Vital - distributed monthly within the Detroit Free Press & The Detroit News. Also available free in hundreds of local racks

WOMEN'S HEALTH: Friends With Benefits

Need a good reason to get out and play with your girlfriends? Women who get at least 3.5 hours of leisure-time activity each week are less likely to be depressed, new research from Australia shows.

Being a member of a sporting/recreational club, having someone to walk with in the neighborhood, and being active with a family member were associated with a lower level of depressive symptoms, while being discouraged from physical activity and having no one to exercise with were associated with an increase in depressive symptoms. The study was published in May in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity.

KIDS' HEALTH: Head Games

It's not uncommon for student athletes to bounce back to their regular routine after they've had a concussion. But a new report suggests that teens who've suffered a head injury - even a mild one - should prolong their respite from the playing field.

Student athletes who resume intense activity after a concussion demonstrate impaired brain function and appear to have a slower recovery than teens who take a break from their sport, according to the report in the June issue of The Journal of Athletic Training. The study did not recommend a specific recovery time, but authors stressed the importance of a gradual return to play.

MEN'S HEALTH: U-M Study Uncovers Prostate Cancer Gene

Researchers at the University of Michigan Health System have identified traits of an aggressive type of prostate cancer that occurs in about 10% of men who have the disease. The discovery could lead to a simple urine test - possibly within the next few years - that will help in diagnosing this rare variation of prostate cancer.

By studying prostate cancer at the molecular level, the U-M team found that a certain gene called SPINK1, which is found in bodily fluids, was overexpressed in this variation of the disease. The findings were reported in the June issue of the journal Cancer Cell.

MONTHLY CHECKUP: Health-care Funding Gets a Boost, Takes a Hit

In June, the Greater Detroit Area Health Council (GDAHC) received a $1 million, three-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The grant is intended to bring together health-care providers, patients and taxpayers to improve health care in metro Detroit. GDAHC's Save Lives Save Dollars was among 14 programs nationwide chosen to receive the Aligning Forces for Quality Grant.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan cut funding for 26 of its traditional recipients, many of them health-based nonprofits. After its support dropped by more than 50%, the American Red Cross' Detroit Chapter decided to pull out of the United Way. Other agencies that lost funding include the Karmanos Cancer Center, the American Diabetes Association and the Autism Society. United Way says the changes were made as part of its new approach to focus on social needs in a region struggling with economic decline.

SENIOR HEALTH: SHEDDING LIGHT ON DEMENTIA

Brighter lighting during the day might ease some of the behavioral problems caused by dementia, and in combination with the hormone melatonin, could help patients sleep better, a new study shows.

The study, published in June's Journal of the American Medical Association, involved 189 residents (87% of whom suffered from dementia) of 12 group-care facilities in the Netherlands.

Bright light was found to reduce patients' cognitive deficits by 5%, decrease depressive symptoms by 19%, and calm increases in functional limitations by 53%, compared to the dim-light group.

When taken by patients in the bright-light group, melatonin, a hormone that helps regulate the body's circadian rhythm, reduced the time it took for patients to fall asleep by 19%, increased the average duration of uninterrupted sleep by 25%, and decreased agitated behavior by 9%.

However, it had no effect on symptoms of depression, according to caretakers.

WHAT'S NEW: Men: Don't Strike Out in the Grooming Department

OK, guys, if a well-coiffed gent such as Detroit Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander swears by these products, they must be good, right? Last year's no-hit hero also is the spokesperson for ACE men's grooming supplies, including his personal fave, the dual-action trimmer (pictured, $21.99).

Now, just like Verlander on road trips, you can keep all your grooming tools neat and secure for travel with the new compact ACE Excursion Bag ($15.99). It features two divided compartments to separate grooming tools from toiletries and a mesh pocket for securing loose items, along with an easy-to-clean ballistic nylon shell that retains its shape after being packed inside a suitcase. It won't help your baseball skills, but a well-groomed look might help your score off the field! (ACE products available at Meijer)

WE TRIED IT: A High-five for Hummus

Looking for the perfect summer snack? Put away the pretzels and chips, we've found something better tasting and healthier.

Sabra hummus and dips were a huge hit in our office taste test, and with no cholesterol or trans fat and plenty of good-for-you ingredients, we soon were singing its praises while going back for seconds and thirds. The hummus was full-flavored without being overpowering, and the dips were unique and zesty, with pairings such as Flame Roasted Eggplant with Sweet Red Peppers.

One of the things we liked best was the unique presentation of Sabra's flavored hummus varieties. Each comes with generous portions of its "flavor" right in the center - for example, Hummus with Roasted Pine Nuts has a scoop of whole nuts in the middle, while Greek Olive Hummus contains slices of black and green olives. Put it in your own dishes at a party, and guests will have no trouble believing you spent hours making it yourself. It goes great with veggies, pita bread or low-fat crackers. ($3.99, available at many local grocers and health-food stores; for a list, visit www.sabra.com)