Lung Association Urges Chicago to Step Up for National Take the Stairs Day

Tomorrow, January 12 is National Take the Stairs Day, and the American Lung Association in Greater Chicago is challenging residents to adopt healthy habits in the new year by taking the stairs, and then support lung health by registering for the 2022 Chicago Fight For Air Climb presented by UnitedHealthcare.

National Take the Stairs Day is observed annually on the second Wednesday of January to give Americans an opportunity to leave the elevator behind and burn calories and improve their overall health. The holiday kicks off the Lung Association’s efforts to support its Fight For Air Climb, a yearly event held in over 40 cities nationwide to raise funds to help eliminate lung diseases, including COVID-19, asthma and lung cancer.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is shining an even brighter light on the importance of lung health,” said Kristen Young, 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 Chicago Climb.”

Climbers will take thousands of steps in historic Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Fire, on Sunday, June 19. For those who can’t attend the event, a “Climb Your Way” option will be available.

“I have been doing the Fight For Air Climb since I was 15 years old,” said Anne Bond, climber whose father passed away from lung cancer. “It's amazing to be surrounded by other people who are all working towards the same goal.”

For more information about the Chicago Climb, and to register, visit FightForAirClimb.org/Chicago.

Participants’ safety is always the Lung Association's number one priority so the organization is continually monitoring local COVID-19 conditions that might affect the event. Please check the Climb website for the most up-to-date information.