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		<title>Local Features - VA Boston Healthcare System</title>
		<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/index.asp</link>
		<description>Listing of local health features.</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2010 VA</copyright>
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		<lastBuildDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:32:00 EDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>VA amputees talk about sports</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_amputees_talk_about_sports.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/AmpTHInt.jpg" alt="A dog rests his chin on the thigh of a man with a prosthetic leg and gazes upward" title="A dog rests his chin on the thigh of a man with a prosthetic leg and gazes upward"><div>]]>You have a group of guys sitting around talking sports. The golfer is missing an arm; the surfer is missing a leg and the bowler both hands and all they can talk about is their love of sports  






<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/AmpTHInt.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A dog rests his chin on the thigh of a man with a prosthetic leg and gazes upward</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">You have a group of guys sitting around talking sports. The golfer is missing an arm; the surfer is missing a leg and the bowler both hands and all they can talk about is their love of sports  






</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Amputees Talking Sports</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>You have a group of guys sitting around talking sports. The golfer is missing an arm; the surfer is missing a leg and the bowler both hands and all they can talk about is their love of sports  






</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Yoga for Recovery after Cancer Treatment</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Yoga_for_Recovery_after_Cancer_Treatment.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 30 May 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/yoga_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Woman sits near the ocean legs crossed in a contempative yoga pose" title="Woman sits near the ocean legs crossed in a contempative yoga pose"><div>]]>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know what to say other than it works! I was apprehensive coming in, but it works&#8212;at least it did for me&#8221; said one Veteran participant in the Yoga study.   &#8220;The positive feedback is encouraging.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Yoga_for_Recovery_after_Cancer_Treatment_1369944727721</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/yoga_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Woman sits near the ocean legs crossed in a contempative yoga pose</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;I don&#8217;t know what to say other than it works! I was apprehensive coming in, but it works&#8212;at least it did for me&#8221; said one Veteran participant in the Yoga study.   &#8220;The positive feedback is encouraging.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Yoga and Cancer Recovery</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;I don&#8217;t know what to say other than it works! I was apprehensive coming in, but it works&#8212;at least it did for me&#8221; said one Veteran participant in the Yoga study.   &#8220;The positive feedback is encouraging.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Educating the Future of Health Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Educating_the_Future_of_Health_Care.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 May 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/EDUCTH.jpg" alt="A man explaining what he sees on a screen to a female student" title="A man explaining what he sees on a screen to a female student"><div>]]>  &#8220;Trainees from all disciplines and fields rate their rotations at VA Boston very highly, citing our staff, the wonderful Veterans we serve, and inter-professional education,&#8221; said Budson.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Educating_the_Future_of_Health_Care_1368640241243</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/EDUCTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man explaining what he sees on a screen to a female student</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">  &#8220;Trainees from all disciplines and fields rate their rotations at VA Boston very highly, citing our staff, the wonderful Veterans we serve, and inter-professional education,&#8221; said Budson.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Educating the Future </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>  &#8220;Trainees from all disciplines and fields rate their rotations at VA Boston very highly, citing our staff, the wonderful Veterans we serve, and inter-professional education,&#8221; said Budson.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Homeless to HUD-VASH: The Story of Harry T.</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Homeless_to_HUD_VASH_The_Story_of_Harry_T.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 May 2013 00:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HarryTH.jpg" alt="A straw &#34;tiki hut&#34; in the woods" title="A straw &#34;tiki hut&#34; in the woods"><div>]]>Harry T. came to the HUD-VASH program in 2012 after his VSO learned of his living situation.  He had been living in a self built &#8220;tiki hut&#8221; located along a marshy river in Kingston, MA.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HarryTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A straw &#34;tiki hut&#34; in the woods</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Harry T. came to the HUD-VASH program in 2012 after his VSO learned of his living situation.  He had been living in a self built &#8220;tiki hut&#8221; located along a marshy river in Kingston, MA.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless:The Story of Harry T.</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Harry T. came to the HUD-VASH program in 2012 after his VSO learned of his living situation.  He had been living in a self built &#8220;tiki hut&#8221; located along a marshy river in Kingston, MA.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Joining Forces to End Homelessness</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Joining_Forces_to_End_Homelessness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 May 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HomelessTH.jpg" alt="Person in BDU&#39;s lies on the ground next to a shopping cart full of wares" title="Person in BDU&#39;s lies on the ground next to a shopping cart full of wares"><div>]]>&#8220;The VA Summit is held each year to review and update our efforts to end Veterans homelessness, and to strengthen and reaffirm our partnerships and collaborations with the community&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Joining_Forces_to_End_Homelessness_1367508454379</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HomelessTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Person in BDU&#39;s lies on the ground next to a shopping cart full of wares</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;The VA Summit is held each year to review and update our efforts to end Veterans homelessness, and to strengthen and reaffirm our partnerships and collaborations with the community&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Joining Forces to End Homeless</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;The VA Summit is held each year to review and update our efforts to end Veterans homelessness, and to strengthen and reaffirm our partnerships and collaborations with the community&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Has a New Internet Design</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Boston_Has_a_New_Internet_Design.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 23 Apr 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/NewInternetTH.jpg" alt="Screenshot of VA Boston&#39;s new internet design" title="Screenshot of VA Boston&#39;s new internet design"><div>]]>Boston&#39;s new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Boston_Has_a_New_Internet_Design_1366726188176</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/NewInternetTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Screenshot of VA Boston&#39;s new internet design</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Boston&#39;s new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Boston&#39;s New Internet Design</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Boston&#39;s new look is designed to help you easily and quickly access information with intuitive and easy-to-use navigation. We know that you consider this website our front door. And we want you to feel welcome.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Powhatan Boys Choir Sings for Boston Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Powhatan_Boys_Choir_Sings_for_Boston_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Apr 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/choirTH.jpg" alt="Boston Veterans listen to the Powhatan Boys Choir perform " title="Boston Veterans listen to the Powhatan Boys Choir perform "><div>]]>Traveling every spring break the choir always makes a point of stopping at VA Hospitals whenever they can to give back to the Veterans that have sacrificed so much. VA Boston Veterans gathered with staff and volunteers to listen to the choir.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Powhatan_Boys_Choir_Sings_for_Boston_Veterans_1365008707205</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/choirTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Boston Veterans listen to the Powhatan Boys Choir perform </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Traveling every spring break the choir always makes a point of stopping at VA Hospitals whenever they can to give back to the Veterans that have sacrificed so much. VA Boston Veterans gathered with staff and volunteers to listen to the choir.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Boys Choir Sings for  Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Traveling every spring break the choir always makes a point of stopping at VA Hospitals whenever they can to give back to the Veterans that have sacrificed so much. VA Boston Veterans gathered with staff and volunteers to listen to the choir.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>My HealtheVet Volunteers Ready to Educate Veterans and Staff</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/My_HealtheVet_Volunteers_Ready_to_Educate_Veterans_and_Staff.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Mar 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVHCastilloTH.jpg" alt="A man standing in front of a My HeatheVet station holding a plaque" title="A man standing in front of a My HeatheVet station holding a plaque"><div>]]>VA Boston depends on local Voluntary Service Department volunteers to assist in enrolling and training Veterans on the use of the new online MyHealtheVet (MHV) patient medical records and services portal. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/My_HealtheVet_Volunteers_Ready_to_Educate_Veterans_and_Staff_1364414160929</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVHCastilloTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man standing in front of a My HeatheVet station holding a plaque</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Boston depends on local Voluntary Service Department volunteers to assist in enrolling and training Veterans on the use of the new online MyHealtheVet (MHV) patient medical records and services portal. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">My HealtheVet Program Grows</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Boston depends on local Voluntary Service Department volunteers to assist in enrolling and training Veterans on the use of the new online MyHealtheVet (MHV) patient medical records and services portal. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Doctoring Remotely with Telehealth</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Doctoring_at_Home_with_Telehealth.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TeleHealthTH2.jpg" alt="A standing woman and sitting man in front of a piece of Telehealth equipment" title="A standing woman and sitting man in front of a piece of Telehealth equipment"><div>]]>Do you remember the days when doctors made house calls?  With gas approaching $4 a gallon wouldn&#8217;t it be nice to once again have a doctor come to your home, or to be able to drive to a location near your home for a medical visit rather than driving into Boston?   Well, with today&#8217;s technology and innovative equipment this can be a reality.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Doctoring_at_Home_with_Telehealth_1363207525669</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TeleHealthTH2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A standing woman and sitting man in front of a piece of Telehealth equipment</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Do you remember the days when doctors made house calls?  With gas approaching $4 a gallon wouldn&#8217;t it be nice to once again have a doctor come to your home, or to be able to drive to a location near your home for a medical visit rather than driving into Boston?   Well, with today&#8217;s technology and innovative equipment this can be a reality.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Doctoring Remotely</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Do you remember the days when doctors made house calls?  With gas approaching $4 a gallon wouldn&#8217;t it be nice to once again have a doctor come to your home, or to be able to drive to a location near your home for a medical visit rather than driving into Boston?   Well, with today&#8217;s technology and innovative equipment this can be a reality.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MOVE!&#8230;..Eat wisely, Move more, Weigh less</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/MOVE_Eat_wisely_Move_more_Weigh_less.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/three_people_running_on_treadmills_for_exercise.jpg" alt="Three People Running on Treadmills" title="Three People Running on Treadmills"><div>]]>Do you find it difficult to walk up the stairs?  Are your clothes tighter than you like?  Do activities seem a bit more difficult?  Would you like to become healthier?  Would you like a plan that works for you?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, the VA can help.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MOVE_Eat_wisely_Move_more_Weigh_less_1362575261305</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/three_people_running_on_treadmills_for_exercise.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Three People Running on Treadmills</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Do you find it difficult to walk up the stairs?  Are your clothes tighter than you like?  Do activities seem a bit more difficult?  Would you like to become healthier?  Would you like a plan that works for you?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, the VA can help.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Eat, Move and Weigh Less</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Do you find it difficult to walk up the stairs?  Are your clothes tighter than you like?  Do activities seem a bit more difficult?  Would you like to become healthier?  Would you like a plan that works for you?  If you answered YES to any of these questions, the VA can help.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Celebrates Women Veterans </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_Celebrates_Women_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ShawTH.jpg" alt="Woman looks out of a curtained window" title="Woman looks out of a curtained window"><div>]]>The number of women Veteran attending VHA for healthcare has greatly increased in the past few years.  In response to this increase, The Women&#8217;s Veteran Program (WVP) at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care possible.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_Celebrates_Women_Veterans_1361910334976</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ShawTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Woman looks out of a curtained window</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The number of women Veteran attending VHA for healthcare has greatly increased in the past few years.  In response to this increase, The Women&#8217;s Veteran Program (WVP) at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care possible.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Celebrating Women Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The number of women Veteran attending VHA for healthcare has greatly increased in the past few years.  In response to this increase, The Women&#8217;s Veteran Program (WVP) at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care possible.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Signaling Pathway Linked to Fetal Alcohol Risk</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Signaling_Pathway_Linked_to_Fetal_Alcohol_Risk.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/charnessTH.jpg" alt="Headshot of Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System" title="Headshot of Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System"><div>]]>Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System, has published a new study identifying for the first time a signaling  pathway that might determine genetic susceptibility for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Signaling_Pathway_Linked_to_Fetal_Alcohol_Risk_1361464125990</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/charnessTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Headshot of Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System, has published a new study identifying for the first time a signaling  pathway that might determine genetic susceptibility for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Links to Fetal Alcohol Risk</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Michael E. Charness, Chief of Staff at VA Boston Healthcare System, has published a new study identifying for the first time a signaling  pathway that might determine genetic susceptibility for the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Sweet Sixteen</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Sweet_Sixteen.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:49:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WSCTH13.jpg" alt="A man skiing on a seated sled on the snow" title="A man skiing on a seated sled on the snow"><div>]]>In a team environment Veterans and family members learn to participate in winter sport activities regardless of their degree of disability. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Sweet_Sixteen_1360068872150</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WSCTH13.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man skiing on a seated sled on the snow</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In a team environment Veterans and family members learn to participate in winter sport activities regardless of their degree of disability. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Sweet Sixteen</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In a team environment Veterans and family members learn to participate in winter sport activities regardless of their degree of disability. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Women&#8217;s Stress Disorder Treatment Team (WSDTT)</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_s_Women_s_Stress_Disorder_Treatment_Team_WSDTT.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WSTDDTH.jpg" alt="Wman dressed in an oversize shirt staring out a window" title="Wman dressed in an oversize shirt staring out a window"><div>]]>&#8220;While nothing can undo what has happened in the past, women can change their relationship with the past. We want women veterans to know that there is hope for recovery from PTSD, and we are here to help.&#8221; -Dr. Eve Davison, Director, Women&#8217;s Stress Disorder Treatment Team.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_s_Women_s_Stress_Disorder_Treatment_Team_WSDTT_1358529990442</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WSTDDTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Wman dressed in an oversize shirt staring out a window</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;While nothing can undo what has happened in the past, women can change their relationship with the past. We want women veterans to know that there is hope for recovery from PTSD, and we are here to help.&#8221; -Dr. Eve Davison, Director, Women&#8217;s Stress Disorder Treatment Team.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Helping Women Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;While nothing can undo what has happened in the past, women can change their relationship with the past. We want women veterans to know that there is hope for recovery from PTSD, and we are here to help.&#8221; -Dr. Eve Davison, Director, Women&#8217;s Stress Disorder Treatment Team.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Launches Biorepository for Research on Gulf War Veterans&#8217;</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Launches_Biorepository_for_Research_on_Gulf_War_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jan 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/GWVIBTH.jpg" alt="Four Soldiers run wearing full battle gear" title="Four Soldiers run wearing full battle gear"><div>]]>&#8220;Hundreds of thousands of ill Veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf  War depend on cutting-edge biomedical research to better understand and treat these illnesses, and providing crucial tissue and health information to researchers will be a vital resource for this research&#8221;, noted the project&#8217;s Principal Investigator, Dr. Neil Kowall, M.D.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Launches_Biorepository_for_Research_on_Gulf_War_Veterans_1358194989801</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/GWVIBTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Four Soldiers run wearing full battle gear</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;Hundreds of thousands of ill Veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf  War depend on cutting-edge biomedical research to better understand and treat these illnesses, and providing crucial tissue and health information to researchers will be a vital resource for this research&#8221;, noted the project&#8217;s Principal Investigator, Dr. Neil Kowall, M.D.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Gulf War Veteran Biorepository</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;Hundreds of thousands of ill Veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf  War depend on cutting-edge biomedical research to better understand and treat these illnesses, and providing crucial tissue and health information to researchers will be a vital resource for this research&#8221;, noted the project&#8217;s Principal Investigator, Dr. Neil Kowall, M.D.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Flu and You - Patient Information</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/The_Flu_and_You_Patient_Information.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/patient_visits_doctor_thumb.jpg" alt="Dr smiling at a a female patient" title="Dr smiling at a a female patient"><div>]]>Tips on how to stay healthy, recognizing flu symptoms and what to do if you get sick<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/The_Flu_and_You_Patient_Information_1357851608520</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/patient_visits_doctor_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr smiling at a a female patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Tips on how to stay healthy, recognizing flu symptoms and what to do if you get sick</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Patients and Influenza</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Tips on how to stay healthy, recognizing flu symptoms and what to do if you get sick</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Stress, Health and Aging Program  Looks for Vets 55 and Up</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Stress_Health_and_Aging_Program_Looks_for_Vets_55_and_Up.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SHARPTHumb.jpg" alt="Close up of an older male Veteran looking forward" title="Close up of an older male Veteran looking forward"><div>]]>In an ongoing project, SHARP is looking for male and female Veterans age 55 and older for a study examining the thoughts and feelings of aging Veterans related to their wartime experiences. Through this research, we are hoping to gain a better understanding of Veterans as they age and to be able to educate healthcare workers to provide the best possible care for our older Veterans.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Stress_Health_and_Aging_Program_Looks_for_Vets_55_and_Up_1357659809054</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SHARPTHumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Close up of an older male Veteran looking forward</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In an ongoing project, SHARP is looking for male and female Veterans age 55 and older for a study examining the thoughts and feelings of aging Veterans related to their wartime experiences. Through this research, we are hoping to gain a better understanding of Veterans as they age and to be able to educate healthcare workers to provide the best possible care for our older Veterans.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">SHARP Looking for Older Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In an ongoing project, SHARP is looking for male and female Veterans age 55 and older for a study examining the thoughts and feelings of aging Veterans related to their wartime experiences. Through this research, we are hoping to gain a better understanding of Veterans as they age and to be able to educate healthcare workers to provide the best possible care for our older Veterans.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Rehabilitation Through Sports</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Rehabilitation_Through_Sports.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Dec 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_hits_the_slopes_despite_physical_limitation_thumb.jpg" alt="Man with one leg downhill skiing" title="Man with one leg downhill skiing"><div>]]>&#8220;From the minute we arrived we were trained by highly experienced instructors on each different type of adaptive ski available and how we could help all adaptive skiers have a great week. Not only did we learn in a classroom setting, but we learned on the slope, hands-on, how the adaptive skis worked.   This training allowed me to truly see all of the work that goes into a week like this.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Rehabilitation_Through_Sports_1356617485170</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_hits_the_slopes_despite_physical_limitation_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Man with one leg downhill skiing</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;From the minute we arrived we were trained by highly experienced instructors on each different type of adaptive ski available and how we could help all adaptive skiers have a great week. Not only did we learn in a classroom setting, but we learned on the slope, hands-on, how the adaptive skis worked.   This training allowed me to truly see all of the work that goes into a week like this.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Rehabilitation Through Sports</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;From the minute we arrived we were trained by highly experienced instructors on each different type of adaptive ski available and how we could help all adaptive skiers have a great week. Not only did we learn in a classroom setting, but we learned on the slope, hands-on, how the adaptive skis worked.   This training allowed me to truly see all of the work that goes into a week like this.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2012 Award for Excellence in Medication-Use Safety</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/2012_Award_for_Excellence_in_Medication_Use_Safety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Dec 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/PillTeamTH.jpg" alt="A man and two women pose with an award plaque" title="A man and two women pose with an award plaque"><div>]]> &#8220;The crucial piece of the program is the collaboration between pharmacy, geriatrics, inpatient teams, primary care teams, and most importantly, the Veterans and caregivers, &#8220; said Dr. Allison Paquin, Clinical Pharmacist. &#8220;From a medication standpoint, the team approach is needed in order to make sure patients are safe and healthy at home.&#8221;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2012_Award_for_Excellence_in_Medication_Use_Safety_1355944823063</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/PillTeamTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man and two women pose with an award plaque</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string"> &#8220;The crucial piece of the program is the collaboration between pharmacy, geriatrics, inpatient teams, primary care teams, and most importantly, the Veterans and caregivers, &#8220; said Dr. Allison Paquin, Clinical Pharmacist. &#8220;From a medication standpoint, the team approach is needed in order to make sure patients are safe and healthy at home.&#8221;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Medication-Use Safety 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription> &#8220;The crucial piece of the program is the collaboration between pharmacy, geriatrics, inpatient teams, primary care teams, and most importantly, the Veterans and caregivers, &#8220; said Dr. Allison Paquin, Clinical Pharmacist. &#8220;From a medication standpoint, the team approach is needed in order to make sure patients are safe and healthy at home.&#8221;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Reach Out and Call Someone</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Reach_Out_and_Call_Someone.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CallCenterTH.jpg" alt="A women with a headset sits at a desk in fron of two computer screens" title="A women with a headset sits at a desk in fron of two computer screens"><div>]]>If you are a recently returned combat Veteran, or know of one, who has not yet made an appointment with a VA Primary Care Physician, please contact the Patient Call Center at 1-800-865-3384.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Reach_Out_and_Call_Someone_1355500316123</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CallCenterTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A women with a headset sits at a desk in fron of two computer screens</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you are a recently returned combat Veteran, or know of one, who has not yet made an appointment with a VA Primary Care Physician, please contact the Patient Call Center at 1-800-865-3384.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Reach Out and Call Someone</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>If you are a recently returned combat Veteran, or know of one, who has not yet made an appointment with a VA Primary Care Physician, please contact the Patient Call Center at 1-800-865-3384.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Boston Building a Consolidated Women&#39;s Imaging Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Boston_Building_an_All_Inclusive_Women_s_Imaging_Center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Nov 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WICTH.gif" alt="A rendering of the Jamaica Plain campus against a blue sky" title="A rendering of the Jamaica Plain campus against a blue sky"><div>]]>She arrived armed with a vision of a new and improved, women&#8217;s health program and quickly found new colleagues interested in an all-inclusive female Veterans imaging center as part of this vision.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Boston_Building_an_All_Inclusive_Women_s_Imaging_Center_1354281647393</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WICTH.gif</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A rendering of the Jamaica Plain campus against a blue sky</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">She arrived armed with a vision of a new and improved, women&#8217;s health program and quickly found new colleagues interested in an all-inclusive female Veterans imaging center as part of this vision.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Women&#39;s Imaging Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>She arrived armed with a vision of a new and improved, women&#8217;s health program and quickly found new colleagues interested in an all-inclusive female Veterans imaging center as part of this vision.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Connecting Staff and Veterans Through History</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Connecting_Staff_and_Veterans_Through_History.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/OHPTH.jpg" alt="Two men sit together looking through a scrap book" title="Two men sit together looking through a scrap book"><div>]]>Cornered on patient centered care, VA employees are schooled on the different military services, various conflicts and gender issues facing Veterans, and once a year, employees have a chance to glimpse inside the lives of those Veterans who take part in the Oral History Project.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Connecting_Staff_and_Veterans_Through_History_1353522825070</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/OHPTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two men sit together looking through a scrap book</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Cornered on patient centered care, VA employees are schooled on the different military services, various conflicts and gender issues facing Veterans, and once a year, employees have a chance to glimpse inside the lives of those Veterans who take part in the Oral History Project.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Connecting to Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Cornered on patient centered care, VA employees are schooled on the different military services, various conflicts and gender issues facing Veterans, and once a year, employees have a chance to glimpse inside the lives of those Veterans who take part in the Oral History Project.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston POW Legacy Continues</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/POW_Legacy_Lives_On.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/POW12TH.jpg" alt="A man and woman sitting down are talking with a man standing.  The man sitting down is wearing a hat that reads Ex-POW" title="A man and woman sitting down are talking with a man standing.  The man sitting down is wearing a hat that reads Ex-POW"><div>]]>VA Boston Healthcare System recently hosted its 8th annual Former POW luncheon, bringing together more than 25 Ex-Prisoners of War that currently reside in New England.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/POW_Legacy_Lives_On_1353090944241</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/POW12TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man and woman sitting down are talking with a man standing.  The man sitting down is wearing a hat that reads Ex-POW</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Boston Healthcare System recently hosted its 8th annual Former POW luncheon, bringing together more than 25 Ex-Prisoners of War that currently reside in New England.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA POW Legacy Continues</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Boston Healthcare System recently hosted its 8th annual Former POW luncheon, bringing together more than 25 Ex-Prisoners of War that currently reside in New England.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Oasis of Safety and Hope</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Oasis_of_Safety_and_Hope.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Integro_TH.jpg" alt="A man stands on a trailer and one on the ground as they work to get a huge box off a flatbed trailer" title="A man stands on a trailer and one on the ground as they work to get a huge box off a flatbed trailer"><div>]]>&#8220;This piece gave me the opportunity to reach out as an artist to inspire others, to motivate and move forward as traumatic experiences have wreaked havoc in their lives. It also challenged me to better myself both in my art and in life as I progress with my own therapy.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Oasis_of_Safety_and_Hope_1352321748440</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Integro_TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man stands on a trailer and one on the ground as they work to get a huge box off a flatbed trailer</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;This piece gave me the opportunity to reach out as an artist to inspire others, to motivate and move forward as traumatic experiences have wreaked havoc in their lives. It also challenged me to better myself both in my art and in life as I progress with my own therapy.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Oasis of Safety and Hope</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;This piece gave me the opportunity to reach out as an artist to inspire others, to motivate and move forward as traumatic experiences have wreaked havoc in their lives. It also challenged me to better myself both in my art and in life as I progress with my own therapy.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>First steps toward Paralympic competition</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/First_steps_toward_Paralympic_competition.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/BURGOSTH2.jpg" alt="A man wearing a wet-suit surfs on a board with one prosthetic foot.  A man floats in the water behind him." title="A man wearing a wet-suit surfs on a board with one prosthetic foot.  A man floats in the water behind him."><div>]]>&#8220;I was trying to crawl off the road,&#8221; Burgos said. &#8220;There was nothing wrong with me except for the initial shock and blunt trauma from falling off the bike.&#8221; But as Burgos was trying to get off the road, a mini-van ran him over, causing serious injuries to his right leg.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/First_steps_toward_Paralympic_competition_1351709365188</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/BURGOSTH2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man wearing a wet-suit surfs on a board with one prosthetic foot.  A man floats in the water behind him.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;I was trying to crawl off the road,&#8221; Burgos said. &#8220;There was nothing wrong with me except for the initial shock and blunt trauma from falling off the bike.&#8221; But as Burgos was trying to get off the road, a mini-van ran him over, causing serious injuries to his right leg.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Vets first Paralympic steps</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;I was trying to crawl off the road,&#8221; Burgos said. &#8220;There was nothing wrong with me except for the initial shock and blunt trauma from falling off the bike.&#8221; But as Burgos was trying to get off the road, a mini-van ran him over, causing serious injuries to his right leg.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>PrOMOTE: Putting Veterans with SCI Back to Work</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/PrOMOTE_Putting_Veterans_with_SCI_Back_to_Work.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SCIPromoteTH.jpg" alt="A man in a wheelchair talks with a woman in a business setting" title="A man in a wheelchair talks with a woman in a business setting"><div>]]>Hiring a Veteran has many advantages. Veterans bring discipline, focus and organizational skills from their military experience; know-how to work efficiently and effectively under pressure; and have a strong sense of accountability and trustworthiness. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/PrOMOTE_Putting_Veterans_with_SCI_Back_to_Work_1351260972808</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SCIPromoteTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man in a wheelchair talks with a woman in a business setting</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Hiring a Veteran has many advantages. Veterans bring discipline, focus and organizational skills from their military experience; know-how to work efficiently and effectively under pressure; and have a strong sense of accountability and trustworthiness. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Employing SCI/D Veterans  </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Hiring a Veteran has many advantages. Veterans bring discipline, focus and organizational skills from their military experience; know-how to work efficiently and effectively under pressure; and have a strong sense of accountability and trustworthiness. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tales of Two Vets, Veterans and Corvettes</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Tales_of_Two_Vets_Veterans_and_Corvettes.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CorvetteTH.jpg" alt="A woman looks under the hood of a corvette" title="A woman looks under the hood of a corvette"><div>]]>The South Shore Corvette Club offers entertainment for Veteran artists at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Boston this year<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tales_of_Two_Vets_Veterans_and_Corvettes_1350479929210</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CorvetteTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A woman looks under the hood of a corvette</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The South Shore Corvette Club offers entertainment for Veteran artists at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Boston this year</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Corvettes and Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The South Shore Corvette Club offers entertainment for Veteran artists at the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival held in Boston this year</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Treating Trauma and Addiction in Women Vets</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Treating_Trauma_in_Women_Vets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Oct 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WITRPTH.jpg" alt="A pink piece of cloth with lketters reading PTSD and MST Survivor" title="A pink piece of cloth with lketters reading PTSD and MST Survivor"><div>]]>Seventy-six percent of the women admitted to the program have experienced MST, and nearly 80% have experienced more than one type of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse in childhood or intimate partner violence. Nearly 20% have experienced combat trauma. The women also have long and severe histories of substance abuse, difficulty maintaining sobriety and limited success engaging in PTSD treatment. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Treating_Trauma_in_Women_Vets_1349119573280</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/WITRPTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A pink piece of cloth with lketters reading PTSD and MST Survivor</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Seventy-six percent of the women admitted to the program have experienced MST, and nearly 80% have experienced more than one type of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse in childhood or intimate partner violence. Nearly 20% have experienced combat trauma. The women also have long and severe histories of substance abuse, difficulty maintaining sobriety and limited success engaging in PTSD treatment. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Treating Traumas in Women</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Seventy-six percent of the women admitted to the program have experienced MST, and nearly 80% have experienced more than one type of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse in childhood or intimate partner violence. Nearly 20% have experienced combat trauma. The women also have long and severe histories of substance abuse, difficulty maintaining sobriety and limited success engaging in PTSD treatment. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Beyond the Written Duties of Law Enforcement</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Beyond_the_Written_Duties_of_Law_Enforcement.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 27 Sep 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/FirearmTrainingTH.jpg" alt="Three VA Police Officers qualify with their weapons at an indoor range while a man looks on" title="Three VA Police Officers qualify with their weapons at an indoor range while a man looks on"><div>]]>VA BHS&#8217;s police officers have the unique advantage of developing long-standing relationships among Veterans who return to our facilities for continuing care. &#8220;I&#8217;m a Veteran and I take a lot of satisfaction in assisting other Veterans who have some of the same beliefs in serving their country as I did.&#8221; says Officer Patrick Rogers, West Roxbury.  Many VA police officers are Veterans themselves and are able to relate to certain conditions and situations with a degree of insight that others may not have.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Beyond_the_Written_Duties_of_Law_Enforcement_1348760390862</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/FirearmTrainingTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Three VA Police Officers qualify with their weapons at an indoor range while a man looks on</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA BHS&#8217;s police officers have the unique advantage of developing long-standing relationships among Veterans who return to our facilities for continuing care. &#8220;I&#8217;m a Veteran and I take a lot of satisfaction in assisting other Veterans who have some of the same beliefs in serving their country as I did.&#8221; says Officer Patrick Rogers, West Roxbury.  Many VA police officers are Veterans themselves and are able to relate to certain conditions and situations with a degree of insight that others may not have.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Police Service </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA BHS&#8217;s police officers have the unique advantage of developing long-standing relationships among Veterans who return to our facilities for continuing care. &#8220;I&#8217;m a Veteran and I take a lot of satisfaction in assisting other Veterans who have some of the same beliefs in serving their country as I did.&#8221; says Officer Patrick Rogers, West Roxbury.  Many VA police officers are Veterans themselves and are able to relate to certain conditions and situations with a degree of insight that others may not have.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Returning Veterans to Functionality</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Returning_Veterans_to_Full_Functionality.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 17 Sep 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/KinesiotherapyTH.jpg" alt="A man crouches down as a patient balances his feet on a Fit Ball " title="A man crouches down as a patient balances his feet on a Fit Ball "><div>]]>Developed during World War II, kinesiotherapy originally helped wounded or sick soldiers return to their units quickly and at full functionality.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Returning_Veterans_to_Full_Functionality_1348070738431</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/KinesiotherapyTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man crouches down as a patient balances his feet on a Fit Ball </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Developed during World War II, kinesiotherapy originally helped wounded or sick soldiers return to their units quickly and at full functionality.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Returning to Functionality</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Developed during World War II, kinesiotherapy originally helped wounded or sick soldiers return to their units quickly and at full functionality.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Heading to Boston</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/The_National_Veterans_Creative_Arts_Festival_Coming_to_Bosto.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 07 Sep 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LCAFTH.jpg" alt="Artwork representing a statue of a woman crouching down" title="Artwork representing a statue of a woman crouching down"><div>]]>Selected from a nationwide competition, the Veterans exhibit their visual artwork and present a live stage show performance, spotlighting the five creative art therapies: art, drama, dance, music and creative writing<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/The_National_Veterans_Creative_Arts_Festival_Coming_to_Bosto_1347038388416</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LCAFTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Artwork representing a statue of a woman crouching down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Selected from a nationwide competition, the Veterans exhibit their visual artwork and present a live stage show performance, spotlighting the five creative art therapies: art, drama, dance, music and creative writing</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Arts Are On Their Way</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Selected from a nationwide competition, the Veterans exhibit their visual artwork and present a live stage show performance, spotlighting the five creative art therapies: art, drama, dance, music and creative writing</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Boston Stand Down 2012 Services Hundreds of Veterans </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Boston_Stand_Down_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Aug 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SD2TH.jpg" alt="Young and older Veterans attending the 2012 Boston Stand Down pass through the lunch line offerred at 2012 Boston Stand Down" title="Young and older Veterans attending the 2012 Boston Stand Down pass through the lunch line offerred at 2012 Boston Stand Down"><div>]]>&#34;I&#39;m living in a shelter right now, waiting on a liver transplant.&#34; said Army Veteran John B. from RI.  &#34;I came today and will probably spend the night. This is my first Stand Down and I can&#39;t believe the amount of services there are.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Boston_Stand_Down_2012_1346261045944</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/SD2TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Young and older Veterans attending the 2012 Boston Stand Down pass through the lunch line offerred at 2012 Boston Stand Down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I&#39;m living in a shelter right now, waiting on a liver transplant.&#34; said Army Veteran John B. from RI.  &#34;I came today and will probably spend the night. This is my first Stand Down and I can&#39;t believe the amount of services there are.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Boston Stand Down 2012</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I&#39;m living in a shelter right now, waiting on a liver transplant.&#34; said Army Veteran John B. from RI.  &#34;I came today and will probably spend the night. This is my first Stand Down and I can&#39;t believe the amount of services there are.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Secure Messaging with MyHealtheVet</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Secure_Messaging_with_MyHealtheVet.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MyHealthevetTH.jpg" alt="Close up of a pair of hands typing on a computer keyboard" title="Close up of a pair of hands typing on a computer keyboard"><div>]]>By sending a secure message to their healthcare team, Veterans potentially can avoid a trip to the hospital to find information on prescriptions, address scheduling issues for appointments or &#8220;speak&#8221; to doctors<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Secure_Messaging_with_MyHealtheVet_1345577328423</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MyHealthevetTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Close up of a pair of hands typing on a computer keyboard</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">By sending a secure message to their healthcare team, Veterans potentially can avoid a trip to the hospital to find information on prescriptions, address scheduling issues for appointments or &#8220;speak&#8221; to doctors</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Messaging with MyHealtheVet</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>By sending a secure message to their healthcare team, Veterans potentially can avoid a trip to the hospital to find information on prescriptions, address scheduling issues for appointments or &#8220;speak&#8221; to doctors</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Plymouth CBOC Open House</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Plymouth_CBOC_Open_House.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CBOCTH.jpg" alt="Oranege lettering reading Plymouth CBOC Open House" title="Oranege lettering reading Plymouth CBOC Open House"><div>]]> The Plymouth Veterans Outreach Clinic will become part of the VA Boston Healthcare System and joins the other 4 outpatient clinics in Framingham, Quincy, Lowell, and Causeway Street (Boston).  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Plymouth_CBOC_Open_House_1345215932317</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CBOCTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Oranege lettering reading Plymouth CBOC Open House</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string"> The Plymouth Veterans Outreach Clinic will become part of the VA Boston Healthcare System and joins the other 4 outpatient clinics in Framingham, Quincy, Lowell, and Causeway Street (Boston).  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Plymouth CBOC Open House</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription> The Plymouth Veterans Outreach Clinic will become part of the VA Boston Healthcare System and joins the other 4 outpatient clinics in Framingham, Quincy, Lowell, and Causeway Street (Boston).  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Site for Guide to Long Term Care </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/New_Site_for_Guide_to_Long_Term_Care.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Aug 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LTGTH.jpg" alt="Elderly man sitting at the dinner table with his son, granddaughter and grandson, all reaching across the table for food happily" title="Elderly man sitting at the dinner table with his son, granddaughter and grandson, all reaching across the table for food happily"><div>]]>Each and every program provides services tailored to the specific needs of Veterans.  The new Guide also offers tools for you to plan ahead and involve your family member or support person, social worker and care team in making plans and decisions that are best for you<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_Site_for_Guide_to_Long_Term_Care_1344606310894</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LTGTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Elderly man sitting at the dinner table with his son, granddaughter and grandson, all reaching across the table for food happily</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each and every program provides services tailored to the specific needs of Veterans.  The new Guide also offers tools for you to plan ahead and involve your family member or support person, social worker and care team in making plans and decisions that are best for you</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Guide to Long Term Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Each and every program provides services tailored to the specific needs of Veterans.  The new Guide also offers tools for you to plan ahead and involve your family member or support person, social worker and care team in making plans and decisions that are best for you</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston PhD honored with the 2012 Harold Hildreth Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Terence_M_Keane_PhD_honored_with_the_2012_Harold_Hild.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Keane2TH.jpg" alt="Terence M. Keane, PhD" title="Terence M. Keane, PhD"><div>]]>The 2012 Harold Hildreth Award recognizes Keane&#8217;s enormous contributions toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and his success in spreading this knowledge to globally impact public sector mental health care delivery.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Terence_M_Keane_PhD_honored_with_the_2012_Harold_Hild_1344624750403</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Keane2TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Terence M. Keane, PhD</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The 2012 Harold Hildreth Award recognizes Keane&#8217;s enormous contributions toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and his success in spreading this knowledge to globally impact public sector mental health care delivery.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2012 Harold Hildreth Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The 2012 Harold Hildreth Award recognizes Keane&#8217;s enormous contributions toward improving the diagnosis and treatment of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and his success in spreading this knowledge to globally impact public sector mental health care delivery.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tailoring Athletics to Vets</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Tailoring_Athletics_to_Vets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jul 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/AdaptiveTH.jpg" alt="Veterans learn the basics of kayaking in the safety of the VA Boston pool before taking it to the lake" title="Veterans learn the basics of kayaking in the safety of the VA Boston pool before taking it to the lake"><div>]]>&#34;I didn&#8217;t want to be out in the community when I returned. I just wanted to be with my brothers and sisters who I served with.&#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tailoring_Athletics_to_Vets_1343396794822</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/AdaptiveTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans learn the basics of kayaking in the safety of the VA Boston pool before taking it to the lake</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I didn&#8217;t want to be out in the community when I returned. I just wanted to be with my brothers and sisters who I served with.&#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tailoring Athletics to Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I didn&#8217;t want to be out in the community when I returned. I just wanted to be with my brothers and sisters who I served with.&#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program: Health, Genetics and Illness</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/The_Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jul 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH2.jpg" alt="Chromepaint of DNA, photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy Genomic Science program and the website http://genomicscience.energy.gov" title="Chromepaint of DNA, photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy Genomic Science program and the website http://genomicscience.energy.gov"><div>]]>&#34;I believe that what the study is doing is very important to improving health care and preventative care for not just veterans, but for everyone as a whole.  The answer to questions about our genes that the researchers may find will surely affect the entire health care community and hopefully improve how we are all treated for certain illnesses.&#8221;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/The_Million_Veteran_Program_1343063066050</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Chromepaint of DNA, photo courtesy of the U.S. Department of Energy Genomic Science program and the website http://genomicscience.energy.gov</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I believe that what the study is doing is very important to improving health care and preventative care for not just veterans, but for everyone as a whole.  The answer to questions about our genes that the researchers may find will surely affect the entire health care community and hopefully improve how we are all treated for certain illnesses.&#8221;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MVP: Vet Health and Illness</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I believe that what the study is doing is very important to improving health care and preventative care for not just veterans, but for everyone as a whole.  The answer to questions about our genes that the researchers may find will surely affect the entire health care community and hopefully improve how we are all treated for certain illnesses.&#8221;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Celebrates 82 Years of Service</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Celebrates_82_Years_of_Service.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jul 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/VAWRIBTH.jpg" alt="Veterans Administration Building, Washington, D.C., c. 1938. The building was constructed in 1918 to house the Bureau of War Risk Insurance. It is today home to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Courtesy Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, #LC-USZ 62-108180." title="Veterans Administration Building, Washington, D.C., c. 1938. The building was constructed in 1918 to house the Bureau of War Risk Insurance. It is today home to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Courtesy Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, #LC-USZ 62-108180."><div>]]>Mounting dissatisfaction from Veterans over the ineffectiveness of that first consolidation, along with a greater expansion of benefits authorized by the World War Veterans Act of 1924, further taxed existing Veterans&#8217; programs and led Congress to approve another consolidation nine years later.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Celebrates_82_Years_of_Service_1342797479356</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/VAWRIBTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans Administration Building, Washington, D.C., c. 1938. The building was constructed in 1918 to house the Bureau of War Risk Insurance. It is today home to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Courtesy Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress, #LC-USZ 62-108180.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Mounting dissatisfaction from Veterans over the ineffectiveness of that first consolidation, along with a greater expansion of benefits authorized by the World War Veterans Act of 1924, further taxed existing Veterans&#8217; programs and led Congress to approve another consolidation nine years later.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Has 82nd Anniversary</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Mounting dissatisfaction from Veterans over the ineffectiveness of that first consolidation, along with a greater expansion of benefits authorized by the World War Veterans Act of 1924, further taxed existing Veterans&#8217; programs and led Congress to approve another consolidation nine years later.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New License Plate Supports Massachusetts Veterans </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/New_License_Plate_Supports_Disabled_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LICPLatesTH.jpg" alt="Example of the new license plate available to Massachusetts residents" title="Example of the new license plate available to Massachusetts residents"><div>]]>Proceeds from the plate will allow the organization called Disabled and Limbless Veterans to give financial support to organizations that assist Veterans and their families such as the New England Center for Homeless Veterans (nechv.org), Operation Troop Support (troopsupportusa.com), Fisher House Boston (fisherhouseboston.org). 

<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_License_Plate_Supports_Disabled_Veterans_1342119542722</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/LICPLatesTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Example of the new license plate available to Massachusetts residents</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Proceeds from the plate will allow the organization called Disabled and Limbless Veterans to give financial support to organizations that assist Veterans and their families such as the New England Center for Homeless Veterans (nechv.org), Operation Troop Support (troopsupportusa.com), Fisher House Boston (fisherhouseboston.org). 

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MA. License Plates Help Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Proceeds from the plate will allow the organization called Disabled and Limbless Veterans to give financial support to organizations that assist Veterans and their families such as the New England Center for Homeless Veterans (nechv.org), Operation Troop Support (troopsupportusa.com), Fisher House Boston (fisherhouseboston.org). 

</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Telehealth Update</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Telehealth_Update.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jul 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THTH.jpg" alt="An instructor demonstrates the power of telehealth equipment" title="An instructor demonstrates the power of telehealth equipment"><div>]]>With its technological advancements and innovative equipment, The Office of Telehealth Services (OTS) is able to transfer medical information via telephone, internet, teleconference, and an array of other media networks to improve Veterans&#8217; access to care, reduce Veteran&#8217;s travel for some appointments, and ultimately improve their health.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Telehealth_Update_1341591969243</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">An instructor demonstrates the power of telehealth equipment</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With its technological advancements and innovative equipment, The Office of Telehealth Services (OTS) is able to transfer medical information via telephone, internet, teleconference, and an array of other media networks to improve Veterans&#8217; access to care, reduce Veteran&#8217;s travel for some appointments, and ultimately improve their health.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Telehealth Update</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>With its technological advancements and innovative equipment, The Office of Telehealth Services (OTS) is able to transfer medical information via telephone, internet, teleconference, and an array of other media networks to improve Veterans&#8217; access to care, reduce Veteran&#8217;s travel for some appointments, and ultimately improve their health.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The National Veterans Creative Arts Festival Final Judging</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/The_National_Veterans_Creative_Arts_Festival_is_a_nationwide.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CAFFEATURETH.jpg" alt="A freedom collage, one of 3000 entries in the National Veterans Creative Art Festival 2012 being hosted in Boston" title="A freedom collage, one of 3000 entries in the National Veterans Creative Art Festival 2012 being hosted in Boston"><div>]]>One hundred fifty one national winners went through the final process and were on display to the public before continuing on to the big event. Fifty three winners were finally chosen from over three thousand entries of truly original and beautiful art work.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/The_National_Veterans_Creative_Arts_Festival_is_a_nationwide_1340732889977</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CAFFEATURETH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A freedom collage, one of 3000 entries in the National Veterans Creative Art Festival 2012 being hosted in Boston</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">One hundred fifty one national winners went through the final process and were on display to the public before continuing on to the big event. Fifty three winners were finally chosen from over three thousand entries of truly original and beautiful art work.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Recovering through Art</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>One hundred fifty one national winners went through the final process and were on display to the public before continuing on to the big event. Fifty three winners were finally chosen from over three thousand entries of truly original and beautiful art work.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston and Bedford Veterans Expo 2012</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_and_Bedford_Veterans_Expo_2012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/EXPOINTERRegistrationTH.jpg" alt="Two Veterans register for the 2012 VA Boston/Bedford Expo held at Bunker Hill Community College" title="Two Veterans register for the 2012 VA Boston/Bedford Expo held at Bunker Hill Community College"><div>]]>Program coordinators estimate that about 240 Veterans attended the event, with 50 employers and 70 support agencies in attendance. The Expo afforded Veterans the unique opportunity to network with other Veterans and employers allowing them to explore services that would cater to their specific needs. 

<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_and_Bedford_Veterans_Expo_2012_1340729725260</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/EXPOINTERRegistrationTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Two Veterans register for the 2012 VA Boston/Bedford Expo held at Bunker Hill Community College</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Program coordinators estimate that about 240 Veterans attended the event, with 50 employers and 70 support agencies in attendance. The Expo afforded Veterans the unique opportunity to network with other Veterans and employers allowing them to explore services that would cater to their specific needs. 

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Expo 2012 Serves Area Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Program coordinators estimate that about 240 Veterans attended the event, with 50 employers and 70 support agencies in attendance. The Expo afforded Veterans the unique opportunity to network with other Veterans and employers allowing them to explore services that would cater to their specific needs. 

</hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>Breakthrough Eye Cancer Research</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Breakthrough_Eye_Cancer_Research.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/UvealTH.jpg" alt="Image of the melanoma showing an elevation of the retina" title="Image of the melanoma showing an elevation of the retina"><div>]]>Uveal melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults. The current standard treatment is radiation to the eye, which unfortunately damages not only the cancer but the adjacent healthy eye tissue as well.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Breakthrough_Eye_Cancer_Research_1340378476429</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/UvealTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Image of the melanoma showing an elevation of the retina</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Uveal melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults. The current standard treatment is radiation to the eye, which unfortunately damages not only the cancer but the adjacent healthy eye tissue as well.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Eye Cancer Discoveries</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Uveal melanoma is the most common eye cancer in adults. The current standard treatment is radiation to the eye, which unfortunately damages not only the cancer but the adjacent healthy eye tissue as well.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>Raising PTSD Awareness by Spreading the Word</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Raising_PTSD_Awareness_by_Spreading_the_Word.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/PTSDManrubbingforehead.jpg" alt="Closeup shot of a man rubbing his temples as if he is in pain" title="Closeup shot of a man rubbing his temples as if he is in pain"><div>]]>Research shows that PTSD prevalence estimates in returning service members and Veterans are between 10-15%. Research with previous groups (e.g., Vietnam, Gulf War) has found similar or even higher estimates. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Raising_PTSD_Awareness_by_Spreading_the_Word_1340382624525</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/PTSDManrubbingforehead.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Closeup shot of a man rubbing his temples as if he is in pain</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Research shows that PTSD prevalence estimates in returning service members and Veterans are between 10-15%. Research with previous groups (e.g., Vietnam, Gulf War) has found similar or even higher estimates. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Raising Awareness of PTSD</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Research shows that PTSD prevalence estimates in returning service members and Veterans are between 10-15%. Research with previous groups (e.g., Vietnam, Gulf War) has found similar or even higher estimates. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Recruitment Effort to Hire Mental Health Professionals </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Recruitment_Effort_to_Hire_Mental_Health_Professionals.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MentalHealthTH.jpg" alt="A close up shot of a woman shaking the hand of another woman as she is hired" title="A close up shot of a woman shaking the hand of another woman as she is hired"><div>]]>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed an aggressive national mental health hiring initiative to improve recruitment and hiring, marketing, education and training programs, and retention efforts for mental health professionals. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Recruitment_Effort_to_Hire_Mental_Health_Professionals_1339686132562</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MentalHealthTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A close up shot of a woman shaking the hand of another woman as she is hired</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed an aggressive national mental health hiring initiative to improve recruitment and hiring, marketing, education and training programs, and retention efforts for mental health professionals. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Recruits to Help Veterans </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has developed an aggressive national mental health hiring initiative to improve recruitment and hiring, marketing, education and training programs, and retention efforts for mental health professionals. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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		<item>
			<title>Going Green with Rain Gardens</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Going_Green_with_Rain_Gardens.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jun 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/RainGardenTH.jpg" alt="A fish eye lens picture of VA Boston&#39;s new rain garden with shrubs, trees and flowers planted in a manmade depression with sandy soil for capturing runoff water" title="A fish eye lens picture of VA Boston&#39;s new rain garden with shrubs, trees and flowers planted in a manmade depression with sandy soil for capturing runoff water"><div>]]>Crouched knee-deep in mulch, she pulls on gloves, adjusts the brim of her hat and slips on her wading boots. Nearly 30 people dressed in work clothes and sun hats swath themselves in sunscreen and gather around the bare, newly built Brockton Campus Rain Garden, getting last minute instructions before the planting of grasses, shrubs, flowers and trees begins. 

<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Going_Green_with_Rain_Gardens_1339172557909</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/RainGardenTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A fish eye lens picture of VA Boston&#39;s new rain garden with shrubs, trees and flowers planted in a manmade depression with sandy soil for capturing runoff water</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Crouched knee-deep in mulch, she pulls on gloves, adjusts the brim of her hat and slips on her wading boots. Nearly 30 people dressed in work clothes and sun hats swath themselves in sunscreen and gather around the bare, newly built Brockton Campus Rain Garden, getting last minute instructions before the planting of grasses, shrubs, flowers and trees begins. 

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Going Green with Rain Gardens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Crouched knee-deep in mulch, she pulls on gloves, adjusts the brim of her hat and slips on her wading boots. Nearly 30 people dressed in work clothes and sun hats swath themselves in sunscreen and gather around the bare, newly built Brockton Campus Rain Garden, getting last minute instructions before the planting of grasses, shrubs, flowers and trees begins. 

</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>WXKS Broadcasts from Fisher House Boston for Memorial Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/WXKS_Broadcasts_from_Fisher_House_Boston_for_Memorial_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TALKBCASTTH.jpg" alt="Dr. Sunil Sabharwal, Network SCI Director is interviewed by Jeff Katz from WXKS Talk 1200" title="Dr. Sunil Sabharwal, Network SCI Director is interviewed by Jeff Katz from WXKS Talk 1200"><div>]]>As Americans prepare to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, it&#8217;s equally important not to forget the bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans who have fought to protect the freedoms we hold dear.  In addition to the more than 33,000 Massachusetts servicemen and women killed from the civil war to today &#8211; countless others are returning home from service,  some physically wounded or emotionally affected, and all of them deserving of our respect and admiration. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/WXKS_Broadcasts_from_Fisher_House_Boston_for_Memorial_Day_1337976187027</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TALKBCASTTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Sunil Sabharwal, Network SCI Director is interviewed by Jeff Katz from WXKS Talk 1200</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">As Americans prepare to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, it&#8217;s equally important not to forget the bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans who have fought to protect the freedoms we hold dear.  In addition to the more than 33,000 Massachusetts servicemen and women killed from the civil war to today &#8211; countless others are returning home from service,  some physically wounded or emotionally affected, and all of them deserving of our respect and admiration. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fisher House Broadcast</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>As Americans prepare to enjoy the long Memorial Day weekend, it&#8217;s equally important not to forget the bravery and sacrifice of our Veterans who have fought to protect the freedoms we hold dear.  In addition to the more than 33,000 Massachusetts servicemen and women killed from the civil war to today &#8211; countless others are returning home from service,  some physically wounded or emotionally affected, and all of them deserving of our respect and admiration. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA BHS Walks and Rolls for Homelessness</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_BHS_Walks_and_Rolls_for_Homelessness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/VA2KTH.jpg" alt="A female employee assists a patient in preparing for the annual VA2K" title="A female employee assists a patient in preparing for the annual VA2K"><div>]]>More than 400 VA Boston Healthcare System employees, Veterans and community members gathered at one of the three campuses (Brockton, West Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain) to walk and roll for the annual VA 2K event to promote wellness and raise awareness for Veteran homelessness and hospitalized Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_BHS_Walks_and_Rolls_for_Homelessness_1337362779552</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/VA2KTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A female employee assists a patient in preparing for the annual VA2K</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than 400 VA Boston Healthcare System employees, Veterans and community members gathered at one of the three campuses (Brockton, West Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain) to walk and roll for the annual VA 2K event to promote wellness and raise awareness for Veteran homelessness and hospitalized Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Walk and Roll</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than 400 VA Boston Healthcare System employees, Veterans and community members gathered at one of the three campuses (Brockton, West Roxbury, or Jamaica Plain) to walk and roll for the annual VA 2K event to promote wellness and raise awareness for Veteran homelessness and hospitalized Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Translational Research Center for TBI and Stress Disorders</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Translational_Research_Center_for_TBI_and_Stress_Disorders.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 May 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TRACTSTH.jpg" alt="Image of a Soldier looking down and the photo reads TRACTS" title="Image of a Soldier looking down and the photo reads TRACTS"><div>]]>TRACTS Veterans describe their experiences in theater, as well as some problems  they face as a result, including issues related to mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Translational_Research_Center_for_TBI_and_Stress_Disorders_1336759923418</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TRACTSTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Image of a Soldier looking down and the photo reads TRACTS</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">TRACTS Veterans describe their experiences in theater, as well as some problems  they face as a result, including issues related to mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">TRACTS</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>TRACTS Veterans describe their experiences in theater, as well as some problems  they face as a result, including issues related to mild traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Associate Director, Nursing Receives Manning Mentoring Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Associate_Director_Nursing_Receives_Manning_Mentoring_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 04 May 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MentoringoneTH.jpg" alt="Three men sitting on a park bench looking at documents and discussing a professional progression plan" title="Three men sitting on a park bench looking at documents and discussing a professional progression plan"><div>]]>Despite her long list of accomplishments, Ceci didn&#8217;t expect the phone call she received about receiving the award. &#8220;When I first got the call that I was to be the recipient of the Mary A. Manning Mentoring Award I was absolutely shocked,&#8221; Ceci said. &#8220;It is such an honor to be recognized by your staff for doing something you love to do.&#8221;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Associate_Director_Nursing_Receives_Manning_Mentoring_Award_1336143080250</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MentoringoneTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Three men sitting on a park bench looking at documents and discussing a professional progression plan</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Despite her long list of accomplishments, Ceci didn&#8217;t expect the phone call she received about receiving the award. &#8220;When I first got the call that I was to be the recipient of the Mary A. Manning Mentoring Award I was absolutely shocked,&#8221; Ceci said. &#8220;It is such an honor to be recognized by your staff for doing something you love to do.&#8221;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">McVey Receives Manning Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Despite her long list of accomplishments, Ceci didn&#8217;t expect the phone call she received about receiving the award. &#8220;When I first got the call that I was to be the recipient of the Mary A. Manning Mentoring Award I was absolutely shocked,&#8221; Ceci said. &#8220;It is such an honor to be recognized by your staff for doing something you love to do.&#8221;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Veteran&#39;s Last Hope at a Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Veterans_Last_Hope.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 12:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ShawTH.jpg" alt="Cheryl Shaw, a homeless Veteran gazes out a window hoping for a chance at a home of her own" title="Cheryl Shaw, a homeless Veteran gazes out a window hoping for a chance at a home of her own"><div>]]>After an hour commute from her Medford home to her job at John Hancock&#8217;s New Hampshire office, Cheryl Shaw jumped out of her Toyota Camry set to complete another work day. This is her story.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Veterans_Last_Hope_1335469170179</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ShawTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cheryl Shaw, a homeless Veteran gazes out a window hoping for a chance at a home of her own</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">After an hour commute from her Medford home to her job at John Hancock&#8217;s New Hampshire office, Cheryl Shaw jumped out of her Toyota Camry set to complete another work day. This is her story.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Veterans Last Hope</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>After an hour commute from her Medford home to her job at John Hancock&#8217;s New Hampshire office, Cheryl Shaw jumped out of her Toyota Camry set to complete another work day. This is her story.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Viet Nam to VA Boston; a Volunteer Journey </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Viet_Nam_to_VA_Boston_a_Volunteer_Journey.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 12:49:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Ron_OrazineTH.jpg" alt="Ron Orazine, VA Boston volunteer helps patients train for the &#8220;2nd Annual Owen &#8220;Mickey&#8221; Emery Wheelchair Air Rifle Tournament&#34; " title="Ron Orazine, VA Boston volunteer helps patients train for the &#8220;2nd Annual Owen &#8220;Mickey&#8221; Emery Wheelchair Air Rifle Tournament&#34; "><div>]]>&#8220;One minute, I&#8217;m in the middle of a mortar attack on LZ Evans, the next I&#8217;m being loaded onto a chopper with the green body bags of the dead.  I arrive somewhere, I&#8217;m taken out, measured for clean uniforms, given a steak dinner, put on another plane, and I find myself standing alone, in the middle of Logan Airport. How the hell did I get here?  What now? It was all so very surreal to me.&#8221; <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Viet_Nam_to_VA_Boston_a_Volunteer_Journey_1334927890232</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Ron_OrazineTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Ron Orazine, VA Boston volunteer helps patients train for the &#8220;2nd Annual Owen &#8220;Mickey&#8221; Emery Wheelchair Air Rifle Tournament&#34; </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;One minute, I&#8217;m in the middle of a mortar attack on LZ Evans, the next I&#8217;m being loaded onto a chopper with the green body bags of the dead.  I arrive somewhere, I&#8217;m taken out, measured for clean uniforms, given a steak dinner, put on another plane, and I find myself standing alone, in the middle of Logan Airport. How the hell did I get here?  What now? It was all so very surreal to me.&#8221; </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Viet Nam to VA Boston</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;One minute, I&#8217;m in the middle of a mortar attack on LZ Evans, the next I&#8217;m being loaded onto a chopper with the green body bags of the dead.  I arrive somewhere, I&#8217;m taken out, measured for clean uniforms, given a steak dinner, put on another plane, and I find myself standing alone, in the middle of Logan Airport. How the hell did I get here?  What now? It was all so very surreal to me.&#8221; </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Saving Earth:  One Bottle Station at a Time</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Saving_Earth_One_Bottle_Station_at_a_Time.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/BottleTH.jpg" alt="Graphic of a globe, recycle bin, tree and water spicket signifying environmental management through waste reduction" title="Graphic of a globe, recycle bin, tree and water spicket signifying environmental management through waste reduction"><div>]]>According to National Geographic, Americans purchase more water than any other nation in the world. As a result, more and more water bottles end up in landfills, lakes, rivers, and oceans adding to the increasing waste management problem in the U.S. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Saving_Earth_One_Bottle_Station_at_a_Time_1334583541843</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/BottleTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic of a globe, recycle bin, tree and water spicket signifying environmental management through waste reduction</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">According to National Geographic, Americans purchase more water than any other nation in the world. As a result, more and more water bottles end up in landfills, lakes, rivers, and oceans adding to the increasing waste management problem in the U.S. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">One Bottle Station at a Time</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>According to National Geographic, Americans purchase more water than any other nation in the world. As a result, more and more water bottles end up in landfills, lakes, rivers, and oceans adding to the increasing waste management problem in the U.S. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Partnership in Care and Education</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Partnership_in_Care_and_Education.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:45:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CCplaqueTH.jpg" alt="Cecilia McVey, Asst. Dir. of Nursing/Patient Care Services, VA Boston and Dr. Judy A. Beal, Dean and Professor, School of Nursing for Simmons College stand before the plaque signifying continuing education  between VA Boston and Simmons College" title="Cecilia McVey, Asst. Dir. of Nursing/Patient Care Services, VA Boston and Dr. Judy A. Beal, Dean and Professor, School of Nursing for Simmons College stand before the plaque signifying continuing education  between VA Boston and Simmons College"><div>]]>The spirit of cooperation was abundantly evident as VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) along with Simmons College School of Nursing dedicated 2 medical wards at the West Roxbury campus as Dedicated Education Units (DEU&#8217;s).<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Partnership_in_Care_and_Education_1334343034869</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CCplaqueTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cecilia McVey, Asst. Dir. of Nursing/Patient Care Services, VA Boston and Dr. Judy A. Beal, Dean and Professor, School of Nursing for Simmons College stand before the plaque signifying continuing education  between VA Boston and Simmons College</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The spirit of cooperation was abundantly evident as VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) along with Simmons College School of Nursing dedicated 2 medical wards at the West Roxbury campus as Dedicated Education Units (DEU&#8217;s).</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Joining Educational Forces</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The spirit of cooperation was abundantly evident as VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) along with Simmons College School of Nursing dedicated 2 medical wards at the West Roxbury campus as Dedicated Education Units (DEU&#8217;s).</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Nutrition and Food Service discovers ways to improve the VA </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Nutrition_and_Food_Service_discovers_ways_to_improve_the_VA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HealthcareStaff.jpg" alt="Healthcare professionals standing and smiling" title="Healthcare professionals standing and smiling"><div>]]>Dietitians at VA BHS are working with Spinal Cord Injury Service to develop resting energy requirements for persons with spinal cord injury. They compare the amount of calories required for the body during the resting stage with the predicted amount of energy in persons with spinal cord injury.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Nutrition_and_Food_Service_discovers_ways_to_improve_the_VA_1332517330419</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/HealthcareStaff.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Healthcare professionals standing and smiling</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Dietitians at VA BHS are working with Spinal Cord Injury Service to develop resting energy requirements for persons with spinal cord injury. They compare the amount of calories required for the body during the resting stage with the predicted amount of energy in persons with spinal cord injury.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Nutrition Discoveries</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dietitians at VA BHS are working with Spinal Cord Injury Service to develop resting energy requirements for persons with spinal cord injury. They compare the amount of calories required for the body during the resting stage with the predicted amount of energy in persons with spinal cord injury.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Social Work Matters to VA BHS</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Social_Work_Matters_to_VA_BHS.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Mar 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Square_Thumb.jpg" alt="Close up of two sets of arms connected at wrists to shape a square signifying working together and trust" title="Close up of two sets of arms connected at wrists to shape a square signifying working together and trust"><div>]]>Loss and grief is often associated with death. Where Veterans were concerned this mostly meant the loss of a spouse. With a new class of Veterans, the words &#8220;loss&#8221; and &#8220;grief&#8221; have gained new associations. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Social_Work_Matters_to_VA_BHS_1331918550358</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Square_Thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Close up of two sets of arms connected at wrists to shape a square signifying working together and trust</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Loss and grief is often associated with death. Where Veterans were concerned this mostly meant the loss of a spouse. With a new class of Veterans, the words &#8220;loss&#8221; and &#8220;grief&#8221; have gained new associations. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Social Work Matters to VA BHS</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Loss and grief is often associated with death. Where Veterans were concerned this mostly meant the loss of a spouse. With a new class of Veterans, the words &#8220;loss&#8221; and &#8220;grief&#8221; have gained new associations. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Eat Right: Creating a Colorful Meal</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Eat_Right_Creating_a_Colorful_Meal.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/produce_thumb.JPG" alt="A colorful array of fruits and vegetables side by side in dishes.  Orange carrots, green cucumbers, red tomatoes and pink radishes to name a few." title="A colorful array of fruits and vegetables side by side in dishes.  Orange carrots, green cucumbers, red tomatoes and pink radishes to name a few."><div>]]>VA encourages Veterans to &#8220;Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal&#8212;the brighter, the better.&#8221; Fruits and vegetables offer different benefits making it important to eat a wide variety. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Eat_Right_Creating_a_Colorful_Meal_1331327060303</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/produce_thumb.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A colorful array of fruits and vegetables side by side in dishes.  Orange carrots, green cucumbers, red tomatoes and pink radishes to name a few.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA encourages Veterans to &#8220;Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal&#8212;the brighter, the better.&#8221; Fruits and vegetables offer different benefits making it important to eat a wide variety. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Creating a Colorful Plate</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA encourages Veterans to &#8220;Eat a rainbow of fruits and vegetables every day and with every meal&#8212;the brighter, the better.&#8221; Fruits and vegetables offer different benefits making it important to eat a wide variety. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women Veteran Numbers Double in a Decade</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Women_Veterans_Double_in_a_Decade_at_VA_Boston.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:43:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_Vet_Thumb.jpg" alt="A head-shot of a dark complexioned woman with dark hair staring out of the corner of her eye" title="A head-shot of a dark complexioned woman with dark hair staring out of the corner of her eye"><div>]]>The number of women Veterans attending VHA for healthcare has doubled between 2000 and 2010. To complement this increase, the Women&#8217;s Veteran Program at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Women_Veterans_Double_in_a_Decade_at_VA_Boston_1330720071513</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_Vet_Thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A head-shot of a dark complexioned woman with dark hair staring out of the corner of her eye</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The number of women Veterans attending VHA for healthcare has doubled between 2000 and 2010. To complement this increase, the Women&#8217;s Veteran Program at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Women Veterans on the Rise</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The number of women Veterans attending VHA for healthcare has doubled between 2000 and 2010. To complement this increase, the Women&#8217;s Veteran Program at VA Boston Healthcare System seeks to ensure that the women Veteran population receives the optimal amount of physical and mental care.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local Veteran&#39;s Share Their Stories Through Art</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Local_Veteran_s_Share_Their_Stories_Through_Art.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:43:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_Peter_Damons_scenic_piece_voted_Best_In_Show_thumb.JPG" alt="Wounded Veteran Peter D&#39;s scenic piece is voted &#34;Best in Show&#34; at VA Boston&#39;s Local Veterans Creative Arts Festival" title="Wounded Veteran Peter D&#39;s scenic piece is voted &#34;Best in Show&#34; at VA Boston&#39;s Local Veterans Creative Arts Festival"><div>]]>Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. This competition includes more than 53 art categories that range from oil painting to leatherwork and even paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, and drama, a more recent addition to the competition that includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Local_Veteran_s_Share_Their_Stories_Through_Art_1330105191274</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_Peter_Damons_scenic_piece_voted_Best_In_Show_thumb.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Wounded Veteran Peter D&#39;s scenic piece is voted &#34;Best in Show&#34; at VA Boston&#39;s Local Veterans Creative Arts Festival</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. This competition includes more than 53 art categories that range from oil painting to leatherwork and even paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, and drama, a more recent addition to the competition that includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Art as Therapy</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Across the country each year, Veterans treated at VA facilities compete in a local creative arts competition. This competition includes more than 53 art categories that range from oil painting to leatherwork and even paint-by-number kits. In addition, there are 120 categories pertaining to all aspects of music, dance, and drama, a more recent addition to the competition that includes original works in poetry, essay, short story, and personal experience writing. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Easy Road to a Healthy Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Easy_Road_to_a_Healthy_Life.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/patient_visits_doctor_thumb.jpg" alt="patient sits in the examination room talking to her doctor" title="patient sits in the examination room talking to her doctor"><div>]]>VA Boston Healthcare System aims at making healthy living as simple as possible. Providing such a wide range of programs and activities allows Veterans to receive the maximum amount of care, guidance and mentorship through their healthcare. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Easy_Road_to_a_Healthy_Life_1329512083479</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/patient_visits_doctor_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">patient sits in the examination room talking to her doctor</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Boston Healthcare System aims at making healthy living as simple as possible. Providing such a wide range of programs and activities allows Veterans to receive the maximum amount of care, guidance and mentorship through their healthcare. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Easy Road to a Healthy Life</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Boston Healthcare System aims at making healthy living as simple as possible. Providing such a wide range of programs and activities allows Veterans to receive the maximum amount of care, guidance and mentorship through their healthcare. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Lend a Hand, Deliver a Heart, Make a Friend</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Lend_a_Hand_Deliver_a_Heart_Make_a_Friend.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Feb 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TH_man_and_woman_chat_and_play_a_card_game_thumb.jpg" alt="A man and a woman play cards and discuss memories" title="A man and a woman play cards and discuss memories"><div>]]>National Salute to Veterans week (Feb. 12-18) gives the community an exclusive opportunity to thank Veterans for their commitment in serving the U.S.   Take this time to visit Veterans at VA Boston Healthcare System campuses and outpatient clinics, participate in the Valentine for Veterans activity and learn more about our volunteering program. These simple gestures let our Veteran knows that their brevity and generosity hasn&#8217;t been forgotten.  
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Lend_a_Hand_Deliver_a_Heart_Make_a_Friend_1328904262207</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TH_man_and_woman_chat_and_play_a_card_game_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A man and a woman play cards and discuss memories</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">National Salute to Veterans week (Feb. 12-18) gives the community an exclusive opportunity to thank Veterans for their commitment in serving the U.S.   Take this time to visit Veterans at VA Boston Healthcare System campuses and outpatient clinics, participate in the Valentine for Veterans activity and learn more about our volunteering program. These simple gestures let our Veteran knows that their brevity and generosity hasn&#8217;t been forgotten.  
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Lend a Hand, Deliver a Heart</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>National Salute to Veterans week (Feb. 12-18) gives the community an exclusive opportunity to thank Veterans for their commitment in serving the U.S.   Take this time to visit Veterans at VA Boston Healthcare System campuses and outpatient clinics, participate in the Valentine for Veterans activity and learn more about our volunteering program. These simple gestures let our Veteran knows that their brevity and generosity hasn&#8217;t been forgotten.  
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Balloons and Stents for Arteries Beyond the Heart</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Balloons_and_Stents_for_Arteries_Beyond_the_Heart.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TH_Graphic_of_arteries.jpg" alt="Graphic of clogged and non-clogged arteries" title="Graphic of clogged and non-clogged arteries"><div>]]>Blockages in the heart arteries can cause a heart attack or chest discomfort with physical activity. Blockages in arteries in other body parts can cause health risks as well. Over the last several years, techniques used to treat blockages in the heart have been used to treat blockages in other parts of the body. These techniques have improved the health of many Veterans. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Balloons_and_Stents_for_Arteries_Beyond_the_Heart_1328303104504</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/TH_Graphic_of_arteries.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic of clogged and non-clogged arteries</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Blockages in the heart arteries can cause a heart attack or chest discomfort with physical activity. Blockages in arteries in other body parts can cause health risks as well. Over the last several years, techniques used to treat blockages in the heart have been used to treat blockages in other parts of the body. These techniques have improved the health of many Veterans. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Arteries Beyond the Heart</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Blockages in the heart arteries can cause a heart attack or chest discomfort with physical activity. Blockages in arteries in other body parts can cause health risks as well. Over the last several years, techniques used to treat blockages in the heart have been used to treat blockages in other parts of the body. These techniques have improved the health of many Veterans. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Veteran on the MOVE!</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Veteran_on_the_MOVE.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/three_people_running_on_treadmills_for_exercise.jpg" alt="Three people burn calories by running on treadmills" title="Three people burn calories by running on treadmills"><div>]]>In September, three years ago, Tyrone B. sat at his cousin&#8217;s 60th birthday party frustrated because he was out growing his clothes. At that moment he decided to take action. He quit drinking that night and adjusted his diet. Within one week, he lost 5 pounds. 

Fascinated by how minor adjustments can cause weight loss, the Air Force Veteran decided to join the MOVE! Program.  Although that September night was the breaking point for Tyrone, several factors pushed him towards MOVE! He began to see how unhealthy choices were hurting the people around him
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Veteran_on_the_MOVE_1327930440401</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/three_people_running_on_treadmills_for_exercise.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Three people burn calories by running on treadmills</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In September, three years ago, Tyrone B. sat at his cousin&#8217;s 60th birthday party frustrated because he was out growing his clothes. At that moment he decided to take action. He quit drinking that night and adjusted his diet. Within one week, he lost 5 pounds. 

Fascinated by how minor adjustments can cause weight loss, the Air Force Veteran decided to join the MOVE! Program.  Although that September night was the breaking point for Tyrone, several factors pushed him towards MOVE! He began to see how unhealthy choices were hurting the people around him
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Veteran on the MOVE!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In September, three years ago, Tyrone B. sat at his cousin&#8217;s 60th birthday party frustrated because he was out growing his clothes. At that moment he decided to take action. He quit drinking that night and adjusted his diet. Within one week, he lost 5 pounds. 

Fascinated by how minor adjustments can cause weight loss, the Air Force Veteran decided to join the MOVE! Program.  Although that September night was the breaking point for Tyrone, several factors pushed him towards MOVE! He began to see how unhealthy choices were hurting the people around him
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Beyond the Slopes</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Beyond_the_Slopes.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 Jan 2012 12:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_hits_the_slopes_despite_physical_limitation_thumb.jpg" alt="Disabled Veteran hits the slopes despite physical limitations" title="Disabled Veteran hits the slopes despite physical limitations"><div>]]>Fifty-seven Veterans arrived at the 15th annual New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans at Mount Sunapee last week with one definite thing in common, their love for winter sports. This clinic not only serves as physical rehabilitation for Veterans but as a mental relief from the day to day stress that may come with physical limitations. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Beyond_the_Slopes_1327092009628</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Veteran_hits_the_slopes_despite_physical_limitation_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Disabled Veteran hits the slopes despite physical limitations</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Fifty-seven Veterans arrived at the 15th annual New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans at Mount Sunapee last week with one definite thing in common, their love for winter sports. This clinic not only serves as physical rehabilitation for Veterans but as a mental relief from the day to day stress that may come with physical limitations. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Beyond the Slopes</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Fifty-seven Veterans arrived at the 15th annual New England Winter Sports Clinic for Disabled Veterans at Mount Sunapee last week with one definite thing in common, their love for winter sports. This clinic not only serves as physical rehabilitation for Veterans but as a mental relief from the day to day stress that may come with physical limitations. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>An Easy PILL to Swallow</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/An_Easy_PILL_to_Swallow.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:45:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THpharmacist_measures_medication_for_prescription.jpg" alt="A Pharmacist measures medication for prescription" title="A Pharmacist measures medication for prescription"><div>]]>When a Veteran is discharged from the hospital, they often regain responsibility for their health care. Often times, this means taking control of medication routines which were once overseen by medical personnel. Medication changes implemented at discharge may be confusing or overwhelming which can impact a Veteran&#8217;s ability to manage their medicines at home.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/An_Easy_PILL_to_Swallow_1326471803807</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THpharmacist_measures_medication_for_prescription.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A Pharmacist measures medication for prescription</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When a Veteran is discharged from the hospital, they often regain responsibility for their health care. Often times, this means taking control of medication routines which were once overseen by medical personnel. Medication changes implemented at discharge may be confusing or overwhelming which can impact a Veteran&#8217;s ability to manage their medicines at home.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston&#39;s PILL Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When a Veteran is discharged from the hospital, they often regain responsibility for their health care. Often times, this means taking control of medication routines which were once overseen by medical personnel. Medication changes implemented at discharge may be confusing or overwhelming which can impact a Veteran&#8217;s ability to manage their medicines at home.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Boston Announces 21% Decrease in Veteran Homelessness</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Boston_Announces_Decrease_in_Veteran_Homelessness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 06 Jan 2012 12:20:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Lunch_at_a_Homeless_Shelter_in_Boston_Masachusetts.jpg" alt="Residents gather for a lunchtime meal at the local Boston Shelter" title="Residents gather for a lunchtime meal at the local Boston Shelter"><div>]]>&#8220;We are ending homelessness among veterans,&#34; said Governor Deval Patrick. &#34;Today, thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Murray, our Department of Veterans&#8217; Services and our federal partners, we are seeing significant progress. But we must keep going to ensure that the men and women who have served our country in uniform have access to all the benefits their service has earned them.&#8221; <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Boston_Announces_Decrease_in_Veteran_Homelessness_1325874697032</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Lunch_at_a_Homeless_Shelter_in_Boston_Masachusetts.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Residents gather for a lunchtime meal at the local Boston Shelter</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;We are ending homelessness among veterans,&#34; said Governor Deval Patrick. &#34;Today, thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Murray, our Department of Veterans&#8217; Services and our federal partners, we are seeing significant progress. But we must keep going to ensure that the men and women who have served our country in uniform have access to all the benefits their service has earned them.&#8221; </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Collaboration Works</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;We are ending homelessness among veterans,&#34; said Governor Deval Patrick. &#34;Today, thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Murray, our Department of Veterans&#8217; Services and our federal partners, we are seeing significant progress. But we must keep going to ensure that the men and women who have served our country in uniform have access to all the benefits their service has earned them.&#8221; </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Charitable Celebration</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Charitable_Celebration.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Dec 2011 12:02:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Holiday_Celebration_with_tables_filled_with_toys_for_adults_to_choose_from_TH.jpg" alt="Holiday celebration with tables filled with toys for adults to choose from" title="Holiday celebration with tables filled with toys for adults to choose from"><div>]]>When members of the Hispanic Special Emphasis Program (Hispanic SEP) at VA Boston Healthcare System looked beyond the walls of our facility, they saw a need in Veterans in the community who have been subjected to difficult times this Holiday Season. In order to fulfill that need, the group held a holiday celebration and &#8220;shopping day&#8221; for homeless and low income Veterans and their families at the Jamaica Plain campus.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Charitable_Celebration_1325178247889</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Holiday_Celebration_with_tables_filled_with_toys_for_adults_to_choose_from_TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Holiday celebration with tables filled with toys for adults to choose from</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When members of the Hispanic Special Emphasis Program (Hispanic SEP) at VA Boston Healthcare System looked beyond the walls of our facility, they saw a need in Veterans in the community who have been subjected to difficult times this Holiday Season. In order to fulfill that need, the group held a holiday celebration and &#8220;shopping day&#8221; for homeless and low income Veterans and their families at the Jamaica Plain campus.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Charitable Celebration</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When members of the Hispanic Special Emphasis Program (Hispanic SEP) at VA Boston Healthcare System looked beyond the walls of our facility, they saw a need in Veterans in the community who have been subjected to difficult times this Holiday Season. In order to fulfill that need, the group held a holiday celebration and &#8220;shopping day&#8221; for homeless and low income Veterans and their families at the Jamaica Plain campus.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Ready, Set, Quit&#8230;</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Ready_Set_Quit.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Cigarette_Pack_by_Bill_Branson.jpg" alt="A cigarette pack look eery cast in a red light and having the words death and tobacco on the sides" title="A cigarette pack look eery cast in a red light and having the words death and tobacco on the sides"><div>]]>A small group of Veterans arrive to the first session of the Smoking Cessation Program at VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Brockton Campus ready to battle what for most is a 40-60 year addiction. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Ready_Set_Quit_1324589447007</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Cigarette_Pack_by_Bill_Branson.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A cigarette pack look eery cast in a red light and having the words death and tobacco on the sides</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A small group of Veterans arrive to the first session of the Smoking Cessation Program at VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Brockton Campus ready to battle what for most is a 40-60 year addiction. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Ready, Set, Quit&#8230;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A small group of Veterans arrive to the first session of the Smoking Cessation Program at VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Brockton Campus ready to battle what for most is a 40-60 year addiction. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Through the Eyes of a Veteran</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Through_the_Eyes_of_a_Veteran.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CAF-TH.jpg" alt="Bud Harold entered the Boston Creative Arts Festival and won with painting on the water" title="Bud Harold entered the Boston Creative Arts Festival and won with painting on the water"><div>]]>Each year Veterans participate in a VA rehabilitation program where they use creative arts as a treatment and healing method. More than 1600 of these Veterans enter their creative and performance art pieces into their local VA&#8217;s Veterans Creative Arts Festival in hopes to have their works displayed in the national festival.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Through_the_Eyes_of_a_Veteran_1323962768023</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CAF-TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Bud Harold entered the Boston Creative Arts Festival and won with painting on the water</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each year Veterans participate in a VA rehabilitation program where they use creative arts as a treatment and healing method. More than 1600 of these Veterans enter their creative and performance art pieces into their local VA&#8217;s Veterans Creative Arts Festival in hopes to have their works displayed in the national festival.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston to Host the Arts</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Each year Veterans participate in a VA rehabilitation program where they use creative arts as a treatment and healing method. More than 1600 of these Veterans enter their creative and performance art pieces into their local VA&#8217;s Veterans Creative Arts Festival in hopes to have their works displayed in the national festival.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Home to Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_Home_to_MVP.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH.jpg" alt="Graphic representation of a map of the the Unites States" title="Graphic representation of a map of the the Unites States"><div>]]>MVP Veterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_Home_to_MVP_1323458460416</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Graphic representation of a map of the the Unites States</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">MVP Veterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston Home to MVP</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>MVP Veterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston One Home to Million Veterans Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_One_Home_to_Million_Veterans_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH.jpg" alt="graphic representation of the united states" title="graphic representation of the united states"><div>]]>MVPVeterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_One_Home_to_Million_Veterans_Program_1323452318994</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MVPTH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">graphic representation of the united states</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">MVPVeterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston Home to MVP</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>MVPVeterans will help contribute to the knowledge base that may result in developing personalized treatments for military-related illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as more common illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Researches the Evaluation, Treatment and Prevention of Veteran Osteoporosis</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_researches_the_evaluation_treatment_and_prevention_of_osteoporosis.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Nov 2011 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Lazzari_Thumbtwo.jpg" alt="Doctor and patient review x-rays in an effort to offset osteoporosis" title="Doctor and patient review x-rays in an effort to offset osteoporosis"><div>]]>More than 50 percent of our male Veterans who are above 50 years old, and enrolled and cared for in Primary Care clinics at VA Boston Healthcare System were found to have low bone mass. Consequently, these Veterans are at risk for bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_researches_the_evaluation_treatment_and_prevention_of_osteoporosis_1322241608582</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Lazzari_Thumbtwo.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Doctor and patient review x-rays in an effort to offset osteoporosis</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than 50 percent of our male Veterans who are above 50 years old, and enrolled and cared for in Primary Care clinics at VA Boston Healthcare System were found to have low bone mass. Consequently, these Veterans are at risk for bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Researching Osteoporosis</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than 50 percent of our male Veterans who are above 50 years old, and enrolled and cared for in Primary Care clinics at VA Boston Healthcare System were found to have low bone mass. Consequently, these Veterans are at risk for bone fractures caused by osteoporosis. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Separating Veterans from Homelessness</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Separating_Veterans_from_Homelessness_Corrected.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Registration_Table_at_Chelsea_Soldiers_Home_TH.jpg" alt="Registration table at Chelsea Soldiers Home Homeless Summit" title="Registration table at Chelsea Soldiers Home Homeless Summit"><div>]]>Sadly, we find that there are Servicemen/women who have gone to battle, risked their lives and fought for our freedom, who return home without hope, direction and sometimes without a place to live. It&#8217;s time to express gratitude, not by giving, but by eliminating homelessness for our Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Separating_Veterans_from_Homelessness_Corrected_1320687664474</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Registration_Table_at_Chelsea_Soldiers_Home_TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Registration table at Chelsea Soldiers Home Homeless Summit</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Sadly, we find that there are Servicemen/women who have gone to battle, risked their lives and fought for our freedom, who return home without hope, direction and sometimes without a place to live. It&#8217;s time to express gratitude, not by giving, but by eliminating homelessness for our Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans and Homelessness</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Sadly, we find that there are Servicemen/women who have gone to battle, risked their lives and fought for our freedom, who return home without hope, direction and sometimes without a place to live. It&#8217;s time to express gratitude, not by giving, but by eliminating homelessness for our Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Yoga for Thought</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Yoga_for_Thought.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Sep 2011 11:59:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/yoga_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Yoga relieves stress" title="Yoga relieves stress"><div>]]>&#8220;Come with whatever you&#8217;ve got and we&#8217;ll deal with it,&#8221; volunteer Yoga Instructor, Felice Brenner said referring to the Yoga Program located at the Jamaica Plain Campus. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Yoga_for_Thought_1316789496199</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/yoga_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Yoga relieves stress</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;Come with whatever you&#8217;ve got and we&#8217;ll deal with it,&#8221; volunteer Yoga Instructor, Felice Brenner said referring to the Yoga Program located at the Jamaica Plain Campus. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Yoga for Thought</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;Come with whatever you&#8217;ve got and we&#8217;ll deal with it,&#8221; volunteer Yoga Instructor, Felice Brenner said referring to the Yoga Program located at the Jamaica Plain Campus. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Residents Get Between a Vet and his Dog</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Residents_Get_Between_a_Vet_and_his_Dog.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:54:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THUMB_Pet_Therapy.jpg" alt="Veterans enjoy a visit from Cokie, golden retriever/yellow lab therapy dog. " title="Veterans enjoy a visit from Cokie, golden retriever/yellow lab therapy dog. "><div>]]>Vietnam Vet and Easton native, Bob Bruce and his 12-year-old dog are no strangers to the human/animal relationship and what it can do for one&#8217;s health. A computer salesman for 20 years, Bruce was on the road 40 hours a week.  He had a close call with his health years ago and lost his beloved dog at the same time. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Residents_Get_Between_a_Vet_and_his_Dog_1316187207077</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/THUMB_Pet_Therapy.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans enjoy a visit from Cokie, golden retriever/yellow lab therapy dog. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Vietnam Vet and Easton native, Bob Bruce and his 12-year-old dog are no strangers to the human/animal relationship and what it can do for one&#8217;s health. A computer salesman for 20 years, Bruce was on the road 40 hours a week.  He had a close call with his health years ago and lost his beloved dog at the same time. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Vet and His Dog</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Vietnam Vet and Easton native, Bob Bruce and his 12-year-old dog are no strangers to the human/animal relationship and what it can do for one&#8217;s health. A computer salesman for 20 years, Bruce was on the road 40 hours a week.  He had a close call with his health years ago and lost his beloved dog at the same time. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Greenhouse and Gardens Program: The Healing Properties of Dirt</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Veterans_Greenhouse_and_Gardens_Program_The_Healing_Properties_of_Dirt.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/Bill_0041_thumb.jpg" alt="Bill Vieira specializes in tropical and exotic plants" title="Bill Vieira specializes in tropical and exotic plants"><div>]]>Beyond wheelchairs, waiting rooms and wards is a healing center not afraid of a little dirt, if it means healing the wounds of combat Veterans.  Unlike other therapy centers at VA Boston Healthcare System, the Veterans Greenhouse and Gardens Program at the Brockton campus, offers the kind of therapy not found in groups, stored in tubes, or administered through needles.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veterans_Greenhouse_and_Gardens_Program_The_Healing_Properties_of_Dirt_1315489483238</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/Bill_0041_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Bill Vieira specializes in tropical and exotic plants</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Beyond wheelchairs, waiting rooms and wards is a healing center not afraid of a little dirt, if it means healing the wounds of combat Veterans.  Unlike other therapy centers at VA Boston Healthcare System, the Veterans Greenhouse and Gardens Program at the Brockton campus, offers the kind of therapy not found in groups, stored in tubes, or administered through needles.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Healing Properties of Dirt</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Beyond wheelchairs, waiting rooms and wards is a healing center not afraid of a little dirt, if it means healing the wounds of combat Veterans.  Unlike other therapy centers at VA Boston Healthcare System, the Veterans Greenhouse and Gardens Program at the Brockton campus, offers the kind of therapy not found in groups, stored in tubes, or administered through needles.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Stand Down 2011: Treating Invisible Wounds</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_Stand_Down_2011_Treating_Invisible_Wounds.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 12:01:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/SD_Thumb_opt_0037.jpg" alt="Nearly 800 Veterans attend VA Boston Stand Down 2011" title="Nearly 800 Veterans attend VA Boston Stand Down 2011"><div>]]>As you reach into your pocket, you stop and think, &#8220;she&#8217;ll just waste the money on booze or drugs,&#8221; so you cross the street, only to find that the homeless are on street corners in every city and in every state across America.  &#8220;Why don&#8217;t they get sober, get jobs and give back to society?&#8221; <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_Stand_Down_2011_Treating_Invisible_Wounds_1314894090306</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/SD_Thumb_opt_0037.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Nearly 800 Veterans attend VA Boston Stand Down 2011</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">As you reach into your pocket, you stop and think, &#8220;she&#8217;ll just waste the money on booze or drugs,&#8221; so you cross the street, only to find that the homeless are on street corners in every city and in every state across America.  &#8220;Why don&#8217;t they get sober, get jobs and give back to society?&#8221; </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston Stand Down 2011</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>As you reach into your pocket, you stop and think, &#8220;she&#8217;ll just waste the money on booze or drugs,&#8221; so you cross the street, only to find that the homeless are on street corners in every city and in every state across America.  &#8220;Why don&#8217;t they get sober, get jobs and give back to society?&#8221; </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women&#39;s Gateway to Sobriety</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Women_s_Gateway_to_Sobriety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Girl_50051_TH.jpg" alt="Female Veteran struggles with reintegration" title="Female Veteran struggles with reintegration"><div>]]>They were prepared for war. They were prepared to die for their country. But female Veterans agree they weren&#39;t prepared to come home and fight a different battle -- addiction to illegal drugs and alcohol.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Women_s_Gateway_to_Sobriety_1314307443112</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Girl_50051_TH.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Female Veteran struggles with reintegration</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">They were prepared for war. They were prepared to die for their country. But female Veterans agree they weren&#39;t prepared to come home and fight a different battle -- addiction to illegal drugs and alcohol.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Women&#39;s Gateway to Sobriety</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>They were prepared for war. They were prepared to die for their country. But female Veterans agree they weren&#39;t prepared to come home and fight a different battle -- addiction to illegal drugs and alcohol.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Boston Veteran Celebrates a Century of Birthdays</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/VA_Boston_Veteran_Celebrates_a_Century_of_Birthdays.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Patsy_New_Thumb.jpg" alt="VA Boston staff assist Tartufo in pinning on the Boston Post Cane Award " title="VA Boston staff assist Tartufo in pinning on the Boston Post Cane Award "><div>]]>Always a sharp dresser, Tartufo was never seen without shined shoes and a blazer, earning him the nickname &#8220;Morgan&#8221; after banker J.P.  Morgan. &#8220;I was always dressed, with my hair combed, when I had hair,&#8221; laughed Tartufo.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Boston_Veteran_Celebrates_a_Century_of_Birthdays_1313681529242</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Patsy_New_Thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Boston staff assist Tartufo in pinning on the Boston Post Cane Award </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Always a sharp dresser, Tartufo was never seen without shined shoes and a blazer, earning him the nickname &#8220;Morgan&#8221; after banker J.P.  Morgan. &#8220;I was always dressed, with my hair combed, when I had hair,&#8221; laughed Tartufo.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Boston Veteran Turns 100</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Always a sharp dresser, Tartufo was never seen without shined shoes and a blazer, earning him the nickname &#8220;Morgan&#8221; after banker J.P.  Morgan. &#8220;I was always dressed, with my hair combed, when I had hair,&#8221; laughed Tartufo.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans and Volunteers Adapt Together </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Veterans_and_Volunteers_Adapt_Together.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 14:02:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/DSC_0759_thumb.jpg" alt="Veteran riding a handcycle" title="Veteran riding a handcycle"><div>]]>
He thoughtfully positions one gloved hand, while the other grasps aimlessly for any footing in the ledge. His upper body aches from the strain placed on his muscles.  As the rock wall continues to rotate, he has a sense of reaching new heights, while never having left the ground.  
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veterans_and_Volunteers_Adapt_Together_1312999632462</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/DSC_0759_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran riding a handcycle</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">
He thoughtfully positions one gloved hand, while the other grasps aimlessly for any footing in the ledge. His upper body aches from the strain placed on his muscles.  As the rock wall continues to rotate, he has a sense of reaching new heights, while never having left the ground.  
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Adaptive Sports Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>
He thoughtfully positions one gloved hand, while the other grasps aimlessly for any footing in the ledge. His upper body aches from the strain placed on his muscles.  As the rock wall continues to rotate, he has a sense of reaching new heights, while never having left the ground.  
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Making Veterans Feel At Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Community_Residential_Care_CRC_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:45:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/house_opt.jpg" alt="Community Residential Care (CRC) Program" title="Community Residential Care (CRC) Program"><div>]]>Gradually aging from a strong, independent person to someone that has difficulty bending over or standing long enough to cook a meal is a difficult adjustment for anyone to make. Recognizing the challenges our Veterans face, VA Boston Healthcare System has developed a number of options for those patients needing assistance in performing daily activities. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Community_Residential_Care_CRC_Program_1311710257749</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/News_and_Media/images/house_opt.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Community Residential Care (CRC) Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Gradually aging from a strong, independent person to someone that has difficulty bending over or standing long enough to cook a meal is a difficult adjustment for anyone to make. Recognizing the challenges our Veterans face, VA Boston Healthcare System has developed a number of options for those patients needing assistance in performing daily activities. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Community Residential Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Gradually aging from a strong, independent person to someone that has difficulty bending over or standing long enough to cook a meal is a difficult adjustment for anyone to make. Recognizing the challenges our Veterans face, VA Boston Healthcare System has developed a number of options for those patients needing assistance in performing daily activities. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>PTSD AWARENESS </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/PTSD_AWARENESS.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 10:48:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ptsddaythumb.jpg" alt="poster of ptsd services " title="poster of ptsd services "><div>]]>Last year, the United States Senate named June 27th National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day in an effort to bring attention to PTSD. PTSD can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event (for example, combat, rape, natural disaster, or car accidents) that is life threatening, sudden, unexpected and overwhelming. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/PTSD_AWARENESS_1310136750465</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/ptsddaythumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">poster of ptsd services </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Last year, the United States Senate named June 27th National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day in an effort to bring attention to PTSD. PTSD can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event (for example, combat, rape, natural disaster, or car accidents) that is life threatening, sudden, unexpected and overwhelming. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">PTSD AWARENESS </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Last year, the United States Senate named June 27th National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day in an effort to bring attention to PTSD. PTSD can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event (for example, combat, rape, natural disaster, or car accidents) that is life threatening, sudden, unexpected and overwhelming. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Fisher House Quilt</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Fisher_House_Quilt.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Jun 2011 11:33:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/fisherhousebookthumb.jpg" alt="book of images for the Fisher House quilt" title="book of images for the Fisher House quilt"><div>]]>Recently the children, families and teachers of the Aqua Room at the Groton Community School in Groton, MA presented a beautiful &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; quilt to the Fisher House Boston.  This wonderful donation all began with the singing of the song &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; by the young children in that class.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Fisher_House_Quilt_1306942584408</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/fisherhousebookthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">book of images for the Fisher House quilt</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Recently the children, families and teachers of the Aqua Room at the Groton Community School in Groton, MA presented a beautiful &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; quilt to the Fisher House Boston.  This wonderful donation all began with the singing of the song &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; by the young children in that class.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Quilt for Fisher House</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Recently the children, families and teachers of the Aqua Room at the Groton Community School in Groton, MA presented a beautiful &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; quilt to the Fisher House Boston.  This wonderful donation all began with the singing of the song &#8220;God Bless America&#8221; by the young children in that class.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 12:08:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/mvpthumb.JPG" alt="Researcher at work" title="Researcher at work"><div>]]>An unprecedented Veterans Affairs (VA) research program that promises to advance the sophisticated science of genomics goes national. 
&#8220;It is my honor,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, &#8220;to join with so many fellow Veterans in keeping VA at the leading edge of genomics research.  This innovative research program will support VA&#8217;s mission to provide Veterans and their families with the care they have earned.&#8221;      
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Million_Veteran_Program_1305907803987</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/mvpthumb.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Researcher at work</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">An unprecedented Veterans Affairs (VA) research program that promises to advance the sophisticated science of genomics goes national. 
&#8220;It is my honor,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, &#8220;to join with so many fellow Veterans in keeping VA at the leading edge of genomics research.  This innovative research program will support VA&#8217;s mission to provide Veterans and their families with the care they have earned.&#8221;      
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>An unprecedented Veterans Affairs (VA) research program that promises to advance the sophisticated science of genomics goes national. 
&#8220;It is my honor,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki, &#8220;to join with so many fellow Veterans in keeping VA at the leading edge of genomics research.  This innovative research program will support VA&#8217;s mission to provide Veterans and their families with the care they have earned.&#8221;      
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cardiac Rehab-Keep Your Heart Healthy</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Cardiac_Rehab_Keep_Your_Heart_Healthy.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 22 Apr 2011 13:20:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/cardiacrehabthumb1.jpg" alt="Exercise equipment" title="Exercise equipment"><div>]]>VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) is now open in a beautiful new facility on the Jamaica Plain campus.  The 1600 sq. foot exercise center includes state-of-the-art aerobic and strength training equipment along with  medical care, education, and monitoring.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Cardiac_Rehab_Keep_Your_Heart_Healthy_1303493055556</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/cardiacrehabthumb1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Exercise equipment</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) is now open in a beautiful new facility on the Jamaica Plain campus.  The 1600 sq. foot exercise center includes state-of-the-art aerobic and strength training equipment along with  medical care, education, and monitoring.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Keep Your Heart Healthy</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Boston Healthcare System&#8217;s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program (CRP) is now open in a beautiful new facility on the Jamaica Plain campus.  The 1600 sq. foot exercise center includes state-of-the-art aerobic and strength training equipment along with  medical care, education, and monitoring.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Clothesline Project 2011</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Clothesline_Project_2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/clothesline_thumbnail.jpg" alt="clothesline project logo" title="clothesline project logo"><div>]]>In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston is hosting its 3rd annual Clothesline Project: a visual display to raise awareness about sexual assault and sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was in the military<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Clothesline_Project_2011_1301063915554</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/clothesline_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">clothesline project logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston is hosting its 3rd annual Clothesline Project: a visual display to raise awareness about sexual assault and sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was in the military</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Clothesline Project 2011</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston is hosting its 3rd annual Clothesline Project: a visual display to raise awareness about sexual assault and sexual harassment that occurred while a veteran was in the military</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women Veterans Ski Day</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Women_Veterans_Ski_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:17:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/womenskithumb.jpg" alt="women skiers coming down the mountain" title="women skiers coming down the mountain"><div>]]>A vivid blue sky and radiant sun shined over 24 women Veterans and 72 women volunteers at the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Ski Appreciation Day at Mount Sunapee, NH on March 8.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Women_Veterans_Ski_Day_1300468804952</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/womenskithumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">women skiers coming down the mountain</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A vivid blue sky and radiant sun shined over 24 women Veterans and 72 women volunteers at the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Ski Appreciation Day at Mount Sunapee, NH on March 8.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Women Veterans Ski Day</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A vivid blue sky and radiant sun shined over 24 women Veterans and 72 women volunteers at the 2nd Annual Women Veterans Ski Appreciation Day at Mount Sunapee, NH on March 8.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MOVE! to Lose Weight</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/MOVE_to_Lose_Weight.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:54:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/move_thumb.jpg" alt="weight loss chart" title="weight loss chart"><div>]]>During National Nutrition Month, the Jamaica Plain campus of VA Boston Healthcare System hosted a Weight Loss Expo featuring 17 Veterans who had successfully lost weight.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MOVE_to_Lose_Weight_1299873458293</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/move_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">weight loss chart</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">During National Nutrition Month, the Jamaica Plain campus of VA Boston Healthcare System hosted a Weight Loss Expo featuring 17 Veterans who had successfully lost weight.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">MOVE! to Lose Weight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>During National Nutrition Month, the Jamaica Plain campus of VA Boston Healthcare System hosted a Weight Loss Expo featuring 17 Veterans who had successfully lost weight.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Helping Homeless Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Helping_Hand.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Feb 2011 12:51:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_homelessness_thumb.jpg" alt="Staff members with the Homeless Women Veterans Program" title="Staff members with the Homeless Women Veterans Program"><div>]]>In the 1980&#8217;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Helping_Hand_1298483831253</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_homelessness_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Staff members with the Homeless Women Veterans Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In the 1980&#8217;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Lending a Helping Hand</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In the 1980&#8217;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>2011 Winter Sports Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/2011_Winter_Sports_Clinic_for_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 31 Jan 2011 09:35:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/wscthumb.jpg" alt="Skier coming down the mountain" title="Skier coming down the mountain"><div>]]>The VA New England Winter Sports Clinic just wrapped up another successful year on Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/2011_Winter_Sports_Clinic_for_Veterans_1296490065286</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/wscthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Skier coming down the mountain</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA New England Winter Sports Clinic just wrapped up another successful year on Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">2011 Winter Sports Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA New England Winter Sports Clinic just wrapped up another successful year on Mt. Sunapee in New Hampshire.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Breathe Easier and Do More!</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Breathe_Easier_and_Do_More.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 19 Jan 2011 10:07:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Pulmonarythumb2.jpg" alt="Veteran on a treadmill receiving information from a staff member" title="Veteran on a treadmill receiving information from a staff member"><div>]]>VA Boston Healthcare System has opened a new, state-of-the-art Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Jamaica Plain Campus.  This multidisciplinary, comprehensive program is designed to help veterans with lung disease improve their quality of life and regain as much functional ability as possible.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Breathe_Easier_and_Do_More_1295450043516</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Pulmonarythumb2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran on a treadmill receiving information from a staff member</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA Boston Healthcare System has opened a new, state-of-the-art Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Jamaica Plain Campus.  This multidisciplinary, comprehensive program is designed to help veterans with lung disease improve their quality of life and regain as much functional ability as possible.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Breathe Easier and Do More!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Boston Healthcare System has opened a new, state-of-the-art Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program at the Jamaica Plain Campus.  This multidisciplinary, comprehensive program is designed to help veterans with lung disease improve their quality of life and regain as much functional ability as possible.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Caring for Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Caring_for_Women_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MissDorisandherAward_2.jpg" alt="Doris Montgomery " title="Doris Montgomery "><div>]]>The VA is changing, and women Veterans are seeking care from us in greater numbers than ever before.  VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) is meeting the challenge of this increase head on.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Caring_for_Women_Veterans_1294155310372</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/MissDorisandherAward_2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Doris Montgomery </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA is changing, and women Veterans are seeking care from us in greater numbers than ever before.  VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) is meeting the challenge of this increase head on.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Caring for Women Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA is changing, and women Veterans are seeking care from us in greater numbers than ever before.  VA Boston Healthcare System (VA BHS) is meeting the challenge of this increase head on.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Strength At Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Strength_At_Home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 06 Dec 2010 10:12:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/caseytaft_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dr. Casey Taft, Strength at Home Director" title="Dr. Casey Taft, Strength at Home Director"><div>]]>Coming home from a deployment can strain any relationship.  That stress can lead to unhappiness in relationships as well as increased arguments, conflict, and sometimes even violence. That is why the Strength At Home programs are being run at the Boston and Providence VAs.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Strength_At_Home_1291648615989</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/caseytaft_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Casey Taft, Strength at Home Director</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Coming home from a deployment can strain any relationship.  That stress can lead to unhappiness in relationships as well as increased arguments, conflict, and sometimes even violence. That is why the Strength At Home programs are being run at the Boston and Providence VAs.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Strength At Home</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Coming home from a deployment can strain any relationship.  That stress can lead to unhappiness in relationships as well as increased arguments, conflict, and sometimes even violence. That is why the Strength At Home programs are being run at the Boston and Providence VAs.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Clothesline Project helps raise awareness of Military Sexual Trauma </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/The_Clothesline_Project_helps_raise_awareness_of_Military_Sexual_Trauma.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Nov 2010 11:34:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/clothesline_thumbnail.jpg" alt="images of tee shirts on a clothesline" title="images of tee shirts on a clothesline"><div>]]>Each year, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston HCS hosts a Clothesline Project at the Jamaica Plain and Brockton campuses.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/The_Clothesline_Project_helps_raise_awareness_of_Military_Sexual_Trauma_1289925539902</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/clothesline_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">images of tee shirts on a clothesline</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each year, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston HCS hosts a Clothesline Project at the Jamaica Plain and Brockton campuses.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Clothesline Project</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Each year, in honor of Sexual Assault Awareness month in April, VA Boston HCS hosts a Clothesline Project at the Jamaica Plain and Brockton campuses.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Caregiver&#39;s Story</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/A_Caregiver_s_Story.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Nov 2010 09:04:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/caregiverthumb.jpg" alt="Angelo and Mary Ann D&#39;Agostino" title="Angelo and Mary Ann D&#39;Agostino"><div>]]>On May 1, 1960 a young couple met on a blind date arranged by the young lady&#39;s cousin.  That couple Mary Ann and Angelo D&#39;Agostino will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in June 2011.  Their love story continues today, with a little help from their friends at VA Boston Healthcare System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Caregiver_s_Story_1288962595106</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/caregiverthumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Angelo and Mary Ann D&#39;Agostino</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On May 1, 1960 a young couple met on a blind date arranged by the young lady&#39;s cousin.  That couple Mary Ann and Angelo D&#39;Agostino will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in June 2011.  Their love story continues today, with a little help from their friends at VA Boston Healthcare System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Caregiver&#39;s Story</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On May 1, 1960 a young couple met on a blind date arranged by the young lady&#39;s cousin.  That couple Mary Ann and Angelo D&#39;Agostino will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary in June 2011.  Their love story continues today, with a little help from their friends at VA Boston Healthcare System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Helping Homeless Women Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Helping_Homeless_Women_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Nov 2010 13:29:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_homelessness_thumb.jpg" alt="Kristin Angell (seated) and Lauren Dever of the Women Veterans Homelessness Program" title="Kristin Angell (seated) and Lauren Dever of the Women Veterans Homelessness Program"><div>]]>In the 1980&#39;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Helping_Homeless_Women_Veterans_1288632592780</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/Women_homelessness_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Kristin Angell (seated) and Lauren Dever of the Women Veterans Homelessness Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In the 1980&#39;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Helping Homeless Women Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In the 1980&#39;s women Veterans comprised approximately 5% of the armed forces, by 2009 they comprised about 15% of the armed forces, and the number continues to grow.  Sadly, some women return from their tour of duty and find themselves homeless or at high risk for becoming homeless.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Center for Returning Veterans...We&#39;re here for </title> 
			<link>http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/features/Center_for_Returning_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:42:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CRV_thumb.jpg" alt="Julie Klunk-Gillis, PhD (on left) and Sofia Reddy, LICSW with the Center for Returning Veterans, Brockton Campus." title="Julie Klunk-Gillis, PhD (on left) and Sofia Reddy, LICSW with the Center for Returning Veterans, Brockton Campus."><div>]]>The Center for Returning Veterans offers a wide range of services to help returning veterans with a variety of concerns.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.boston.va.gov/BOSTON/images/CRV_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Julie Klunk-Gillis, PhD (on left) and Sofia Reddy, LICSW with the Center for Returning Veterans, Brockton Campus.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Center for Returning Veterans offers a wide range of services to help returning veterans with a variety of concerns.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Center for Returning Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Center for Returning Veterans offers a wide range of services to help returning veterans with a variety of concerns.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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