The 19th Annual Weber GrillWatch Survey says 31 percent of American grill owners are grilling meat more than they were a year ago because they are “trying to eat healthier.” Nearly 40 percent said they are grilling leaner meats, more vegetables (38 percent), more poultry (34 percent) and more fish (22 percent) than they did a year ago. Meanwhile, six percent indicated they are grilling more meat substitutes such as veggie burgers and tofu, and 5 percent are grilling more fruit, although women are more likely to do so than men.

Grilling is growing in popularity, evidenced by the following factors, among others:

–Fifty-seven percent of all grill owners say they grill throughout the year. Among owners of different grill types, those who use electric grills (65 percent), gas stand-ups (61 percent) and smokers (60 percent) most often are more likely to define “grilling season” as year-round than charcoal grill owners (53 percent)

–Americans are grilling more times per week. Seventy-one percent report they use their grill “at least once a week” during their grilling season (up from 69 percent last year), and 47 percent say they fire it up “at least a few times per week,” compared with 43 percent last year

The Weber GrillWatch survey, conducted by third-party Greenfield Online, polled 1,000 grill owners. All respondents were more than 21 years of age and own a gas, charcoal or electric barbecue grill or smoker.

To view the study in more detail, click here.
By Tom Johnston on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 For Meatingplace.com.

The Bradley Method is one of several forms of childbirth education; another well-known option is Lamaze, which promotes a vision for the future “a world of confident women choosing normal birth. A normal birth is one that unfolds naturally, free of unnecessary interventions.” I think, having had six babies (so far?), that the main factor in maintaining confidence and preserving normalcy (I was always “high risk” but I was able to avoid the unnecessary, including avoiding pain-reducing drugs) is the personal touch. My friend Angela, who I know very well, is an amazing, confident and beautiful friend, wife, mother and community volunteer. She’s also a doula!

Introducing: Angela Garvin. She and her husband and children live in northeast Kentucky. She is a full time mom to two adorable boys, born in 2004 – in the hospital, and 2006 – at home.

Angela began training as a Bradley teacher in April, 2006 and received certification from the American Academy of Husband/Partner Coached Childbirth in April, 2007. She is also a birth doula and has assisted over 30 families at the births of their children.

Special interests: homebirth advocacy and optimal fetal positioning.
Certification: The American Academy of Husband/Partner Coached Childbirth (The Bradley Method®) in April, 2007

The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. Information from the Bradley Method site says:
“It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.”

Want to know more?
view Options in Childbirth
and The March of Dimes