DAYTON, Ohio — Paul Hoover is getting ready to participate in the Dayton Heart Walk this Saturday. 

It’s an event and cause he’s directly tied to on multiple levels. He’s the chair for the event, but also a shining example of how making healthy choices impacted his life in a positive way. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Dayton Heart Walk is this Saturday at 9 a.m.

  • The goal is to encourage healthy habits and change lives for the better

  • Paul Hoover is the event chairman, but is also a shining example of how to make a change

  • Hoover has lost 70 lbs. in his fitness journey and wants others to succeed as well

“In 2018, I came to the realization that I was not the healthiest version of myself,” Hoover said. 

Hoover took the steps to change his diet and exercise habits — putting him on the right path to be fit. 

“Those changes that started very small they compounded and snowballed, and ultimate I ended up losing over 70 pounds, and really regaining my health,” Hoover said.

Today, Hoover is the chair for the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk for Dayton, sponsored by Kettering Health, where he’s also the the vice president of Talent Development and Chief Strategy.

Hoover said this weekend’s Heart Walk in Dayton is a great way to get started on a fitness journey to better yourself. It’s free to participate, but those who are walking are hopeful to be sponsored to raise funds for research and advocacy. If you aren’t registered yet, there still is time to do so at this link.

The walk itself is an important cause because heart disease is the leading cause of death both in Ohio and the United States, according to the Ohio Department of Health. Nationally, one out of every four deaths is due to heart disease. Hoover said everyone can make a difference.  

“Come down and show up,” Hoover said. “If you haven’t joined a team already, just come down and walk for better heart health. We’ve got a two-and-a-half-mile walk starting at Day Air field, the Dayton Dragons stadium."

Last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic, but this year’s event is in person. The walk will be socially distanced outdoors, and masking is optional. 

Hoover said it’s great to be back in person and hopes the walk can be the first steps for some to become happier and healthier. 

“A great starter if you’re wanting to get starting to become more active and find the person that you’ve always wanted to be inside but maybe lost track of on the way,” Hoover said. 

Festivities for the Heart Walk starts at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18 at Day Air Ballpark in Dayton.

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