One Step Closer to Health

 

    There are so many opinions about stairs. Some students loathe the idea of treading up and down stairs. Others do not seem to mind. As for me, I am part of the group that doesn't mind too much. This quote from an interesting article, "The Old Advice: Work Out. The New Advice: Walk the Dog and Take the Stairs," says that adding simply "exercise" to a daily routine adds up to a good amount of a work out. Increasing the use of stairs can greatly affect the health of students. Think about it. How many sets of stairs have you tried to avoid today? By simply using the stairs, extra calories can be burned and fewer pounds may be gained. "But what does it matter? They're just stairs!" I know that is what the thought is. But maintaining a healthy lifestyle is as important as maintaining academics in some cases. By taking little steps throughout the day, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, getting an eight count chicken nugget box instead of a twelve count, and deciding upon water instead of a soft drink all add up and keep away calories. Everyone has heard the line that says, "Back in my day, I walked up a hill for two miles in the snow while I was barefoot." Well, although the general reaction is to let it slip in one ear and out the other, there is a moral behind the story. The lesson to be learned is to not take what you have for granted. Don't be lazy! No, carrying a small, heavy refrigerator up four flights of stairs is noone's idea of a good time, but if your hands are empty and you did decide to go for the larger side of fries at lunch, then take the stairs! Although you won't become an Olympic athlete, doing so will keep you healthier than you might think.

      A healthy student is a happy student. This affects people on campus more than they realize. Being willing and able to do a little extra exercise will be handy if the journey from Bowdle/O'Bannon to the Religion building is ever necessary for you. It is not an easy task, but it is doable with being a sweaty mess when you get to class. So, the moral of this post is that if you take the stairs, happiness will come upon you in some way. I promise.