New Year’s Resolution: 94 Flights, 1,034 Stairs

This new year, give yourself a tangible fitness and weight loss goal: climb 1,034 steps when you sign up for the American Lung Association in Wisconsin’s (ALAW) Fight For Air Climb on Saturday, March 17, 2011, 7am - noon.

“Millions of people will resolve to lose weight and get in shape this New Year,” says ALAW Executive Director, Sue Swan. “Signing up and training for the Fight For Air Climb is a strong motivator to get to the gym and a fun way to diversify your workout. And it’s a great way to remind ourselves of what most of us take for granted – our ability to breathe easily.”

The Fight For Air Climb is a unique fitness challenge where athletes and those with a competitive spirit can climb the 1,034 steps up the US Bank Center. Participants can climb at their own pace, as an individual or team. There is a special division for firefighters and an Ultimate Challenge for those who want to climb multiple times.

For the fourth year, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the Climb’s presenting sponsor. “If you’ve resolved to make fitness a bigger part of your life in the New Year, I recommend you take the first step today by signing up for the Fight for Air Climb,” said Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield president Larry Schreiber. “Training for and taking part in this great event not only benefits your own health, but also the health of others as you raise funds to battle lung disease.” Today’s TMJ4 is the event’s media sponsor.

Early bird registration, available until January 6 is $15; after that date it is $25. A minimum $100 fundraising is required. Participants can register at www.fightforairclimb.org. Climbers who raise at least $350 are invited to attend Climbing 101 -- six complimentary full-hour CrossFit classes at Brew City CrossFit in downtown Milwaukee. The sessions will be held on Saturday mornings at 9:00am starting February 4th.

All registered climbers are also invited to attend a kick-off party on Thursday, January 19th at Trinity Three Irish Pubs, 125 E. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee. Enjoy refreshments, collect training and fundraising tips, and meet fellow climbers.

Anyone age 13 or older may climb. “We welcome new and returning climbers. New climbers will have the opportunity to challenge themselves in a new and fun way. Returning climbers are encouraged to try to beat their time from a previous year,” said Swan.

About the American Lung Association:
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungusa.org.

About Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin ("BCBSWi") underwrites or administers the PPO and indemnity policies; Compcare Health Services Insurance Corporation ("Compcare") underwrites or administers the HMO policies; and Compcare and BCBSWi collectively underwrite or administer the POS policies. Independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. ® ANTHEM is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Additional information about Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Wisconsin is available at www.anthem.com. Also, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/healthjoinin, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HealthJoinIn, or visit our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/healthjoinin.