National Take the Stairs Day: How You Can Support Lung Health, End COVID-19 by Taking the Stairs

On Wednesday, January 13 for National Take the Stairs Day, the American Lung Association in Georgia is challenging people in Atlanta to adopt healthy habits in the new year by taking the stairs, and then support lung health by registering for the Fight For Air Climb. 

The Fight For Air Climb will take place outdoors at Truist Park for the first time on May 15. The Fight For Air Climb typically takes place in the stairwells of a local tower but was reimagined as an outdoor climb challenge for the safety of participants, volunteers and staff. The organization is also offering a “Climb Your Way” option for those who can’t make it to the physical event. 

Here are three reasons to take the stairs for National Take the Stairs Day:

1. To Improve Your Health: Stair climbing is a great way to burn calories but is also a simple way to improve your overall health. According to The Journal of the American Medical Association’s Physical Activities Guidelines for Americans, experts recommend small changes to daily activities such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator. The report states that changes like this can increase overall health and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. 
2. To Feel What It’s Like For People with Lung Disease: After a vigorous climb up stairs, you may be gasping for air and your lungs might be burning. While this is temporary for you, this is what it can feel like every day for people living with lung disease. Take the stairs and then educate yourself about lung diseases like asthma, lung cancer and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease that millions of people live with every day.
3. To Support Your Community: Take the stairs Wednesday, and then sign up for the Fight For Air Climb at Truist Park on May 15. Money raised at the Fight For Air Climb will fund the Lung Association’s efforts to end lung cancer and lung disease, as well as support the organization’s COVID-19 Action Initiative. The COVID-19 Action Initiative is a $25 million investment to address COVID-19 and protect against future respiratory virus pandemics.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is shining an even brighter light on the importance of lung health,” said Rochelle Smalls, executive director of the Lung Association. “National Take the Stairs Day is a great way to improve your own lung health, and then the community’s health by supporting the Lung Association’s Fight For Air Climb.”

Registration for the Fight For Air Climb is $35 and includes a $100 fundraising minimum. For more information, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Atlanta. 

Your safety is always our number one priority. We are continually monitoring local conditions that might affect your Climb. Check your local Climb website for the most up-to-date information.