Medscape Today has a nice write up on staying healthy in urban living areas. They cite that “in the United States, 82% of the population is located in urban areas”. When that many people live in urban areas, buildings tend to be tall rather than wide. With all these tall buildings, it’s important to remember there are stairs as well as elevators.
One way of helping residents and office dwellers is by reminding them that the stairs are available:
Point-of-decision prompts to encourage use of stairs. Signs placed near stairwells, elevators, and escalators reminding people about the health benefits of physical activity and encouraging individuals to take the stairs are an effective means of promoting activity. This intervention can be applied in almost any setting and can be a means through which clinician leaders set an example for their patients and the community.