Italian parents are generally very concerned that their children eat a healthy diet of meat, vegetables and fruit and they encourage them to avoid eating too many sweets. The Italian government has regulations regarding food preservatives and in some cases has forbidden their use, as well as many kinds of food colorings. When visiting the seaside parents encourage their kids to use sun block and avoid exposure to the sun between 11:00 am and 4:00 pm. In the south, sunbathing after breakfast or lunch is actually strictly forbidden by parents, but it is discouraged everywhere else in Italy as well.

Smoking has now finally been banned in all public places, including cafés, restaurants, schools, offices, buses and trains. Some people still smoke in these places but now they might be heavily fined for it. The cost of cigarettes is always increasing and the media often advertise about the dangers of smoking. Thanks to the antismoking campaign, even though the number of people still smoking is still quite high, it has been decreasing over recent years. As people become more and more conscious of the risk to their health, they are appreciating the health and economic benefits of not smoking

Recently all Italian families received a free book that explains the correct use of medications. Also, TV and other media are now giving information about how to live in healthy ways. People can even go online now and get information from the government about general health issues such as vaccinations, what makes a healthy diet, disease prevention and treatment and what health institution to go to for what problem. People can even get help on how to quit smoking. In Italy, if someone has been to the doctor and been diagnosed with an illness, that person can actually go online and get a second opinion.