal wellness?
My personal wellness goals include continuing to practice mindfulness, staying physically active, and making time for ongoing education. I’m committed to lifelong learning, both personally and professionally, as I believe it’s key to maintaining a healthy, fulfilling life.
How do you stay motivated?
My motivation comes from my passion for helping others. Seeing the positive impact that my work has on my patients’ lives inspires me to keep striving for excellence. Additionally, my family is a constant source of motivation, reminding me of the importance of balancing professional success with personal well-being.
Who is someone you look up to?
Too many to name just one person. I’ve been fortunate to have some of the best mentors on my path of learning. If I could name a few directly related to my work, I would say I deeply admire Dr. Soroush Zaghi for his groundbreaking work in airway health. I would also name Dr. Jamison Spencer, who has probably been huge in pushing me to think outside the box and to help me recognize I can do hard things.
Do you have a personal mantra that you’d like to share?
Breathe deeply, live fully.” It serves as a reminder to be present, embrace each moment, approach life with intention and purpose, and to always be thankful.
1424 Broadway, Bethlehem | 484.767.7782 | lehightonguetieandsleep.com
Published as “Living Well With” in the November 2024 edition of Lehigh Valley Style magazine.
