About the Innovation

The Wellness Checkpoint was the first interactive Health Risk Assessment on the market internationally and is currently available in 9 languages. The objective of the product is to provide a private, confidential opportunity for individuals to gain a basic understanding of the relationship between lifestyle choices and risk of chronic disease, premature death or a diminished quality of life. Factors such as family medical history, personal lifestyle, health habits and health status are evaluated. The Wellness Checkpoint then presents options for lifestyle change and self care, guiding the user through an ongoing process of goal setting, making changes and monitoring progress in order to reduce health risks.

About the Innovator

Zorianna Hyworon was born November 13, 1945 in Vienna, Austria. She immigrated to Canada in 1949 and attended Sisler High School in Winnipeg, MB, McGill University(1962-64) and University of Manitoba (B.Sc,1965-66). Since that time, Zorianna has been involved at the leading edge of the information technology revolution.

Her career over the past 35 years includes experience in systems architecture, design and development as well as in commercial, online and interactive consumer information services and technology-based entrepreneurship and business. She held the positions of Assistant Deputy Minister of Finance and of Industry, Trade and Technology for Manitoba where she was involved with technological advances in the areas of education, business development and social programs. She has also served on the Associate Committee on Instructional Technology of the National Research Council of Canada and the Advisory Committee on Science and Technology for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. As well, Zoriana has published numerous newspaper and magazine articles on the subject of "health promotion by computer." In 1994 Ms Hyworon launched her own company, Infotech Inc., wherein Wellness Checkpoint was created.

In addition to these accomplishments, Zorianna has been actively involved in the Ukrainian community in Canada and served as the National Chairman of the Ukranian Centennial Commission (1988-90). Zorianna Hywroron is married with two children. She says her family has had to make room in their daily lives to accommodate the endless demands on time and resources required to create and nurture the Wellness Checkpoint into a global product and business. "I have been overwelmed by the support I have received professionally and personally from persons who have shared my vision, providing mentoring, global networking and encouragement to stay the course. Wellness Checkpoint has taken me to all corners of the world. Most importantly, it has provided me with the opportunity to build and sustain personal relationships with clients who have, over time, become friends."