Learn words and phrases about health in Italian
Italians have a different approach to la salute (health) than in many other countries. To say they are knowledgeable would be an understatement. Not only do most people know what the correct temperatura del corpo (body temperature) should be, they even know what their own temperature is on any given day. A slight variation to the norm is always a good reason to stay at home! And when an Italian decides to visit their medico di base (family doctor/GP), it’s often more for a confirmation than a diagnosi (diagnosis) - they probably already know what’s wrong with them.
This knowledge of all things medical is probably passed down through the family via the famous rimedi di nonna (granny’s remedies), with tips for the cura of anything from il mal di gola (sore throat) to una caviglia slogata (a sprained ankle) and everything in between. A word of warning, however - never ask for un consiglio (advice) at large family gatherings. The arguments over conflicting tips will fa girare la testa (make your head spin)!
So Italians take their health very seriously, which probably explains why they have one of the highest life expectancies in the world. The slightest raffredore (cold) sends them running to the farmacia (chemist’s) to stock up on pillole (tablets) and other types of medicina (medicine). More serious problems may need a visit to a specialista (specialist) and possibly a trip to ospedale (hospital). And for accidents un ambulanza (an ambulance) is always ready to whisk you off to pronto soccorso (casualty/emergency room).
So don’t panic if you find yourself needing un medico (a doctor) while visiting Italy - you will definitely be in mani sicure (safe hands)!
