Hi my name is Jenna Spivak, Online Communications and Social Media Coordinator for Maimonides Medical Center. Growing up with a mother who is a registered nurse, I had a unique view of health care. While most kids believed babies came from a stork, my mom explained the actual physiological process in which babies were made (in a way that a 6 year old could understand of course). As you can image I was shocked, curious and somewhat grossed out – and felt the need to tell all my friends. While my classmates were amazed, their parents were not pleased that their kids were asking questions beginning with “But Jenna said…”

Today, this need to seek out the real story and spread the word when it comes to health is still a constant driver. I believe it’s important for people to be health literate so they can best manage their health care. Procedures, conditions and health trends are constantly evolving and can be hard to understand. This can create fear and, for some, the process is all too overwhelming.

It may seem strange that, in a Medical Center filled with doctors and nurses, I would be asked to write this blog. But I think my lack of medical training is actually beneficial. I will work with physicians to clarify and simplify challenging topics - if I can wrap my mind around these concepts, you’ll be able to as well.  I will also address, from a patient’s perspective, some of the difficult issues faced while in a hospital so if you or a loved one ever have to be admitted you’ll be better informed.