MCC Daily Tribune
National Take the Stairs Day
National Take the Stairs Day is celebrated every second Wednesday in January. You know what that means: celebrate the day by hitting the stairs. Elevator? What elevator? If you’re interested in taking things up a notch, run around the block or cycle to work. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you keep that heart rate up.
Lung health is more important now than ever before. Did you know that over 3.7 million Americans live with chronic lung diseases like asthma or lung cancer? We’re not moving as much as we should. To top it, the air we breathe gets increasingly unhealthy. Some factors may be beyond our control, but staying fit and healthy is entirely in our hands. Take the first steps towards a healthier life today. What matters eventually are the choices we make.
NATIONAL TAKE THE STAIRS DAY ACTIVITIES
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Take the stairs
Wherever you can, choose to take the stairs today. Find opportunities throughout the day: on a lunch break, coffee run, or en route to the break room.
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Design a stairs-climbing challenge
The good thing about stairs is you’ll find them everywhere. Gather everyone for a stairs-climbing challenge at the office or apartment complex. It can be a surprising way to bond. Take care to offer support to anyone who may be struggling.
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Climb stairs for a killer cardio burn
Start incorporating stair climbing into your workout. Jog up a few flights each day, increasing the pace as you go along. Level up by skipping one step or carrying a heavy backpack on your way up.
5 FACTS ABOUT EXERCISING THAT WILL BLOW YOUR MIND
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Let the music take control
Listening to music during a workout can improve performance by 15%.
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Exercising is good for the brain
Cardio-intensive exercises help create new brain cells, improving brain power and memory.
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Bring on the muscles
People with more muscle mass burn more fat amounts while resting.
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Slows down aging
Those who exercise for 45 minutes, three times a week can significantly reduce signs of aging.
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Variety is super important
Compared to those who cross-train, people who don’t switch up their workouts are more susceptible to injury.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL TAKE THE STAIRS DAY
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It challenges us
The comfort of familiar things lulls most of us into complacency. When was the last time you challenged your body and mind? It’s time today to get up and move. If not now, when?
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Gratitude for our lungs
Breath is life, but we don’t notice it at all. When we take the stairs, we are reminded of how hard our heart and lungs work. That exploding sensation in the chest? It means we’re alive.
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A community endeavor
Staying fit and healthy can be a lonesome road. National Take the Stairs Day recognizes the importance of the community's rallying around better health. It’s easier when everyone’s in it together.
Sarah Benedict
MCC Wellness Council
01/11/2023