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News Release

June 22, 2007
Healthy fun and games featured at HMSA go Hilo Health Fair

Ute Huelse
(808) 948-6320

The weekend crowd at Prince Kuhio Plaza enjoyed some extra fun today at a unique health fair sponsored by the Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA). Shoppers of all ages joined emcee Kutmaster Spaz, local deejay and host of OC16’s Dis-n-Dat TV, for a variety of fun games and healthy activities at the HMSA go Hilo Health Fair.

The health fair was part of HMSA’s go Campaign that encourages people to get up, get out and get active. The fair featured free blood sugar screenings by the Hui Malama Ola Na ’Oiwi - Native Hawaiian Health Care System and Bay Clinic, Inc.; free neck exams by Nagareda Chiropractic; and health information from the American Cancer Society; Bay Clinic, Inc.; HMSA; Hui Malama; Tobacco Free Big Island; and Weight Watchers Hawaii. Free Jamba Juice samples and a variety of prizes were given out to those in attendance.

The center court area came alive with demonstrations by the Big Island Martial Arts Academy, Yoga Centered, and Donald "Spiderman" Thomas with his New Jump Swing Fitness program. Additional entertainment was provided by Japanese dancers and a line dancing group.

Some shoppers joined the "Take It Off Hawaii" measured mile mall walk before the official program and health fair started. Take It Off Hawaii is a community wellness program that aims to improve the health of Hawaii residents. For 16 weeks, teams are competing for prizes as they strive to lose weight, reduce their blood pressure, and successfully stop smoking. A total of 163 participants from the Hilo area are currently registered and ready to improve their lives as they lower their risk of chronic disease.

Participation in Take It Off Hawaii is open to the public at no charge. A variety of activities are offered throughout the 16-week challenge, such as a nutrition class and charity walks. Take It Off Hawaii hopes to grow into an annual statewide community wellness initiative and is sponsored by HMSA and several local and national agencies, individuals and private businesses.

HMSA launched its statewide go campaign in April 2005. The campaign emphasizes better health and well-being through increased physical activity. Spaz has been visiting Island high schools and malls as part of Spaz’s go Challenge program, which promotes healthy lifestyles and increased physical activity for teens. HMSA is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

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