Iowans are encouraged to skip the elevator today and opt for the stairwell as part of National Take The Stairs Day. Heather Johnson, a development manager at the American Lung Association of Iowa, says stair climbing requires eight to 11 calories of energy per minute. She adds making little changes in our daily lives can help to make a big difference in our health. This day promoting exercise comes at the ideal time, when Iowans are in the midst of winter.

Most of our smartphones have an app that counts steps or stairs, or an app can typically be downloaded for free.