Start Your New Year on the Right Foot

DETROIT MI (01/06/2012)(readMedia)-- Training for the Fight For Air Climb is the perfect first step to take in becoming healthy during the New Year.

The American Lung Association is hosting its sixth annual Fight For Air Climb in Detroit and they're looking for participants to help them fight for air.

On Sunday March 4th climbers, walkers, runners and supporters of the American Lung Association will climb the Renaissance Center. Participants will challenge themselves to climb 70 floors (1,035 stairs) while raising money to help support the fight against lung disease. The goal of the event is to raise $175,000 to support lung health research, education and advocacy in Michigan.

The day's festivities begin bright and early with registration at 8am.

Back for 2012 is the Firefighter Challenge. Firefighters from Michigan and beyond will compete in full firefighter gear. Awards will be given to the fastest fire team, fastest male and female firefighter and highest fundraising fire team.

Climbers also have the option of participating in the 40 floor (585 stairs) Half Climb. The first climber will ascend the Ren Cen at 9am.

All festivities will be held at the Renaissance Center in downtown Detroit, Michigan.

To help you get started, the American Lung Association is offering an online training guide and practice climb opportunities. Registration is $35. In addition, participants who raise a minimum of $100 in donations can quality for a variety of incentive prizes based on the amount of money they raise.

Lung diseases such as asthma and COPD cannot yet be cured, but they can be managed. Making sure people know what's needed to take control of these lung diseases is one of the American Lung Association's top priorities. 35 million Americans are living with lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and COPD. Lung cancer is America's #1 cancer killer.

Sign-ups for the climb are well underway, but space is still available for individuals or teams.

Anyone interested in more information, or in making a donation to support this event can call (248) 784-2018 or visit the website at www.ClimbDetroit.org.

The Fight For Air Climb Detroit is sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Genentech, Outdoor Athlete Magazine, MI Sports Edge Magazine, the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center and is endorsed by the Governor's Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports.

If you have questions about lung health, call the American Lung Association's free Lung Help-Line at 1-800-LUNG-USA and choose option 2 to speak directly to a healthcare professional.