Results and Effectiveness

The activity, carried out in major apartments in the city, proved to be a big hit with the kids. Volunteers handed out leaflets and spoke to the kids about the importance of staying fit, encouraging them to do any kind of physical activity that they enjoy doing - one of which was now, of course, climbing stairs. As a result of this campaign, over 80% of the children and many adults too, started using the stairs in the buildings that this activity was carried out in.

Creative Execution

We created a mechanism whereby, when someone stepped on the stairs an electric circuit was completed to generate sound. The steps were designed to create different musical notes of an octave. Black and white acrylic sheets covered with aluminium foils were used for laying over the steps. Popular tunes were displayed as codes on alternate floors for kids to memorize. As they climbed the stairs laid with the mechanism, they could play these tunes.

Insights, Strategy and the Idea

Child obesity is a high-risk health issue. Children today lead a life devoid of physical activity, thanks to the stress of the school routine and the lure of TV and computer. Obese children run a greater risk of diabetes and heart diseases. The prevalence of heart diseases in Kerala is 6.4%, which is way higher compared to other Indian states. The Fit, Not Fat campaign against child obesity, was conducted to promote healthy living among children. The strategy was to reach out to children through educative & participative programs addressing issues of physical inactivity and dietary practices. By intervening at the school-going age itself, the campaign sought to make a far greater impact. The idea was to encourage children to use the stairs rather than the elevator. Stairs offer a good way to exercise while on the go, and as a habit can have positive effects on weight and fitness.