​By Moe Lastfogel
Director of Sales and Marketing for The Retail Observer

It’s time to get healthy

When I was at the Mega and Nationwide shows in Orlando, I had the pleasure of sharing a ride with a few vendors in between show locations. One of them was Eric O’Grey, a Whirlpool employee out of Seattle, who I have known since my days working in San Jose.

In 2010, Eric weighed over 340 pounds, had a 52” waist, wore 3XL shirts, had type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol over 300, high blood pressure 160/100, and took over $1,000 in medications per month. When his doctor told him he would be dead within five years unless he got his health under control, Eric found a naturopathic doctor to help him. She put him on a whole-food, plant-based diet and encouraged him to adopt a dog from an animal shelter. So, he went to his local Humane Society and asked for an obese, middle-aged dog, so they would have something in common.

Just by walking his new dog, going to a one-hour exercise class three times per week, and practicing a new plant-based diet, he began losing 3 to 5 pounds per week. Over the next year, his weight dropped from 340 to 180 pounds. In addition to his weight loss, his total cholesterol dropped to 130, his blood pressure went down to 118/60, and his glucose and all other medical stats became normal. Best of all, he no longer had any symptoms of type 2 diabetes or required any medications. Today, Eric has been on a whirlwind National Show schedule and recently had his story told on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. Eric is also now running marathons and has a new outlook on life.
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So what’s stopping you? I personally was diagnosed last year with Type 2 diabetes and have made progress just by a change in my diet and getting out at least once a day to get some form of exercise. Forty-six pounds later, all my vitals are where they need to be. Eric’s story has been an inspiration to me and I hope it helps some of you make the necessary choices needed to live a healthier life.

Happy and Healthy Retailing,
Moe Lastfogel
[email protected]

​By Eliana Barriga
Publisher and Managing Editor for The Retail Observer

A friend of mine never grew up with dogs, or any pets for that matter. So, he has a hard time understanding the connection between people and their pets. But even he sees the very real love that can be shared and sometimes chimes in with, “I should adopt a dog someday.” To that I say, YES, as there are experiences and therapeutic benefits that
only come from taking care of a pet.

Dogs especially have had a long history of being very close to people. Since they are
descendants of wolves, it is no wonder that they started out as our trusty hunters, protectors of land and now loving companions. This domestication over the years is why we often call them “man’s best friend.”



Here are some lessons we all can learn from dogs:
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp, and play daily.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.
• On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Stop when you’ve had enough.
• Be loyal, and never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want is buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

What a beautiful world it would be if people had hearts like dogs! Until next time – Live like someone left the gate open!
​Eliana Barriga
​[email protected]