Month: September 2025

2025-09-03T07:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’ve already visited Italy and yearn to return, or you’re dreaming of your first trip, you may not be fully aware how much charm, beauty and history the country offers apart from its most famous cities. When you’re searching for “la dolce vita,” you may want to focus more attention on the authentically engaging character of some of Italy’s lesser-explored cities and towns.

To immerse yourself in warm sun and warmer people, stunning scenery, exquisite art and the best food on the planet, look beyond Italy’s largest cities to explore the irresistible cuisine, fascinating history and lush beauty found in many smaller towns. Travel expert Steve Perillo, president and third generation owner of Perillo Tours, offers his experience to help travelers enjoy the best of Italy, in honor of Perillo’s 80th anniversary.

“Italy contains so many hidden gems that travelers may be unaware of, especially when they are new to visiting the country,” said Perillo. “To help our guests make the most of their trips, we create itineraries specially designed to introduce less-explored towns and areas that allow guests to dive deeper into the culture and truly experience what makes Italy one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world.”

Here are Perillo’s top picks for 5 lesser-known Italian gems.

1. Birthplace of Christopher Columbus: Genoa

Not far from Portofino and Turin, Genoa’s position on Italy’s northwest coast lends it a rich maritime history. You’ll imagine you’ve traveled back to medieval times as you stroll narrow alleyways and explore stunning churches and historic palaces.

When you’re not soaking in Genoa’s timeless beauty, savor cuisine like fresh seafood, local specialties like focaccia and the renowned “pesto alla Genovese,” a vibrant sauce made with fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Pecorino Sardo cheese and extra virgin olive oil.

Enjoy Genoa’s stunning coastal views with Perillo’s new 9-Day Gems of Italy Tour, combining Genoa’s maritime heritage with Florence’s Renaissance wonders for an authentic taste of Northern Italian culture.

2. Food lovers’ paradise: Val d’Orcia

Gorgeous rolling hills and cypress-lined roads in Val d’Orcia resemble a living painting, perfect for photography or just soaking in the Tuscan countryside’s breathtaking beauty. The climate and soil around this town, 30 miles from Siena, make it ideal for creating the world’s finest wines, cheeses and olive oil. A trip to Val D’Orcia is not complete without visiting charming area vineyards like the home of Brunello di Montalcino wines.

Val d’Orcia is featured in Perillo’s 9-Day Gems of Italy Tour.

3. Medieval masterpiece: Todi

For history buffs and beauty lovers, Todi’s well-preserved medieval architecture, cobblestone streets and charming piazzas will charm the eye, as will stunning panoramic views of the Umbrian countryside. Perched atop a hill, Todi’s rich cultural legacy is filled with historic landmarks like its beautiful square featuring the impressive Palazzo del Popolo, and the Cathedral of Todi. Stop at a local trattoria to enjoy Umbrian cuisine celebrating local ingredients like wild boar, wild mushrooms and truffles.

Discover the wonders of Todi through the 10-Day Heart of Italy Tour, featuring Rome, Florence and smaller gems like Todi with activities like chocolate and wine tasting, plus plenty of free time to explore.

4. Legendary town: Gubbio

Legend has it St. Francis (San Francesco in Italian) once tamed a wolf that struck fear into the hearts of Gubbio’s residents. You can imagine saints and monks strolling the narrow medieval streets and entering beautifully preserved buildings in Gubbio, a town not far from Perugia. Highlights include the beautiful Palazzo dei Consoli, Roman Theater and Church of San Francesco, which all transport you back to the Middle Ages.

Gubbio is also famous for the world’s largest “Christmas tree”: a giant tree made of lights arranged along the slopes of Mount Ingino, nearly 2,460 feet high and over 3,280 feet wide, which is visible from miles away. You can ride the funivia (cable car) to the top of Mount Ingino for breathtaking views of the Umbrian countryside.

Gubbio is also included in Perillo’s 10-Day Heart of Italy Tour.

5. Beach lovers’ utopia: Otranto

Otranto’s crystal-clear waters and stunning sandy beaches are perfect for relaxing. Just 30 miles from the town of Lecce on Italy’s eastern coast, Otranto is known for its rocky cliffs with breathtaking views of the Adriatic. You can also step back in time by visiting the town’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, plus nearby Aragonese Castle and Otranto Cathedral.

Explore Otranto on the 12-Day Best of Southern Italy Tour, highlighting two of Italy’s most beautiful regions: Campania and Puglia, to visit important historic towns and sample some of Italy’s finest food.

Since 1945, three generations of the Perillo family have perfected the art of traveling to Italy, making Perillo Tours America’s leading tour operator to the country. Crafting itineraries with an ideal balance of sightseeing, free time and activities, Perillo offers glimpses into each Italian city and region’s rich traditions. As a growing company, Perillo has expanded to new destinations, offering fully escorted tours to Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Hawaii. Through Perillo Custom Vacations, independent travelers can also design and book a customized vacation to meet their individual needs and desires. For parties of 10 or more, Perillo’s Custom Groups will create bespoke itineraries to various European destinations.

Visit PerilloTours.com to plan your trip today.

2025-09-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are having a moment. Vodka iced teas and vodka lemonades have become summer’s hottest drink trend, covering the crowds in sports stadiums, lining the beaches, and flying from coolers during backyard hangouts. And Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka is leading the pack for good reason – made with real iced tea, premium vodka and without carbonation to achieve the perfect balance of light sweetness and big refreshment.

Whether you’re rooting for your favorite team at a ballgame, vibing at a concert or unwinding at your go-to local bar, chances are you’ve probably spotted a Sun Cruiser can in the wild. Hospitality insiders agree: Sun Cruiser’s super smooth, deliciously refreshing profile with no bubbles is the perfect choice when looking for something both familiar and fresh. And with just 1 gram of sugar, 100 calories and 4.5% ABV per 12oz. serving, Sun Cruiser’s smooth flavor is the perfect choice for savoring the final days of the summer season.

New hospitality survey reveals increased interest in ready-to-drink beverages, with recent entrant Sun Cruiser Iced Tea & Vodka making waves across industry

Since launching in market just over a year ago, Sun Cruiser quickly became the fastest-growing RTD in on-premise locations nationwide, selling faster than long-established competitors like High Noon, Surfside and Nutrl¹.

According to a recent survey² of hospitality industry professionals conducted by Dynata, about 60% prefer RTDs when off duty, with 72% who said they choose RTDs instead of mixing a drink for themselves when off the clock. Among survey respondents who have tried Sun Cruiser, two-thirds say they would recommend it to others, with more than half crediting its convenience – particularly its portability and no-mix format – as major factors in their choice.

Savor the Last Summer Moments with Sun Cruiser

Curious to try the new RTD that hospitality insiders are buzzing about? The Sun Cruiser variety packs slide perfectly into any cooler situation — lakeside lounging, post-volleyball celebrations in the sand, pool parties and outdoor concert moments. It’s the sweet spot between effortless and elevated. Sun Cruiser is available in a variety of flavors, including Classic Iced Tea, Peach Iced Tea, Raspberry Iced Tea, Lemonade + Iced Tea, Lemonade, Pink Lemonade and Strawberry Lemonade.

Summer days may be coming to an end, but Sun Cruiser is here to let the good times cruise all year long. Visit DrinkSuncruiser.com and follow @DrinkSunCruiser on socials to find Sun Cruiser near you and make the most of your warm weather days and transition into fall.

Please drink responsibly. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, visit Responsibility.org.

1 Nielsen CGA On Premise Data Total US L12W Through 6/14/25

2 About the Survey

1,000 U.S. Hospitality industry professionals aged 21+ at venues serving alcohol were surveyed in a project commissioned by Boston Beer and conducted by Dynata (formerly Research Now/SSI), an independent research firm, between June 21 and June 30, 2025. The maximum margin of sampling error was plus or minus 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence.

2025-09-03T08:01:00

(BPT) – Mornings during the school year can be hectic, especially those at the beginning of the year when we say goodbye to summer sleep-ins and hello to an earlier routine.

You don’t have to settle for a rushed start to your day. Check out these five simple tips that can help you ease into your morning routine for the back-to-school season.

1. Lay out clothing the night before

Laying out everyone’s outfits the night before takes the pressure off mornings and allows you to complete other chores at the start of your day. Younger children may need some help, so take a few minutes every night to help them choose weather-appropriate outfits for school. Older children can make their own fashion decisions but may need reminders and encouragement from you.

2. Create a morning routine

Both parents and children can benefit from a predictable routine. Setting expectations for a morning schedule that builds in time for breakfast, hygiene and last-minute tasks like signing permission slips can save time and make mornings less daunting. A set routine can be especially helpful for parents and children who aren’t exactly morning people.

3. Have convenient meals on hand

A hot breakfast can feel like a luxury as you’re walking out the door. Consider keeping convenient heat-and-carry meals on hand so your family can enjoy a tasty and nutritious breakfast without being late for school or work.

The next time you go grocery shopping, add a box of APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Breakfast Sandwiches to your cart. In under five minutes, you’ll have a convenient and essential go-to breakfast that can make eating during transitional life moments easier.

Whether you choose the APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Chicken & Maple Breakfast Sausage, Egg & Cheese on a Biscuit or the APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Savory Turkey Breakfast Sausage, Egg & Cheese on an English Muffin, you can count on 12-14 grams of protein per serving and high-quality, recognizable ingredients — including meat sourced from animals raised with no antibiotics ever. You can feel good about the breakfast you’re feeding your family, too, since all APPLEGATE^® products meet the Applegate Humanely Raised standard, in which animals are raised with space to engage in natural behaviors and promote natural growth.

4. Get the kids involved

Parents don’t have to be responsible for every weekday morning task. Give your children simple chores like packing their own bags, feeding pets and preparing simple breakfast items.

A tasty, fun and easy-to-make breakfast item your kids can heat up on their own is an APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Pancake & Sausage Stick. Both the APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Pancake & Pork Sausage Stick and APPLEGATE NATURALS^® Pancake & Chicken Sausage Stick feature a fluffy pancake wrapped around savory sausage on a stick and offer 7 grams of protein per serving for a balanced and delicious start to the day.

Even better, these compact, mess-free sticks are easy to take along or pack in bento boxes — making them a convenient choice for breakfast on the go.

5. Be flexible and adapt to changes

No two mornings are alike. As you go through your morning routine, remember to stay flexible so you can adapt to unexpected changes. That may mean changing an outfit because of a spill or spending less time on breakfast to finish a last-minute book report. No matter what life throws your way, embrace the unknown and adjust your plans to ease stress.

This back-to-school season, take the rush out of your mornings. Try these five tips and see how you can make the start to your day less stressful this fall and beyond.

2025-09-01T08:01:00

(BPT) – The 2025-2026 school year is here, and many student-athletes have their eyes set on making the roster for their chosen sport.

But what does it take for young athletes to perform at their best? The U.S. Army’s health and wellness experts can help with practical tips rooted in the Army’s Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F) system, a program dedicated to optimizing the performance of the force’s tactical athletes — Soldiers — across all aspects of health: physical, nutritional, mental, spiritual and sleep.

These are the same experts who help the Army’s elite Soldier-athletes — from the Army Warrior Fitness Team to the World Class Athlete Program — compete and win at the highest levels of their sports.

Ready to up your game? No matter your sport of choice, check out the following battle-tested tips to prepare for this year’s tryouts and beyond:

1. Strengthen your bones and joints with multi-lateral movement

Long-distance running is great for building cardiovascular health and endurance, but the low-load, long-duration activity can desensitize the body’s osteogenic response — the process of building and strengthening bones — and can sometimes lead to bone stress injuries (BSIs). Like running, rucking — or a long-distance march with a weighted backpack — has long been a staple of building physical readiness and morale among Army Soldiers. To avoid injury during this activity, Soldiers are encouraged to incorporate short-duration, high-impact multi-directional movements into their workouts to strengthen their bones and joints.

Maj. Gary Helton, Army physical therapist and sports medicine expert, stresses the importance of beginning this type of movement early in life to reap the benefits as one gets older. He notes that the foundation of bone health and architecture is laid during adolescence, so making sure that young athletes are exposed to bone stress early will set them up for success down the road.

In addition to cardio and endurance training, try incorporating multi-directional movements to help your bones adapt to different stress patterns, strengthen tissue and enhance balance:

• Jumps and plyometric exercises like jump squats and box jumps
• Forward, backward and diagonal lunges
• Agility and balance training like cone shuffles, ladder runs and grapevines

2. Work out with weights to build muscle and endurance

Like multi-directional movement, incorporating weights into your workout is essential for building muscle, increasing endurance and preventing injury. Weight work can give you the power and explosiveness needed to engage in a competitive sport as well as increasing muscle mass, which can improve speed and agility.

If you’re new to lifting weights, it’s not necessary to pick up the heaviest weights in the gym to reap the benefits. Army physical therapist and injury prevention expert Maj. Shay Lopez recommends:

• To start, incorporate body weight circuits or bands into your workout to continue challenging the bones and muscles.
• Once you have your foundation, start to steadily incorporate weights into the workouts.
• Pay special attention to the fatigue of your muscles, and if you’re sore for more than a few days, try revisiting your workout with a lighter set of weights.

3. Strengthen your core to build athleticism

Building a strong core is crucial for maintaining balance and stability throughout everyday activities, but it can also improve your overall athleticism. Core strength allows you to change directions quickly and stay on your feet during a fast-paced game, and a strong upper body will help you build power and control.

Lt. Col. Jason Barber, high-performance coordinator for the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, recommends leveling up a traditional strength workout by incorporating aspects of instability. This requires you to engage additional muscles to stabilize, successfully strengthening your core and upper body.

An effective movement is to complete a chest press on an exercise ball:

• Select your preferred weight of dumbbells. With one dumbbell in each hand, lie back on an exercise ball at a 90-degree angle with the hips lifted in line with the shoulders.
• From there, fully extend your arms toward the sky with your palms facing forward, then slowly lower each arm into a chest press with slow, controlled movement.
• By keeping your shoulder blades on the ball, your back flat and your core tight, you are effectively strengthening and stabilizing your upper body.

4. Warm up and cool down

Like the “summer slide” in academics, taking extended time away from your sport might require some extra attention on mobility to get back to full speed when tryout season comes around. Reserving time for a proper warm-up and cool-down will help prevent injury and help you feel ready to take on a hard practice.

Maj. Max Dummar, orthopedic and sports physical therapist, suggests starting with regular daily stretches in the areas and directions that you may utilize depending on your sport. “Dynamic stretches or foam rolling may be of value when you begin your workouts.” These can include:

• Leg swings and walking quad stretches to open the hip flexors and loosen the leg muscles
• Arm circles to increase shoulder and chest mobility
• Torso twists to loosen the spine and core muscles

When you finish practice, Maj. Dummar recommends that you “take some time to do sustained static stretches for the areas that you used during your workout and any specific muscle group that you know you are particularly tight in.”

5. Take your prep off the field

As you prepare for a big tryout, remember that training is just one piece of the puzzle. During your back-to-school shopping, be sure to include healthy snacks and hydration on the grocery list. Lt. Col. Kelly Calway, Deputy Athletic Director at West Point, says, “School days are long and involve a lot of walking around. Making it to practice with a full battery at the end of the day requires good hydration and fueling. If you need to eat less than three hours before practice, look for a snack with simple carbohydrates like pretzels or a bagel to help prevent stomach issues.”

Additionally, incorporating rest and recovery into your routine is essential for making progress and staying healthy. Your bones and muscles regenerate when you sleep, so to see the results of your work in the gym, you need to develop a routine where the rest is just as important as the work.

Maj. Lina Ochoa, occupational therapist and sleep readiness expert, says, “Teenagers usually require 8 to 10 hours of sleep […] When you are well rested, your brain functions more efficiently, you think clearly, process information faster and make better decisions.” A few ways you can set yourself up for a successful night of sleep include:

• Incorporate muscle relaxation and breathing exercises to your sleep routine to unwind from social stress and schoolwork before bed
• Dim the lights to release melatonin, the hormone that helps you fall and stay asleep
• Limit screentime and keep electronics out of sight at least an hour before bed to improve your sleep

As tryouts approach, remember that great performances are built long before game day. By incorporating small, consistent elements of holistic health into your routine, you can begin building habits that last well beyond this year’s roster. For more advice on how to maximize your training, visit the GoArmy channel on YouTube.

2025-08-31T23:01:00

(BPT) – Did you know nearly 1 in 4 American adults is a family caregiver? And according to a new study from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, one-third of all caregivers are also members of the “sandwich generation” — caring for an adult and a child under 18 at the same time. Family caregivers provide help with daily activities, transportation, advocating during medical appointments, companionship and much more.

Especially for those caring for a parent with dementia or Alzheimer’s, the challenges are great — as are the rewards. A recent National Day of Joy survey by Talker Research on behalf of Comfort Keepers, market-leading provider of in-home care for adults, reveals nearly 3 in 4 caregivers (74%) find the role to be one of the most rewarding of their lives, and nearly all (91%) say it deepens their bonds with the senior in their care.

“Caregiving for an older loved one is a role most of us will play, and the connection you make with your loved one can be incredibly meaningful,” said Sherri Snelling, gerontologist and Comfort Keepers spokesperson. “The key is to remember to care for yourself, and focus on the joyful moments.”

To help provide care for your loved one with compassion and resilience, keep these approaches in mind.

You don’t have to go it alone

Especially for caregivers who want to ensure everything is done right, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing everything yourself.

“I didn’t trust other people to give my father care or understand him like I did,” said Joni. “But that led to exhaustion, so I couldn’t be my best when we were together.”

By assembling a care team, you can consistently provide the assistance your loved one needs. This may include family members, neighbors, friends, community groups and other resources. Ask your loved one’s health care provider about resources in your area.

Another way to ensure extra support is through Comfort Keepers, which employs thousands of caregivers nationwide who deliver joy through interactive caregiving by continually communicating with, involving and engaging with seniors in everyday tasks and activities, providing trusted respite care when you need it.

Self-care isn’t selfish

While your loved one relies on you, it’s crucial to take care of yourself. Find ways to support your own well-being, including getting restorative sleep, eating well and even just a few minutes of walking but most importantly find time to simply do things you love.

“When I stopped doing things that made me happy, so I could care for my mom, I got easily irritated by little annoyances that might not have bothered me before,” added Bryan. “After I resumed my hobbies just once a week, I felt more positive. I needed to fill my cup so I could have the physical and mental strength to give to her.”

Self-care takes many forms, so it’s vital to learn what’s important for you. Ask yourself what you need to bring your best self to caregiving. This is even more important when you’re in the “sandwich generation” with kids at home.

A Comfort Keepers caregiver can also give you peace of mind that your loved one is in good hands, opening opportunities to care for yourself and others in your family who may need you.

Find moments of joy and gratitude

As you spend time caring for your loved one, notice those moments when you laugh together, share a special memory or just enjoy a good day when the sun is shining.

“Some days feel ordinary, then something breaks through: My dad tells a story I’ve never heard before, or smiles when the family’s cat hops on his lap,” said Saudia. “Those are the moments I’ll remember.”

Caregiving for a family member involves a commitment that demonstrates love and a sense of belonging that’s fundamental to being human.

“Many caregivers call caregiving a blessing,” said Snelling. “When people care for aging loved ones, they also get something back — deep emotional rewards, personal growth and joy.”

Caring for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer’s

Comfort Keepers understands the struggles families face caring for a senior with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, especially when you’re helping them live safely at home. Choosing Comfort Keepers, families receive support including:

• Specially trained caregivers
• Family education to better understand dementia
• Tasks built into their care plan and geared to each senior’s interests to engage them physically, mentally and emotionally
• In-home services like personal care, companionship, medication reminders and family respite care
• SafetyChoice^® in-home safety technologies including medical alert systems and motion detectors

Learn more about caring for your loved one at ComfortKeepers.com.