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HARTFORDBUSINESS.COM | NOVEMBER 13, 2023 B3 HEALTHCARE HEROES WINNER CATEGORY Advancement in Healthcare - Prevention Gaylord Specialty Healthcare Exercise for Life (EX4), a program of Gaylord Physical Therapy, Cheshire Team Led By: Philip Silverio and Kimberly Hopkins Noting a significant gap in community exercise resources available to individ- uals with paralysis and other physical disabilities, a team from Gaylord Physical Therapy, Cheshire, created Exercise for Life (EX4L), a free, high-intensity exercise program that has been shown to improve participants' strength, function, and ultimately, their quality of life. What have been the team's significant contributions to the organization in the past year? Gaylord Specialty Healthcare's Exercise for Life program has empowered more than 50 individuals with varying physical capabilities to pursue their individual fitness goals and regain their indepen- dence. The program fosters strong social connections among participants, creating a sense of community that promotes inclusion and mutual support. EX4L program leaders volunteer their own personal time to run and staff the program's sessions on evenings and weekends, and have spent countless hours applying for funding to purchase adaptive exercise equipment to accom- modate people of all abilities and to keep the program free to all participants. What are some major challenges the team had to overcome? The pandemic disrupted in-person classes for our participants, many who were already dealing with social and emotional isolation due to their injuries. At the height of COVID, we connected participants to virtual exercise classes. When in-person sessions resumed, safety measures were implemented, including additional classes, reduced-capacity classes and increased spacing. Congratulations to Jeffrey Hyams, MD, Division Head of Gastroenterology, for being honored with the Corporate Achievement - Innovation in Healthcare award. Your leadership and dedication to national research for Crohn's Disease is changing lives. Our Healthcare Heroes Think Possible Scan to learn more gaylord.org Exercise for Life Program (EX4L) Winner - Advancement in Healthcare Prevention Since 2021, Gaylord Specialty Healthcare's EX4L program has helped dozens of individuals with paralysis and other physical impairments improve their strength, function, and quality of life through high-intensity exercise. Congratulations to Gaylord's own "healthcare heroes," Kimberly Hopkins, PT, DPT, and Philip Silverio, PT, DPT, OCS, for their determination and countless hours of service to grow EX4L from an innovative concept to a successful, free program empowering people of all abilities.