Have you petted your cat lately? "Just being over 50 years of age and petting your dog or cat once a day has been proven in studies to lower blood pressure by inducing an instant relaxation response," says Alan Beck, director of the Center for Human-Animal Studies at the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine.

When measured side by side with those who do not have animals, it has been shown that animal owners have a higher one-year survival rate after a heart attack, and have lower cholesterol levels than those without pets, even when the seniors have the same levels of exercise. Watching fish has been shown to help slow Alzheimer's deterioration in some patients. We know that pets are credited with reducing feelings of loneliness and depression.

Veterans Affairs seeking help

Is there a surviving doughboy in your family? The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking public assistance in determining whether others are still alive. The VA is searching for veterans of World War I and their families. The VA usually knows of the identity and location of veterans only after they apply for benefits.

None of the four known surviving World War I veterans has been on the VA benefits rolls. If you have information about a surviving veteran of World War I, contact the VA. To be eligible, a veteran must have been on active duty between April 6, 1917, and Nov. 11, 1918. For more information, e-mail ww1@va.gov, fax to 202-273-6702, or mail the information to Office of Public Affairs, Department of Veteran Affairs (80), 810 Vermont Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20420.

Senior Games sign-ups begin

Just in case you have forgotten! Registration for the Senior Games in Moorpark, at the Adult Center, begins today. Each year, this special event brings together those 55 and older from surrounding counties to compete. Sign-ups end Sept. 7. For more information on this, call the Moorpark Center at 517-6261 and request an entry packet.

Quality entertainment

The Forever Young Singers were June's birthday entertainment at the Moorpark Active Adult Center on June 27. The group's home base is the Goebel Senior Center in Thousand Oaks. For the past 10 years, their coordinator, Jack Haledon, has polished his antics on stage to combine great delivery with humor for all to enjoy. The group has been delivering quality entertainment to senior centers all over Ventura County and most other places where they are invited to perform. Exceptional solo performance: Chris Bouckaert.

Everybody loved the event so much that the Simi Valley Senior Center staff has invited them to return. It's called "Senior Hula," and the dates are two Mondays — today and July 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. Learn the native dance of the Pacific Islands. If you like, come on down today and each Monday through July 23, from 7 to 8 p.m., and learn Polynesian dancing, and the traditional group dance of Tahiti, Hawaii and New Zealand. Isn't it time you had a little fun?

Don't forget about your eyes

Is it time for a vision check? Today's automobiles are so powerful they demand all your attention behind the wheel. Don't risk injuring a child or the lives of those around you. Get your eyes checked today.

— David Nankivell is a Star columnist. He may be reached by leaving a message at 520-7050, or by fax at 526-0479.