When you travel to Italy, or any other country where you do not understand the language well you need to make sure you can tell someone if you are having a medical emergency. If you have a known medical condition write that condition on an index card in both Italian and English. You need the English translation so you know what you are saying! Be sure to have a native speaker look at your card so you know that you have written everything correctly.

Most doctors, medical personnel in hospitals and pharmacists know some English. If you are staying in a hotel and have a problem, it is likely they will know of a local doctor who understands English.

I have had to buy all sorts of medicines for minor problems at pharmacies all across Italy and have found that pantomiming works well though depending on your problem you may have to leave your inhibitions at the door.

Here are some key phrases:

The return of Berlusconi to power in Italy with the help of a controversial ally, the Northern League, has led some to ask “Should Italy be broken up into two countries?”

The discussion centers around the prosperous north subsidizing the poorer southern regions.

Now, Veronica Lario, Berlusconi’s wife has made a statement on breaking Italy in two. In an interview with La Stampa, she said: “Italy has never been well-suited to being a single country, and has never matured enough to become one. There is no longer any value in a unified Italy."

It can be scary going to a country where you don’t speak the language if you have a severe allergy. I have an allergy to bees (api) and wasps (vespe). It is pretty easy for me to avoid areas where bees and wasps hang out and I always make sure I carry my EpiPen and a few Benadryl with me. So far, I have not had a problem getting my EpiPen through airport security.

Food allergies can be tricky because different ingredients are commonly used in different countries such as hazelnuts and almonds in Italy.  You need to be particularly careful because your waiter may not know exactly what is in the meal you are ordering.

I always suggest writing your allergy on an index card in both English and Italian; make several copies in case you lose one. Be sure to have a native speaker verify that you have written everything correctly. And don’t forget your EpiPen and Benadryl when you travel.

Here are some common food allergies and their Italian translations.