Overfed and Undernourished

I had the great privilege last night to share the documentary Overfed and Undernourished at the Ferny Lane theatre with a small crowd of around 60 people.

Norfolk Island residents and a handful of visitors came to watch the journey of Liam, an 11 year old boy who had lost his mother a few years earlier, and as a consequence his health had spiralled out of control.

At 80kg, his dad had reached out to his brother and sister in law, Anthony and Kate Golle, to help with getting Liam back on track.

The documentary shares the story of Liam, and also connects with other wellness experts including Don Tolman, Dr John Demartini, Dr Arne Rubinstein and Joe Cross, discussing the connection with physical and emotional health, and the chronic lifestyle diseases that can occur as a result of the choices we make as individuals and parents.

Some of the key messages covered include eating food that is closest to the sun, and the premise that food made by people in white coats, tends to lead you back to health that is supported by people in white coats.

I have been a passionate advocate for Wellness for many years, and it has always troubled me to hear of the number of Norfolk Islanders who struggle with chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

In 2019 I had a positive biopsy come back with the diagnosis of Follicular Thyroid cancer, and immediately I connected

back with the teachings of Don and Tyler Tolman to support my own healing. I implemented the principles for several months with a view to avoiding surgery, chemo and radio therapy suggested by my doctor, and was successful in doing so until Mothers day 2020 we were called to Sydney to visit with a very close family member who was dying of Cancer.

Four days we stayed with her and created beautiful memories, until having to return to Brisbane, and then on the car trip home from the airport I got the call from the hospital with the ‘good news’ that my surgery was now scheduled for that Friday.

Having just spent 4 days loving and grieving with my kids, I made the decision to go ahead with the surgery, despite not wanting to, as the emotion and sadness was acute, and I didn’t want to put my kids through that so I gave in.

Waking up from the surgery with a full thyroid removal, meaning a lifetime of medication was now required to just survive, I was told that my thyroid was actually healthy, and the removal had been unnecessary – the protocols I had been following had actually worked, but now it was removed it was too late, and from this I became more determined to share my story and support others to know that there were choices.

The ‘diagnosis’ of the dreaded C word, or other significant lifestyle diseases does not mean you have received a death sentence, if anything I want people to know that there are always choices… and irrespective of where you are on your journey, if you are wanting to move towards health, it all begins with a decision.

The 7 Principles of Health include:

1 – Air

2 – Water

3 – Sunshine

4 – Exercise

5 – Whole Foods

6 – Relationships

7 – Passion

And a bonus 8^th principle is Sleep. I am happy to expand on these further specific to Norfolk Island for those who are interested.

It is heartening to see the number of businesses now on the island who are advocating and supporting good health principles, and I would love to be a part of helping people with their individual journeys toward health, but also assisting in creating connections for those who seek health, or want to help others seek health.

A friend on the island shared her belief that it is a common unity that creates Community, and I still believe that Norfolk has incredible potential to develop their brand as a wellness destination… but first we must start with ourselves.

For any questions or comments regarding any of the above, feel free to connect with me on Social media – Karen Louise (Adams), or email karen.louise177@outlook.com

A big thank you to Monica and Ian at Ferny Lane theatre for use of the premises, to Troy Irvine and Nova Bates for the beautiful Norfolk island produce on our grazing table, and to Cookie from 2 Drips for the display.