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Take It Off Hawaii is a wellness program that encourages residents of the Hilo area of Hawaii to improve the health of the community and is sponsored by the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA).

Participants may join the program in teams of five or more members to compete for prizes over a period of 16 weeks to lose weight, stop tobacco use, lower blood pressure or improve health by setting personal nutrition and physical activity goals.

Team target measurements over the 16 week challenge are:

• Lose 10 percent of total team body weight or one pound per week for each team member.

• Reduce blood pressure to a maximum of 140/90 or by 10 points from starting measurement

• Stop using tobacco products and remain tobacco free for duration of the challenge

The challenge includes the Emergency Medical Services Run Walk, the HMSA "Go Hilo Health Fair" in June and wraps up in July with the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

The challenge is also sponsored by numerous national and local agencies as well as businesses and individuals, including the American Cancer Society, Big Island Toyota and KTA Super Stores. The idea for the event was brought forward to agencies by Michael Roth, Hawaii County’s deputy prosecuting attorney.

Address: The Hawaii Medical Service Association Center, 818 Keeaumoku St., Honolulu, HI 96814; (808) 948-6111, www.hmsa.com.