Here are some of the benefits of taking the stairs:

¦ It benefits both the heart and leg muscles, increasing aerobic fitness and helping to reducing blood pressure

¦ It burns five times more calories than taking the elevator

¦ It burns eight to 11 calories a minute walking up and about seven calories walking down

¦ It burns 17 calories per flight of stairs when walking up and 12 calories walking down

¦ Two flights of stairs a day can lead to a four pound weight loss over one year

¦ It is faster than waiting for an elevator

Check out the Take to Stairway to Health website at www.phac-aspc.ca/sth-evs It is an interactive website where people can electronically track your progress.