The United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County - an Oakland-based nonprofit since 1991 - is holding its Seventh Annual Healthy Living Festival at the Oakland Zoo from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Friday, July 9, in Knowland Park, 9777 Golf Links Road.

The festival has been moved from the Lake Merritt area to accommodate more exhibitors in the health and resource fair, as well as to provide better accessibility for wheelchairs and walkers. So instead of the traditional Walk-A-Thon around Lake Merritt, festival participants can enjoy a walk through the zoo, which is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals and offers many walking areas that are flat and wheelchair accessible.

This year's festival also will feature health screenings, financial planning information and its first ever Medication Drop-off Program. Fair-goers  are encouraged to bring old medications (or unopened, unneeded new ones), ointments and vitamins for proper disposal. Unexpired medications will be donated to clinics.

It is easy to get to the zoo by public transportation - AC Transit line #46 runs directly to the zoo from many other hubs. (The United Seniors organization holds travel training workshops throughout the year to learn how to utilize public transit.) Parking also will be available for $6 per car at the zoo on festival day.

If you want to attend this worthwhile and popular event, you are encouraged to complete your registration form as soon as possible. To do so or for more information, visit www.usoac.org/hlf.html or call Michelle Taylor Lagunas at (510) 729-0853 .