No one wakes up expecting them to make unhealthy choices, but busy everyday life can jeopardize our healthy intentions:fast food instead of home-cooked meal because we're exhausted; drive to the supermarket instead of walking because it is more convenient. But what if life came with little reminders to make healthy choices? To address that question, researchers at San Diego State University looked at whether a simple sign could encourage airport visitors to take the stairs instead of the escalator. For 10 non-consecutive days, a team led by public health researchers placed one of five signs at the bottom of an escalator or near an elevator at San Diego International Airport.
The signs are:
– “Reserve the escalator for those who need it.”
– “Don't waste time, lose weight. Use the stairs.”
– “Don't waste your time, minimize your waistline. Use the stairs.”
– “You get more stares when you use the stairs.”
– “If you want to feel younger, act younger. Go for it! Use the stairs.”
On alternate days they didn't put up any signs at all. The researchers counted how many people took the stairs versus the escalator on the days with signs and the days without signs. They also interviewed people at the top of the stairs about their health history and physical activity. When one of the signs was in place, about twice as many people took the stairs compared to a day without a sign, the researchers reported. The main finding:the cues boosted both those who exercised regularly and those who had never exercised.
