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		<title>Local Features - VA Maryland Health Care System</title>
		<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/index.asp</link>
		<description>Listing of local health features.</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2010 VA</copyright>
		<docs>http://www.va.gov/rss</docs>
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		<lastBuildDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 17:28:00 EDT</lastBuildDate>
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			<title>Researchers Use Robotics to Help Stroke Survivors</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Researchers_use_robotics_to_help_stroke_survivors.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 14 May 2013 18:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/anklebot-smt.jpg" alt="Anklebots help stroke survivors improve gait." title="Anklebots help stroke survivors improve gait."><div>]]>Using a specialized ankle robot &#8211; Anklebot − researchers can train participants to improve control of their weakened leg, either by playing videogames from a seated position or with task-oriented training on a treadmill.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/anklebot-smt.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Anklebots help stroke survivors improve gait.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Using a specialized ankle robot &#8211; Anklebot − researchers can train participants to improve control of their weakened leg, either by playing videogames from a seated position or with task-oriented training on a treadmill.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Robot Helps Stroke Survivors</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Using a specialized ankle robot &#8211; Anklebot − researchers can train participants to improve control of their weakened leg, either by playing videogames from a seated position or with task-oriented training on a treadmill.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic Dedication Set</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/New_Fort_Meade_VA_Outpatient_Clinic_Dedication_Set.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/FtMeadeFront-sm.jpg" alt="New Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic" title="New Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic"><div>]]>Despite the late season snow fall, more than 100 supporters navigated the tricky roads to the Fort Meade VA Outpatient dedication ceremony.  The formal dedication of the new facility included a ribbon cutting ceremony.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/FtMeadeFront-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New Fort Meade VA Outpatient Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Despite the late season snow fall, more than 100 supporters navigated the tricky roads to the Fort Meade VA Outpatient dedication ceremony.  The formal dedication of the new facility included a ribbon cutting ceremony.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New VA Clinic Dedicated </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Despite the late season snow fall, more than 100 supporters navigated the tricky roads to the Fort Meade VA Outpatient dedication ceremony.  The formal dedication of the new facility included a ribbon cutting ceremony.</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>A Picture Speaks a Thousand Words of Gratitude </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/A_Picture_Speaks_a_Thousand_Words_of_Gratitude.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/perryvilleart-sm.jpg" alt="Handmade paintings from students at the Perryville Elementary School on display for inpatient Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center." title="Handmade paintings from students at the Perryville Elementary School on display for inpatient Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center."><div>]]>Since the school year started in fall 2012, Perryville Elementary School has maintained an ongoing commitment to pay tribute to hospitalized Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Picture_Speaks_a_Thousand_Words_of_Gratitude_1364234011671</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/perryvilleart-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Handmade paintings from students at the Perryville Elementary School on display for inpatient Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Since the school year started in fall 2012, Perryville Elementary School has maintained an ongoing commitment to pay tribute to hospitalized Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Pictures Speak Words of Honor</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Since the school year started in fall 2012, Perryville Elementary School has maintained an ongoing commitment to pay tribute to hospitalized Veterans at the Perry Point VA Medical Center, a division of the VA Maryland Health Care System</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>E-Donate Is  Speedy, Simple, Safe </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/E_Donate_Is_Speedy_Simple_Safe.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/E-Donate_thumbnail.JPG" alt="Edonate hand and heart illustration   " title="Edonate hand and heart illustration   "><div>]]>The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the accoun<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/E_Donate_Is_Speedy_Simple_Safe_1362415640623</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/E-Donate_thumbnail.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Edonate hand and heart illustration   </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the accoun</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Make A Difference: E-Donate   </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the accoun</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Maryland VA Health Care System Participates in the MVP</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Maryland_VA_Health_Care_System_Participates_in_the_MVP.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MVPlogo-sm.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program logo over a map of the United States" title="Million Veteran Program logo over a map of the United States"><div>]]>&#8220;Veterans nationwide are helping to create a database that has the potential to help millions around the country &#8211; Veteran and non-Veteran alike,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Maryland_VA_Health_Care_System_Participates_in_the_MVP_1361474264152</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MVPlogo-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Million Veteran Program logo over a map of the United States</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;Veterans nationwide are helping to create a database that has the potential to help millions around the country &#8211; Veteran and non-Veteran alike,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">One in a Million Veteran</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;Veterans nationwide are helping to create a database that has the potential to help millions around the country &#8211; Veteran and non-Veteran alike,&#8221; said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>NASCAR Comes to the Perry Point VA Medical Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/NASCAR_Comes_to_the_Perry_Point_VA_Medical_Center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/EmpireRacing-sm.jpg" alt="Veteran sitting in the NASCAR handicap accessible ride-along truck while Empire Racing driver stands on the outside of the truck. " title="Veteran sitting in the NASCAR handicap accessible ride-along truck while Empire Racing driver stands on the outside of the truck. "><div>]]>On their way to Daytona International Speedway for &#8220;Speed Weeks 2013,&#8221; the Empire Racing&#8217;s Restore-Recover-Renew Tour stopped at the Perry Point VA Medical Center to display their team&#8217;s one-of-a-kind, handicap accessible, NASCAR ride along truck.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/NASCAR_Comes_to_the_Perry_Point_VA_Medical_Center_1361479690769</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/EmpireRacing-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran sitting in the NASCAR handicap accessible ride-along truck while Empire Racing driver stands on the outside of the truck. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On their way to Daytona International Speedway for &#8220;Speed Weeks 2013,&#8221; the Empire Racing&#8217;s Restore-Recover-Renew Tour stopped at the Perry Point VA Medical Center to display their team&#8217;s one-of-a-kind, handicap accessible, NASCAR ride along truck.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">NASCAR Comes to the VA </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On their way to Daytona International Speedway for &#8220;Speed Weeks 2013,&#8221; the Empire Racing&#8217;s Restore-Recover-Renew Tour stopped at the Perry Point VA Medical Center to display their team&#8217;s one-of-a-kind, handicap accessible, NASCAR ride along truck.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>E-Donate Is Simple, Speedy, Safe </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/E_Donate_Is_Simple_Speedy_Safe.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/E-Donate_thumbnail.JPG" alt="Edonate hand and heart illustration   " title="Edonate hand and heart illustration   "><div>]]>The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account.                <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/E_Donate_Is_Simple_Speedy_Safe_1360608629836</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/E-Donate_thumbnail.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Edonate hand and heart illustration   </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account.                </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Make A Difference: E-Donate   </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new E-Donate service allows community members who wish to give back to Veterans a quick, safe way to pledge their support online. You choose the medical center, the amount, and the account.                </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Salute to Veteran Patients Week</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/National_Salute_to_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/valentine-sm.jpg" alt="A collection of handmade Valentine cards for Veteran patients. " title="A collection of handmade Valentine cards for Veteran patients. "><div>]]>Valentine&#8217;s Day is a great time to say thanks to Veterans throughout the country. The VA National Salute to Veteran Patients Week observance runs from Feb 10 through 16, and already Valentine cards are arriving at our three inpatient facilities.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/National_Salute_to_Veterans_1360603423119</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/valentine-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A collection of handmade Valentine cards for Veteran patients. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Valentine&#8217;s Day is a great time to say thanks to Veterans throughout the country. The VA National Salute to Veteran Patients Week observance runs from Feb 10 through 16, and already Valentine cards are arriving at our three inpatient facilities.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Salute a Veteran Today </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Valentine&#8217;s Day is a great time to say thanks to Veterans throughout the country. The VA National Salute to Veteran Patients Week observance runs from Feb 10 through 16, and already Valentine cards are arriving at our three inpatient facilities.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tips to Prevent or Delay Type 2 Diabetes</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Tips_to_Prevent_or_Delay_Type_2_Diabetes.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Jan 2013 21:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MOVE13-sm.jpg" alt="Veteran using stretch bands to exercise." title="Veteran using stretch bands to exercise."><div>]]>Many people do not know that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, but studies have proven that it can!  Even if you have risk factors for diabetes, there are important things you can do to stay healthy.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tips_to_Prevent_or_Delay_Type_2_Diabetes_1358888713520</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MOVE13-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran using stretch bands to exercise.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Many people do not know that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, but studies have proven that it can!  Even if you have risk factors for diabetes, there are important things you can do to stay healthy.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Put Brakes on Type 2 Diabetes </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Many people do not know that type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed, but studies have proven that it can!  Even if you have risk factors for diabetes, there are important things you can do to stay healthy.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Breast Cancer has nowhere to Hide at the VA Maryland Health </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Breast_Cancer_has_nowhere_to_Hide_at_the_VA_Maryland_Health.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/3Dmammo-thmb.jpg" alt="Technician assisting a woman at the breast tomosynthesis machine. " title="Technician assisting a woman at the breast tomosynthesis machine. "><div>]]>The VA Maryland Health Care System is the first VA to offer three dimensional mammograms. Breast tomosynthesis allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, for more accurate readings.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Breast_Cancer_has_nowhere_to_Hide_at_the_VA_Maryland_Health_1357233530699</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/3Dmammo-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Technician assisting a woman at the breast tomosynthesis machine. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Maryland Health Care System is the first VA to offer three dimensional mammograms. Breast tomosynthesis allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, for more accurate readings.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Breast Cancer Fight Goes 3D</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Maryland Health Care System is the first VA to offer three dimensional mammograms. Breast tomosynthesis allows doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time, for more accurate readings.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Personal Holiday Shoppers </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Personal_Holiday_Shoppers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/personalshopper.jpg" alt="American Legion Auxiliary member is smiling at male Veteran patient as he looks at the holiday gift she helped him choose." title="American Legion Auxiliary member is smiling at male Veteran patient as he looks at the holiday gift she helped him choose."><div>]]>This is the season for giving, but what happens to those hospitalized Veterans who can&#8217;t get to the shops for the holidays? How can they find gifts for their loved ones?  Well, a 
special holiday gift shop comes to them.
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Personal_Holiday_Shoppers_1356021624187</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/personalshopper.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">American Legion Auxiliary member is smiling at male Veteran patient as he looks at the holiday gift she helped him choose.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This is the season for giving, but what happens to those hospitalized Veterans who can&#8217;t get to the shops for the holidays? How can they find gifts for their loved ones?  Well, a 
special holiday gift shop comes to them.
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Personal Holiday Shoppers </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This is the season for giving, but what happens to those hospitalized Veterans who can&#8217;t get to the shops for the holidays? How can they find gifts for their loved ones?  Well, a 
special holiday gift shop comes to them.
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Youth Volunteers Recognized as Ravens&#8217; Honor Rows</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Youth_Volunteers_Recognized_as_Ravens_Honor_Rows.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Dec 2012 18:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VolunteersHonored.jpg" alt="A group of VA youth volunteers cheering as they are honored as Ravens&#8217; Honor Rows.  " title="A group of VA youth volunteers cheering as they are honored as Ravens&#8217; Honor Rows.  "><div>]]>Henry Wu and 60 others in the summer youth volunteer program at the VA Maryland Health Care System, dedicated their time to making a difference. Their dedication was recognized by the Baltimore Ravens, as the recipients of its Honor Rows program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Youth_Volunteers_Recognized_as_Ravens_Honor_Rows_1355523488140</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VolunteersHonored.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A group of VA youth volunteers cheering as they are honored as Ravens&#8217; Honor Rows.  </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Henry Wu and 60 others in the summer youth volunteer program at the VA Maryland Health Care System, dedicated their time to making a difference. Their dedication was recognized by the Baltimore Ravens, as the recipients of its Honor Rows program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteers Honored by Ravens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Henry Wu and 60 others in the summer youth volunteer program at the VA Maryland Health Care System, dedicated their time to making a difference. Their dedication was recognized by the Baltimore Ravens, as the recipients of its Honor Rows program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Prevention Tips For Alzheimer&#8217;s Disease </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Prevention_Tips_For_Alzheimer_s_Disease.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 03 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/alzheimers-thm.jpg" alt="Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp." title="Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp."><div>]]>Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Prevention_Tips_For_Alzheimer_s_Disease_1354562970127</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/alzheimers-thm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Alzheimer&#39;s Prevention Tips</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Research has found increased mental stimulation such as cross word puzzles, and as much social interaction as possible keeps mental faculties sharp.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MOVE! and TeleMOVE! Weight Management Programs Help Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/MOVE_and_TeleMOVE_Weight_Management_Programs_Help_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Move-thmb.jpg" alt="Veterans participating using resistance bands as part of the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Management Program." title="Veterans participating using resistance bands as part of the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Management Program."><div>]]>Mark Kresel, a former Marine, lost 62 pounds with TeleMOVE!, but it wasn&#8217;t easy. MOVE! and TeleMOVE! participants learn the right portions of food to eat, what to eat, along with getting group or one-on-one counseling.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MOVE_and_TeleMOVE_Weight_Management_Programs_Help_Veterans_1353091568723</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Move-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans participating using resistance bands as part of the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Management Program.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Mark Kresel, a former Marine, lost 62 pounds with TeleMOVE!, but it wasn&#8217;t easy. MOVE! and TeleMOVE! participants learn the right portions of food to eat, what to eat, along with getting group or one-on-one counseling.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Grow Healthier</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Mark Kresel, a former Marine, lost 62 pounds with TeleMOVE!, but it wasn&#8217;t easy. MOVE! and TeleMOVE! participants learn the right portions of food to eat, what to eat, along with getting group or one-on-one counseling.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Maryland Health Care System Message to Veterans </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Message_to_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VetDay2012-thnb.jpg" alt="A male Veteran with a VA clinician and flags in the background" title="A male Veteran with a VA clinician and flags in the background"><div>]]>A grateful nation honors and recognizes more than 23.4 million living Veterans on November 11.  Veterans Day provides an opportunity for all Americans to thank those who have served our nation in the armed forces.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Message_to_Veterans_1352141229661</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VetDay2012-thnb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A male Veteran with a VA clinician and flags in the background</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A grateful nation honors and recognizes more than 23.4 million living Veterans on November 11.  Veterans Day provides an opportunity for all Americans to thank those who have served our nation in the armed forces.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Day of Gratitude</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A grateful nation honors and recognizes more than 23.4 million living Veterans on November 11.  Veterans Day provides an opportunity for all Americans to thank those who have served our nation in the armed forces.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Eagle Scout Project Covers Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Eagle_Scout_Project_Covers_Vets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 05 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/EagleScout-thmb.jpg" alt="A group of volunteers working to assemble a gazebo at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. " title="A group of volunteers working to assemble a gazebo at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. "><div>]]>&#8220;I knew I wanted to do something special to show Veterans how much I appreciate all they have done to protect our country and I thought the gazebo would provide them with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors,&#8221; said James Heuser, a Boy Scout.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Eagle_Scout_Project_Covers_Vets_1349460562876</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/EagleScout-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A group of volunteers working to assemble a gazebo at the Perry Point VA Medical Center. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#8220;I knew I wanted to do something special to show Veterans how much I appreciate all they have done to protect our country and I thought the gazebo would provide them with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors,&#8221; said James Heuser, a Boy Scout.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Eagle Scout Covers Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#8220;I knew I wanted to do something special to show Veterans how much I appreciate all they have done to protect our country and I thought the gazebo would provide them with a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors,&#8221; said James Heuser, a Boy Scout.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Get Your Flu Shot Before the Flu Gets You!</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Get_Your_Flu_Shot_Before_the_Flu_Gets_You.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/flushot-THMB.jpg" alt="VA Nurse Practitioner working with a veteran patient" title="VA Nurse Practitioner working with a veteran patient"><div>]]>The VA is encouraging eligible military Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA Maryland Health Care System medical center or outpatient clinic beginning Monday, September 10, 2012.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Get_Your_Flu_Shot_Before_the_Flu_Gets_You_1347285705270</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/flushot-THMB.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Nurse Practitioner working with a veteran patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA is encouraging eligible military Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA Maryland Health Care System medical center or outpatient clinic beginning Monday, September 10, 2012.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Get Your Free Flu Shot!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA is encouraging eligible military Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA Maryland Health Care System medical center or outpatient clinic beginning Monday, September 10, 2012.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Pocomoke Gets New VA Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Pocomoke_Gets_New_VA_Clinic.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 05 Sep 2012 08:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Pocomoke-thmb.jpg" alt="The VA Maryland Health Care System director, staff and local dignitaries pose in front of the new Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic for a ribbon cutting. " title="The VA Maryland Health Care System director, staff and local dignitaries pose in front of the new Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic for a ribbon cutting. "><div>]]>When the Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic opened its doors 12 years ago, it had one doctor and one nurse working one day a week.  Since then the staff has more than tripled and operating hours grew to five days per week. (Photo: Patty Hancock)<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Pocomoke_Gets_New_VA_Clinic_1346811625092</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Pocomoke-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The VA Maryland Health Care System director, staff and local dignitaries pose in front of the new Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic for a ribbon cutting. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When the Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic opened its doors 12 years ago, it had one doctor and one nurse working one day a week.  Since then the staff has more than tripled and operating hours grew to five days per week. (Photo: Patty Hancock)</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Pocomoke Opens New VA Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When the Pocomoke City VA Outpatient Clinic opened its doors 12 years ago, it had one doctor and one nurse working one day a week.  Since then the staff has more than tripled and operating hours grew to five days per week. (Photo: Patty Hancock)</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Uses Leather to Sew Kindness, Compassion </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Veteran_Uses_Leather_to_Sew_Kindness_Compassion.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 25 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/handmadecrafts.jpg" alt="A collection of craft items created by Army veteran Richard Glasco." title="A collection of craft items created by Army veteran Richard Glasco."><div>]]>During a long recovery from surgery 35 years ago, Army Veteran Richard Glasco discovered a hidden talent. Six years later, the Baltimore native still shares his talent &#8211;crafting&#8211; to help other Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veteran_Uses_Leather_to_Sew_Kindness_Compassion_1345908047567</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/handmadecrafts.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A collection of craft items created by Army veteran Richard Glasco.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">During a long recovery from surgery 35 years ago, Army Veteran Richard Glasco discovered a hidden talent. Six years later, the Baltimore native still shares his talent &#8211;crafting&#8211; to help other Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Sewing Leather into Kindness</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>During a long recovery from surgery 35 years ago, Army Veteran Richard Glasco discovered a hidden talent. Six years later, the Baltimore native still shares his talent &#8211;crafting&#8211; to help other Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women Veteran Town Hall Meeting</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Women_Veteran_Town_Hall_Meeting.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WomenVetTownHall-sm.jpg" alt="A woman in military uniform holding a small American flag." title="A woman in military uniform holding a small American flag."><div>]]>The Women Veterans Town Hall is being held to give Maryland&#8217;s women Veterans, and those who serve them, an opportunity to address concerns about women Veteran issues. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Women_Veteran_Town_Hall_Meeting_1344523320678</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WomenVetTownHall-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A woman in military uniform holding a small American flag.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Women Veterans Town Hall is being held to give Maryland&#8217;s women Veterans, and those who serve them, an opportunity to address concerns about women Veteran issues. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Women Vets Town Hall Meeting</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Women Veterans Town Hall is being held to give Maryland&#8217;s women Veterans, and those who serve them, an opportunity to address concerns about women Veteran issues. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran&#8217;s Legacy Offers a Boost to Fellow Vets</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Veteran_s_Legacy_Offers_a_Boost_to_Fellow_Vets.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/vetcoffeeTHMB.jpg" alt="Image of the plaque designating the coffee stand as Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending, including a photo of Veteran Stanley Quivey. " title="Image of the plaque designating the coffee stand as Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending, including a photo of Veteran Stanley Quivey. "><div>]]>Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending Station will be a lasting tribute to Stanley S. Quivey, whose final wish was to enrich the lives of his fellow comrades who have entrusted their care to the VA Maryland Health Care System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veteran_s_Legacy_Offers_a_Boost_to_Fellow_Vets_1344541557675</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/vetcoffeeTHMB.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Image of the plaque designating the coffee stand as Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending, including a photo of Veteran Stanley Quivey. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending Station will be a lasting tribute to Stanley S. Quivey, whose final wish was to enrich the lives of his fellow comrades who have entrusted their care to the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Lasting Tribute for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Quivey&#8217;s Coffee and Vending Station will be a lasting tribute to Stanley S. Quivey, whose final wish was to enrich the lives of his fellow comrades who have entrusted their care to the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Maryland Vets Finish Big at National Vets Wheelchair Games</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Maryland_Vets_Finish_Big_at_National_Vets_Wheelchair_Games.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 12 Jul 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/wheelchairgames-thmb.jpg" alt="VA Maryland Health Care System Veterans and their coaches at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games" title="VA Maryland Health Care System Veterans and their coaches at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games"><div>]]>For the first time since 2002, five Maryland Veterans representing the VA Maryland Health Care System participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, Va.   <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Maryland_Vets_Finish_Big_at_National_Vets_Wheelchair_Games_1342125697648</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/wheelchairgames-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Maryland Health Care System Veterans and their coaches at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For the first time since 2002, five Maryland Veterans representing the VA Maryland Health Care System participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, Va.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Maryland Vets Finish Big</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For the first time since 2002, five Maryland Veterans representing the VA Maryland Health Care System participated in the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Richmond, Va.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Mental Health Myth Busters</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Mental_Health_Myth_Busters.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:45:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MentalHealthMyth-thmb.jpg" alt="A mental health clinician working with a patient." title="A mental health clinician working with a patient."><div>]]>The VA Maryland Health Care System wants to busts myths about mental illness to encourage those needing treatment to seek it and to provide facts about mental illness, which is surprisingly common, affecting nearly every family in the nation.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Mental_Health_Myth_Busters_1340912269879</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MentalHealthMyth-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A mental health clinician working with a patient.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Maryland Health Care System wants to busts myths about mental illness to encourage those needing treatment to seek it and to provide facts about mental illness, which is surprisingly common, affecting nearly every family in the nation.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Mental Health Myth Busters</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Maryland Health Care System wants to busts myths about mental illness to encourage those needing treatment to seek it and to provide facts about mental illness, which is surprisingly common, affecting nearly every family in the nation.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Independence Day - A Day to Remember</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Independence_Day_A_Day_to_Remember.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 28 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/July4-thmb.jpg" alt="A veteran sitting with a clinician. " title="A veteran sitting with a clinician. "><div>]]>Other than Thanksgiving and Christmas, 4th of July is perhaps the most celebrated national holiday. Families go on picnics, visit beaches and parks, and watch the fireworks. However, for many Veterans, Independence Day takes on a different meaning.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Independence_Day_A_Day_to_Remember_1340909640633</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/July4-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A veteran sitting with a clinician. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Other than Thanksgiving and Christmas, 4th of July is perhaps the most celebrated national holiday. Families go on picnics, visit beaches and parks, and watch the fireworks. However, for many Veterans, Independence Day takes on a different meaning.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Thanks for Our Independence</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Other than Thanksgiving and Christmas, 4th of July is perhaps the most celebrated national holiday. Families go on picnics, visit beaches and parks, and watch the fireworks. However, for many Veterans, Independence Day takes on a different meaning.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tick Bites Increase in Summer</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Tips_on_Tick_Bite_Protection.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jun 2012 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/LymeDisease-LawnMower-THMB.jpg" alt="Photo of lawn mower." title="Photo of lawn mower."><div>]]>The recent mild winter, which left deer ticks alive, hungry and looking for food, can create optimal conditions for the transmission of Lyme disease. The VA Maryland Health Care System offers tips to protect yourself, your family and your pets.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tips_on_Tick_Bite_Protection_1340650189538</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/LymeDisease-LawnMower-THMB.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of lawn mower.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The recent mild winter, which left deer ticks alive, hungry and looking for food, can create optimal conditions for the transmission of Lyme disease. The VA Maryland Health Care System offers tips to protect yourself, your family and your pets.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tick Bites Increase in Summer</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The recent mild winter, which left deer ticks alive, hungry and looking for food, can create optimal conditions for the transmission of Lyme disease. The VA Maryland Health Care System offers tips to protect yourself, your family and your pets.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Infection Prevention for Summer Water Safety</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Infection_Prevention_for_Summer_Water_Safety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/SummerSafety-thmb.jpg" alt="Man fishing on a boat" title="Man fishing on a boat"><div>]]>Aquatic recreational exposure with any one of the eight species of bacteria can cause a range of physical illnesses. Read about some safety tips for staying healthy during this summer&#8217;s water recreational activities.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Infection_Prevention_for_Summer_Water_Safety_1338579188033</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/SummerSafety-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Man fishing on a boat</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Aquatic recreational exposure with any one of the eight species of bacteria can cause a range of physical illnesses. Read about some safety tips for staying healthy during this summer&#8217;s water recreational activities.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Infection Prevention in Summer</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Aquatic recreational exposure with any one of the eight species of bacteria can cause a range of physical illnesses. Read about some safety tips for staying healthy during this summer&#8217;s water recreational activities.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Unexpected Relief: Cervical Dystonia Treatment</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Unexpected_Relief_Cervical_Dystonia_Treated_at_the_VA_Maryl.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/CervicalDystonia-Linda-thmb.jpg" alt="Linda M. Furiate" title="Linda M. Furiate"><div>]]>After losing her job and the health benefits, a friend recommended that Linda Furiate seek help from the VA for her cervical dystonia.  This visit to the Baltimore VA Medical Center changed her life. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Unexpected_Relief_Cervical_Dystonia_Treated_at_the_VA_Maryl_1338576493537</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/CervicalDystonia-Linda-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Linda M. Furiate</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">After losing her job and the health benefits, a friend recommended that Linda Furiate seek help from the VA for her cervical dystonia.  This visit to the Baltimore VA Medical Center changed her life. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Unexpected Relief </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>After losing her job and the health benefits, a friend recommended that Linda Furiate seek help from the VA for her cervical dystonia.  This visit to the Baltimore VA Medical Center changed her life. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Hero&#8217;s  Recognition: Remembering Ex-POW&#8217;s </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/A_Hero_s_Recognition_Remembering_Ex_POW_s.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 03 May 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ex-pow_group-thmb.jpg" alt="Group photo of 12 ex-POW&#39;s" title="Group photo of 12 ex-POW&#39;s"><div>]]>More than a dozen Ex-POWs arrived at the Perry Point VA Medical Center for a recognition luncheon in their honor complete with tributes especially designed to express the gratitude of a humble nation.   <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Hero_s_Recognition_Remembering_Ex_POW_s_1336060515114</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ex-pow_group-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Group photo of 12 ex-POW&#39;s</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">More than a dozen Ex-POWs arrived at the Perry Point VA Medical Center for a recognition luncheon in their honor complete with tributes especially designed to express the gratitude of a humble nation.   </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Remembering Ex-POW&#8217;s </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>More than a dozen Ex-POWs arrived at the Perry Point VA Medical Center for a recognition luncheon in their honor complete with tributes especially designed to express the gratitude of a humble nation.   </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Celebrating People in Action</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Celebrating_People_in_Action.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/volunteer-in-action-thmp.jpg" alt="A volunteer assisting a Veteran patient to write a letter." title="A volunteer assisting a Veteran patient to write a letter."><div>]]>This small army of volunteers stands ready to serve America&#8217;s newest generation of military Veterans, and they play a vital role in the recovery and well being of Veterans from all combat eras.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Celebrating_People_in_Action_1334605604088</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/volunteer-in-action-thmp.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A volunteer assisting a Veteran patient to write a letter.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">This small army of volunteers stands ready to serve America&#8217;s newest generation of military Veterans, and they play a vital role in the recovery and well being of Veterans from all combat eras.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Celebrating People in Action</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>This small army of volunteers stands ready to serve America&#8217;s newest generation of military Veterans, and they play a vital role in the recovery and well being of Veterans from all combat eras.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Remembers the Role Women Played in U.S. History</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Remembers_the_Role_Women_Played_in_U_S_History.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 13 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WomensHistory-sm.jpg" alt="Veteran meeting with her VA health care provider." title="Veteran meeting with her VA health care provider."><div>]]>Throughout history, countless strong women broke the norm to follow their hearts, making a difference in the lives of and inspiring those around them. Today, women comprise the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Remembers_the_Role_Women_Played_in_U_S_History_1331665292287</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WomensHistory-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran meeting with her VA health care provider.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Throughout history, countless strong women broke the norm to follow their hearts, making a difference in the lives of and inspiring those around them. Today, women comprise the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Committed to Women Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Throughout history, countless strong women broke the norm to follow their hearts, making a difference in the lives of and inspiring those around them. Today, women comprise the fastest growing segment of the Veteran population.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A Call to Volunteer</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/A_Call_to_Volunteer.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 07 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Volunteer-thmb.jpg" alt="Dennis Edwards of the Temptations Review is visiting a Veteran resident at the Loch Raven VA Community Living &amp; Rehabilitation Center" title="Dennis Edwards of the Temptations Review is visiting a Veteran resident at the Loch Raven VA Community Living &amp; Rehabilitation Center"><div>]]>Everyone can make a positive difference in a Veteran patient&#8217;s life. Visits from community, church, service and civic groups do much to lift the spirits of our patients.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_Call_to_Volunteer_1331152732554</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/Volunteer-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dennis Edwards of the Temptations Review is visiting a Veteran resident at the Loch Raven VA Community Living &amp; Rehabilitation Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Everyone can make a positive difference in a Veteran patient&#8217;s life. Visits from community, church, service and civic groups do much to lift the spirits of our patients.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Call to Service</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Everyone can make a positive difference in a Veteran patient&#8217;s life. Visits from community, church, service and civic groups do much to lift the spirits of our patients.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>A National Pilot Tests Efficiency of Electric Cars</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/A_National_Pilot_Tests_Efficiency_of_Electric_Cars.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ElectricCar_small.jpg" alt="A side view of the Think City electric car. " title="A side view of the Think City electric car. "><div>]]>Propelled by an electric engine, the rubber is hitting the road in Maryland. The VA and 20 other federal agencies are participating in a pilot to test the efficacy of electric cars by incorporating them into the federal fleet.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/A_National_Pilot_Tests_Efficiency_of_Electric_Cars_1328202888940</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ElectricCar_small.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A side view of the Think City electric car. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Propelled by an electric engine, the rubber is hitting the road in Maryland. The VA and 20 other federal agencies are participating in a pilot to test the efficacy of electric cars by incorporating them into the federal fleet.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Electric Cars in VA&#8217;s Fleet</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Propelled by an electric engine, the rubber is hitting the road in Maryland. The VA and 20 other federal agencies are participating in a pilot to test the efficacy of electric cars by incorporating them into the federal fleet.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cervical Cancer Screenings Can Save Lives</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Cervical_Cancer_Screenings_Can_Save_Lives.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ClinStaffwFemaleVeta.jpg" alt="Cervical cancer easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow up." title="Cervical cancer easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow up."><div>]]>The VA Maryland Health Care System encourages all women Veterans enrolled for VA health care to get tested for cervical cancer.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Cervical_Cancer_Screenings_Can_Save_Lives_1327604389287</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/ClinStaffwFemaleVeta.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Cervical cancer easiest gynecological cancer to prevent with regular screening tests and follow up.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Maryland Health Care System encourages all women Veterans enrolled for VA health care to get tested for cervical cancer.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cervical Cancer Screenings</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Maryland Health Care System encourages all women Veterans enrolled for VA health care to get tested for cervical cancer.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 Jan 2012 20:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MVPlogo-sm.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program logo" title="Million Veteran Program logo"><div>]]>Veterans Affairs launches unprecedented research program to advance disease screening, diagnosis and prognosis, pointing the way toward more effective, personalized therapies.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Million_Veteran_Program_1325806022771</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MVPlogo-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Million Veteran Program logo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Affairs launches unprecedented research program to advance disease screening, diagnosis and prognosis, pointing the way toward more effective, personalized therapies.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Launches MVP Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Affairs launches unprecedented research program to advance disease screening, diagnosis and prognosis, pointing the way toward more effective, personalized therapies.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Holiday Survival Tips</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Holiday_Survival_Tips.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/FamilyCAregivers-thmb.jpg" alt="Family visiting with an elderly Veteran." title="Family visiting with an elderly Veteran."><div>]]>What happens after arriving at Grandma&#8217;s and Grandpa&#8217;s for the holidays and you find them not acting like themselves? Their usually pristine homes appear shabby and neglected. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Holiday_Survival_Tips_1323968497355</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/FamilyCAregivers-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Family visiting with an elderly Veteran.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">What happens after arriving at Grandma&#8217;s and Grandpa&#8217;s for the holidays and you find them not acting like themselves? Their usually pristine homes appear shabby and neglected. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Maximize Holiday Visits</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>What happens after arriving at Grandma&#8217;s and Grandpa&#8217;s for the holidays and you find them not acting like themselves? Their usually pristine homes appear shabby and neglected. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Get Checked.  Say &#8220;Yes&#8221; to the Test.</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Get_Checked_Say_Yes_to_the_Test.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 01 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WorldAidsDay-sm.jpg" alt="Get Checked. Say Yes to the Test. World AIDS Day, December 1." title="Get Checked. Say Yes to the Test. World AIDS Day, December 1."><div>]]>Did you know that for most people it takes three months, and in rare cases, six months for antibodies to develop as a result of an HIV/AIDS infection?  During this &#8220;window period&#8221; of early infection is when a person is the most contagious.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Get_Checked_Say_Yes_to_the_Test_1322770695832</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/WorldAidsDay-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Get Checked. Say Yes to the Test. World AIDS Day, December 1.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Did you know that for most people it takes three months, and in rare cases, six months for antibodies to develop as a result of an HIV/AIDS infection?  During this &#8220;window period&#8221; of early infection is when a person is the most contagious.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Know Your Status </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Did you know that for most people it takes three months, and in rare cases, six months for antibodies to develop as a result of an HIV/AIDS infection?  During this &#8220;window period&#8221; of early infection is when a person is the most contagious.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Day throughout the VA Maryland Health Care System</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Veterans_Day_throughout_the_VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VetDay2011celebrate-sm.jpg" alt="Group of VA Maryland Health Care System employees, Veterans and volunteers." title="Group of VA Maryland Health Care System employees, Veterans and volunteers."><div>]]>At the VA Maryland Health Care System, every day is Veterans Day. But during the week of Nov. 11, local Vets and community members joined together to honor those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veterans_Day_throughout_the_VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_1321996319221</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/VetDay2011celebrate-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Group of VA Maryland Health Care System employees, Veterans and volunteers.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">At the VA Maryland Health Care System, every day is Veterans Day. But during the week of Nov. 11, local Vets and community members joined together to honor those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Veterans Day Celebration</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>At the VA Maryland Health Care System, every day is Veterans Day. But during the week of Nov. 11, local Vets and community members joined together to honor those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Everyday is Veterans Day at the VA Maryland Health Care System</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VeteransDay2011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Nov 2011 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/vetday2011feature-sm.jpg" alt="Veteran with a VA Maryland Health Care System provider. " title="Veteran with a VA Maryland Health Care System provider. "><div>]]>Throughout history, service men and women have demonstrated our strength and resolve to preserve our freedom through their willingness to serve and sacrifice, defending freedom and the flag symbolizing it worldwide. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VeteransDay2011_1320262870010</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/vetday2011feature-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran with a VA Maryland Health Care System provider. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Throughout history, service men and women have demonstrated our strength and resolve to preserve our freedom through their willingness to serve and sacrifice, defending freedom and the flag symbolizing it worldwide. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Saluting Those Who Served </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Throughout history, service men and women have demonstrated our strength and resolve to preserve our freedom through their willingness to serve and sacrifice, defending freedom and the flag symbolizing it worldwide. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Urges Breast Cancer Awareness</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Urges_Breast_Cancer_Awareness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/BreastCance-smr.jpg" alt="Women Veterans health care provider educating veteran about self breast exams." title="Women Veterans health care provider educating veteran about self breast exams."><div>]]>The VA Maryland Health Care System is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by asking all female Veterans to talk with their health care providers about appropriate breast cancer screenings, such as regular mammograms<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Urges_Breast_Cancer_Awareness_1319118893977</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/BreastCance-smr.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Women Veterans health care provider educating veteran about self breast exams.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Maryland Health Care System is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by asking all female Veterans to talk with their health care providers about appropriate breast cancer screenings, such as regular mammograms</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Early Detection Can Save Lives</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Maryland Health Care System is recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October by asking all female Veterans to talk with their health care providers about appropriate breast cancer screenings, such as regular mammograms</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Do You Know if Your Bones are Healthy</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Do_You_Know_if_Your_Bones_are_Healthy.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/BoneHealth-sm.jpg" alt="Technician working with a patient. " title="Technician working with a patient. "><div>]]>Because women are four times more likely than men to get osteoporosis, it&#8217;s often considered &#8220;a woman&#8217;s disease,&#8221; but men can get osteoporosis. Two million American men have osteoporosis with another 12 million at risk.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Do_You_Know_if_Your_Bones_are_Healthy_1319117904343</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/BoneHealth-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Technician working with a patient. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Because women are four times more likely than men to get osteoporosis, it&#8217;s often considered &#8220;a woman&#8217;s disease,&#8221; but men can get osteoporosis. Two million American men have osteoporosis with another 12 million at risk.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Are Your Bones Healthy?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Because women are four times more likely than men to get osteoporosis, it&#8217;s often considered &#8220;a woman&#8217;s disease,&#8221; but men can get osteoporosis. Two million American men have osteoporosis with another 12 million at risk.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>MOVE! Weight Loss Program Helps Veterans Embrace Healthy Lifestyles</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/MOVE_Weight_Loss_Program_Helps_Veterans_Embrace_Healthy_Lifestyles.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MOVE-sm.jpg" alt="Veterans particpating in the MOVE! workout program." title="Veterans particpating in the MOVE! workout program."><div>]]>Thanks to the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Loss Program, Maryland Veterans Grant Teague and Artemus Grady have collectively shed close to 75lb. Both credit the MOVE! team and family support for their success and both report that their families have also benefitted from making healthy changes.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/MOVE_Weight_Loss_Program_Helps_Veterans_Embrace_Healthy_Lifestyles_1317345926177</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/MOVE-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans particpating in the MOVE! workout program.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Thanks to the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Loss Program, Maryland Veterans Grant Teague and Artemus Grady have collectively shed close to 75lb. Both credit the MOVE! team and family support for their success and both report that their families have also benefitted from making healthy changes.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Helps Veterans Lose Weight</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Thanks to the VA&#8217;s MOVE! Weight Loss Program, Maryland Veterans Grant Teague and Artemus Grady have collectively shed close to 75lb. Both credit the MOVE! team and family support for their success and both report that their families have also benefitted from making healthy changes.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Maryland Health Care System Director Recognizes 10th Anniversary of 9-11 Attacks</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Director_Recognizes_10th_Anniversary_of_9_11_Attacks.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/welcome.jpg" alt="VA Maryland Health Care System staff, volunteer and veterans in group photo. " title="VA Maryland Health Care System staff, volunteer and veterans in group photo. "><div>]]>On this 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, I urge all citizens to take a proactive role in welcoming back our newest Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Director_Recognizes_10th_Anniversary_of_9_11_Attacks_1314901632051</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/welcome.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Maryland Health Care System staff, volunteer and veterans in group photo. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On this 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, I urge all citizens to take a proactive role in welcoming back our newest Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Serving the Brave</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On this 10th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, I urge all citizens to take a proactive role in welcoming back our newest Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title> Rural Health Care: Beyond Bricks and Mortar</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Rural_Health_Care_Beyond_Bricks_and_Mortar.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/TeleHealth-thmb.jpg" alt="The Home TeleHealth program provides daily monitoring of Veterans with chronic conditions in the comfort of their own homes." title="The Home TeleHealth program provides daily monitoring of Veterans with chronic conditions in the comfort of their own homes."><div>]]>Rural Health Care: With technology, the VA Maryland Health Care System extends health care benefits beyond bricks and mortar facilities.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Rural_Health_Care_Beyond_Bricks_and_Mortar_1313520258012</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/TeleHealth-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The Home TeleHealth program provides daily monitoring of Veterans with chronic conditions in the comfort of their own homes.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Rural Health Care: With technology, the VA Maryland Health Care System extends health care benefits beyond bricks and mortar facilities.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Extends Rural Health Care </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Rural Health Care: With technology, the VA Maryland Health Care System extends health care benefits beyond bricks and mortar facilities.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Baltimore Grand Prix - What You Should Know</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Baltimore_Grand_Prix.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/grandprix.jpg" alt="Baltimore Grand Information " title="Baltimore Grand Information "><div>]]>Baltimore City will be hosting the Inaugural 2011 Grand Prix during Labor Day weekend (September 2-4, 2011).  The City is expecting over 50,000 visitors to the area for the race and the associated activities. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Baltimore_Grand_Prix_1313178214473</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/grandprix.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Baltimore Grand Information </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Baltimore City will be hosting the Inaugural 2011 Grand Prix during Labor Day weekend (September 2-4, 2011).  The City is expecting over 50,000 visitors to the area for the race and the associated activities. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Baltimore Grand Prix</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Baltimore City will be hosting the Inaugural 2011 Grand Prix during Labor Day weekend (September 2-4, 2011).  The City is expecting over 50,000 visitors to the area for the race and the associated activities. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Fathers&#8217; Group Seeks to Reverse Negative Cycles</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Fathers_Group_Seeks_to_Reverse_Negative_Cycles.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/fathers-thmb.jpg" alt="Veterans from the Fathers&#8217; Group pose with keynote speaker." title="Veterans from the Fathers&#8217; Group pose with keynote speaker."><div>]]>Veterans Kevin Fletcher, Kevin Johnson, and James Goodwin, the Father&#8217;s Group at the VA Maryland Health Care System has become one of the highpoints of their treatment for substance use. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Fathers_Group_Seeks_to_Reverse_Negative_Cycles_1309541109609</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/features/fathers-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans from the Fathers&#8217; Group pose with keynote speaker.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans Kevin Fletcher, Kevin Johnson, and James Goodwin, the Father&#8217;s Group at the VA Maryland Health Care System has become one of the highpoints of their treatment for substance use. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fathers Breaking the Cycle</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans Kevin Fletcher, Kevin Johnson, and James Goodwin, the Father&#8217;s Group at the VA Maryland Health Care System has become one of the highpoints of their treatment for substance use. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Maryland Health Care System Offers Summer Food Safety Tips </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Offers_Summer_Food_Safety_Tips.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/summerfoodtips-sm.jpg" alt="Family enjoying a summer barbeque. " title="Family enjoying a summer barbeque. "><div>]]>Summer time brings a spike in foodborne illnesses. Valerie Adegunleye, MS, RD, Nutrition &amp; Food Service, says that four easy steps---clean, separate, cook and chill&#8212;can prevent harmful bacteria from making your friends and family sick this summer.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_Offers_Summer_Food_Safety_Tips_1307566043366</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/summerfoodtips-sm.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Family enjoying a summer barbeque. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Summer time brings a spike in foodborne illnesses. Valerie Adegunleye, MS, RD, Nutrition &amp; Food Service, says that four easy steps---clean, separate, cook and chill&#8212;can prevent harmful bacteria from making your friends and family sick this summer.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Safe Fun in the Summer Time </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Summer time brings a spike in foodborne illnesses. Valerie Adegunleye, MS, RD, Nutrition &amp; Food Service, says that four easy steps---clean, separate, cook and chill&#8212;can prevent harmful bacteria from making your friends and family sick this summer.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veterans Flashing Big Smiles These Days</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Veterans_Flashing_Big_Smiles_These_Days.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 20 May 2011 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/dental-thmb.jpg" alt="Veteran smiling after new dental work." title="Veteran smiling after new dental work."><div>]]>Although Leon Bright, 61, had seen some hard times and was homeless, he still expected to see his daughter get married last June. What the former Marine didn&#8217;t expect was to be smiling at the wedding. His ill health robbed him of some of his teeth.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veterans_Flashing_Big_Smiles_These_Days_1305917379474</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/dental-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran smiling after new dental work.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Although Leon Bright, 61, had seen some hard times and was homeless, he still expected to see his daughter get married last June. What the former Marine didn&#8217;t expect was to be smiling at the wedding. His ill health robbed him of some of his teeth.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vets Are Flashing Big Smiles</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Although Leon Bright, 61, had seen some hard times and was homeless, he still expected to see his daughter get married last June. What the former Marine didn&#8217;t expect was to be smiling at the wedding. His ill health robbed him of some of his teeth.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Excellence in Nursing Care</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Excellence_in_Nursing_Care.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 16 May 2011 15:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/nursingweek-thmb.jpg" alt="Nurse assisting a veteran patient at his bedside." title="Nurse assisting a veteran patient at his bedside."><div>]]>Cheryl Beasley, a nurse at the VA Maryland Health Care System, remembers the exact date she began her VA career working at the Fort Howard VA Medical Center when it included an inpatient facility: Easter Monday 2000.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Excellence_in_Nursing_Care_1305566296404</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/nursingweek-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Nurse assisting a veteran patient at his bedside.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Cheryl Beasley, a nurse at the VA Maryland Health Care System, remembers the exact date she began her VA career working at the Fort Howard VA Medical Center when it included an inpatient facility: Easter Monday 2000.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Unsung Heroes in Health Care</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Cheryl Beasley, a nurse at the VA Maryland Health Care System, remembers the exact date she began her VA career working at the Fort Howard VA Medical Center when it included an inpatient facility: Easter Monday 2000.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local Veterans Affairs Executive Earns Top Healthcare Management Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Local_Veterans_Affairs_Executive_Earns_Top_Healthcare_Management_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/SMITH-ACHE_thumb.jpg" alt="Dennis H. Smith, director of the VA Maryland Health Care System received the American College of Healthcare Executives VA Regent Award for the Senior Healthcare Executive Award category. " title="Dennis H. Smith, director of the VA Maryland Health Care System received the American College of Healthcare Executives VA Regent Award for the Senior Healthcare Executive Award category. "><div>]]>&#34;I feel strongly that in Mr. Smith we have a superior hospital administrator who is worthy of this prestigious award,&#34; said Fernando O. Rivera, the director of the VA Capital Health Care Network.  Dennis H. Smith received ACHE&#8217;s VA Regent Award.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Local_Veterans_Affairs_Executive_Earns_Top_Healthcare_Management_Award_1303495786012</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/SMITH-ACHE_thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dennis H. Smith, director of the VA Maryland Health Care System received the American College of Healthcare Executives VA Regent Award for the Senior Healthcare Executive Award category. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;I feel strongly that in Mr. Smith we have a superior hospital administrator who is worthy of this prestigious award,&#34; said Fernando O. Rivera, the director of the VA Capital Health Care Network.  Dennis H. Smith received ACHE&#8217;s VA Regent Award.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Executive Earns Top Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;I feel strongly that in Mr. Smith we have a superior hospital administrator who is worthy of this prestigious award,&#34; said Fernando O. Rivera, the director of the VA Capital Health Care Network.  Dennis H. Smith received ACHE&#8217;s VA Regent Award.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Volunteers: Now More Than Ever</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Volunteers_Now_More_Than_Ever.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/rotating_banner/Volunteer-thmb.JPG" alt="Volunteer assisting Veteran during therapy." title="Volunteer assisting Veteran during therapy."><div>]]>During National Volunteer Week - April 10 -16 - the VA Maryland Health Care honors the nearly 888 community volunteers who dedicate their time to serving the needs of Maryland&#39;s Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Volunteers_Now_More_Than_Ever_1303235732746</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/rotating_banner/Volunteer-thmb.JPG</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Volunteer assisting Veteran during therapy.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">During National Volunteer Week - April 10 -16 - the VA Maryland Health Care honors the nearly 888 community volunteers who dedicate their time to serving the needs of Maryland&#39;s Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Volunteers: Now More Than Ever</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>During National Volunteer Week - April 10 -16 - the VA Maryland Health Care honors the nearly 888 community volunteers who dedicate their time to serving the needs of Maryland&#39;s Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local VA Researcher Receives National Rehabilitation Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Local_VA_Researcher_Receives_National_Rehabilitation_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 06 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/macko-thmb.jpg" alt="Dr. Richard Macko in the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence. " title="Dr. Richard Macko in the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence. "><div>]]>In the last decade, a paradigm shift in the field of stroke rehabilitation has occurred. A major force behind this shift is Richard Macko, MD, director of the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence at the VA Maryland Health Care System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Local_VA_Researcher_Receives_National_Rehabilitation_Award_1302101473360</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/macko-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Richard Macko in the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In the last decade, a paradigm shift in the field of stroke rehabilitation has occurred. A major force behind this shift is Richard Macko, MD, director of the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence at the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Local VA Researcher Recognized</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In the last decade, a paradigm shift in the field of stroke rehabilitation has occurred. A major force behind this shift is Richard Macko, MD, director of the Maryland Exercise &amp; Robotics Center of Excellence at the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Korean Era Veteran Receives the Purple Heart Earned 56 Years Ago</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Korean_Era_Veteran_Receives_the_Purple_Heart_Earned_56_Years_Ago.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 25 Mar 2011 00:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/PurpleHeart-thmb.jpg" alt="Albert Stracke and Mr. Dennis Smith." title="Albert Stracke and Mr. Dennis Smith."><div>]]>It took 56 years, but Albert Stracke finally received the Purple Heart medal he earned in combat during the Korean War, thanks to Janet Ramsey, a social worker at the VA Maryland Health Care System.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Korean_Era_Veteran_Receives_the_Purple_Heart_Earned_56_Years_Ago_1301078524823</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/PurpleHeart-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Albert Stracke and Mr. Dennis Smith.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">It took 56 years, but Albert Stracke finally received the Purple Heart medal he earned in combat during the Korean War, thanks to Janet Ramsey, a social worker at the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Better Late Than Never</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>It took 56 years, but Albert Stracke finally received the Purple Heart medal he earned in combat during the Korean War, thanks to Janet Ramsey, a social worker at the VA Maryland Health Care System.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women Warriors Honored</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Women_Warriors_Honored.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/EricaRecognition.jpg" alt="Veteran Ericka Gillespie receiving a special recognition award from Country music performer Stephen Cochran during the pre-concert program." title="Veteran Ericka Gillespie receiving a special recognition award from Country music performer Stephen Cochran during the pre-concert program."><div>]]>March is National Women&#39;s History Month and Erika Gillespie, a woman warrior, a mother, and a Veteran, is making history along with the more than 1.8 million women Veterans in the U.S.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Women_Warriors_Honored_1300375783346</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/EricaRecognition.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran Ericka Gillespie receiving a special recognition award from Country music performer Stephen Cochran during the pre-concert program.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">March is National Women&#39;s History Month and Erika Gillespie, a woman warrior, a mother, and a Veteran, is making history along with the more than 1.8 million women Veterans in the U.S.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Our History, Our Strength</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>March is National Women&#39;s History Month and Erika Gillespie, a woman warrior, a mother, and a Veteran, is making history along with the more than 1.8 million women Veterans in the U.S.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Watson Promises to Revolutionize the Way Humans and Computers Interact</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Watson_Promises_to_Revolutionize_the_Way_Humans_and_Computers_Interact.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 26 Feb 2011 00:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/watson-thmb.jpg" alt="Watson, the computer program, challenges a Jeopardy! contestant." title="Watson, the computer program, challenges a Jeopardy! contestant."><div>]]>It won and now it&#39;s famous. Watson, the computer program, won on the TV show Jeopardy!, besting the show&#39;s two top champions. Someday, Watson will be able to help doctors diagnose patients and even interact with both the patient and the doctor.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Watson_Promises_to_Revolutionize_the_Way_Humans_and_Computers_Interact_1298651363345</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/watson-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Watson, the computer program, challenges a Jeopardy! contestant.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">It won and now it&#39;s famous. Watson, the computer program, won on the TV show Jeopardy!, besting the show&#39;s two top champions. Someday, Watson will be able to help doctors diagnose patients and even interact with both the patient and the doctor.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Watson...Not So Elementary</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>It won and now it&#39;s famous. Watson, the computer program, won on the TV show Jeopardy!, besting the show&#39;s two top champions. Someday, Watson will be able to help doctors diagnose patients and even interact with both the patient and the doctor.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Supports Caregivers</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Supports_Caregivers.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Feb 2011 00:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/caregiver-thmb.jpg" alt="Marie Grunwell with her veteran husband Harry Dutton Grunwell" title="Marie Grunwell with her veteran husband Harry Dutton Grunwell"><div>]]>
&#34;The VA is committed to caring for those who care for our Veterans,&#34; said Margaret Kazmierski, MSW, LCSW-C, MSCS, the spinal cord injury coordinator at the VA&#8217;s Multiple Sclerosis Center (MS) of Excellence East. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Supports_Caregivers_1298479398595</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/caregiver-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Marie Grunwell with her veteran husband Harry Dutton Grunwell</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">
&#34;The VA is committed to caring for those who care for our Veterans,&#34; said Margaret Kazmierski, MSW, LCSW-C, MSCS, the spinal cord injury coordinator at the VA&#8217;s Multiple Sclerosis Center (MS) of Excellence East. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Caring for a Veteran? Call VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>
&#34;The VA is committed to caring for those who care for our Veterans,&#34; said Margaret Kazmierski, MSW, LCSW-C, MSCS, the spinal cord injury coordinator at the VA&#8217;s Multiple Sclerosis Center (MS) of Excellence East. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Keep a Veteran in Your Heart this Valentine&#39;s Day </title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Keep_a_Veteran_in_Your_Heart_this_Veterans_Day.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:30:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/NationalSalute-thumb.jpg" alt="National Salute celebrates Veterans and encourages volunteerism at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country.  The VA Maryland Health Care System offers an array of volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups." title="National Salute celebrates Veterans and encourages volunteerism at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country.  The VA Maryland Health Care System offers an array of volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups."><div>]]>I welcome every citizen to celebrate National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, Feb. 13 -19, even if it&#39;s something as simple as sending Valentines to Veteran patients. Together let&#39;s show our Veterans our appreciation for their sacrifice and service.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Keep_a_Veteran_in_Your_Heart_this_Veterans_Day_1296767320122</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/NationalSalute-thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">National Salute celebrates Veterans and encourages volunteerism at VA medical centers and outpatient clinics throughout the country.  The VA Maryland Health Care System offers an array of volunteer opportunities for both individuals and groups.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">I welcome every citizen to celebrate National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, Feb. 13 -19, even if it&#39;s something as simple as sending Valentines to Veteran patients. Together let&#39;s show our Veterans our appreciation for their sacrifice and service.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Keep a Veteran in Your Heart</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>I welcome every citizen to celebrate National Salute to Veteran Patients Week, Feb. 13 -19, even if it&#39;s something as simple as sending Valentines to Veteran patients. Together let&#39;s show our Veterans our appreciation for their sacrifice and service.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Homeless Veteran Turns Life Around with VA Support</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Homeless_Veteran_Turns_Life_Around_with_VA_Support.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 05 Feb 2011 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/Avery-thumb.jpg" alt="Formerly Homeless Air Force Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. " title="Formerly Homeless Air Force Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. "><div>]]>&#34;The VA helped me push the restart button,&#34; said Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. &#34;I give all the credit for where I am today to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. &#34;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Homeless_Veteran_Turns_Life_Around_with_VA_Support_1296755018548</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/Avery-thumb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Formerly Homeless Air Force Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">&#34;The VA helped me push the restart button,&#34; said Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. &#34;I give all the credit for where I am today to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. &#34;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Changes Life at VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>&#34;The VA helped me push the restart button,&#34; said Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III with Environmental Management Service Housekeeping Aid Elizabeth Johnson. &#34;I give all the credit for where I am today to the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center. &#34;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Cervical Cancer Screening Resolution</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Cervical_Cancer_Screening_Resolution.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/CervicalScreenin-thmb.jpg" alt="Female Veteran using the VA&#8217;s Women Veterans&#8217; Health Care Clinic Services" title="Female Veteran using the VA&#8217;s Women Veterans&#8217; Health Care Clinic Services"><div>]]>Attention all women! You may want to consider scheduling a pap smear as part of your New Year&#8217;s resolutions! Screening for cervical cancer using the pap test has decreased the number of new cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths due to cervical cancer since 1950<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Cervical_Cancer_Screening_Resolution_1294692075352</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/CervicalScreenin-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Female Veteran using the VA&#8217;s Women Veterans&#8217; Health Care Clinic Services</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Attention all women! You may want to consider scheduling a pap smear as part of your New Year&#8217;s resolutions! Screening for cervical cancer using the pap test has decreased the number of new cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths due to cervical cancer since 1950</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cervical Cancer Screening</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Attention all women! You may want to consider scheduling a pap smear as part of your New Year&#8217;s resolutions! Screening for cervical cancer using the pap test has decreased the number of new cases of cervical cancer and the number of deaths due to cervical cancer since 1950</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tips for Discovering that Aging Parents Need Help</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Tips_for_Discovering_that_Aging_Parents_Need_Help.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 00:01:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/AgingParent-thmb.jpg" alt="Photo of aging Veteran with clinician." title="Photo of aging Veteran with clinician."><div>]]>For the first time in months, many Americans will be visiting aging parents.  The holidays often prompt a spike in anxious phone calls to geriatric health providers from baby boomers who find that their parents have changed and may need help. But what does one do?<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tips_for_Discovering_that_Aging_Parents_Need_Help_1292877021427</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/AgingParent-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Photo of aging Veteran with clinician.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For the first time in months, many Americans will be visiting aging parents.  The holidays often prompt a spike in anxious phone calls to geriatric health providers from baby boomers who find that their parents have changed and may need help. But what does one do?</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Tips for Helping Aging Parents</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>For the first time in months, many Americans will be visiting aging parents.  The holidays often prompt a spike in anxious phone calls to geriatric health providers from baby boomers who find that their parents have changed and may need help. But what does one do?</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Maryland Health Care Physician Named Planetree Physician Champion</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_Physician_Named_Planetree_Physician_Champion.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 16 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/CarterAward-thmb.jpg" alt="Dr. Kennita Carter is shown with Senior Vice President Randy Carter at the Planetree Champion Award Ceremony." title="Dr. Kennita Carter is shown with Senior Vice President Randy Carter at the Planetree Champion Award Ceremony."><div>]]>Kennita Carter, a physician at the VA Maryland Health Care System, was presented the Planetree Champion Award at the Planetree Convention by Senior Vice President of Planetree Randy Carter. (Photo courtesy GGDavis.com Photography)<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Maryland_Health_Care_Physician_Named_Planetree_Physician_Champion_1292511501760</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/CarterAward-thmb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Kennita Carter is shown with Senior Vice President Randy Carter at the Planetree Champion Award Ceremony.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Kennita Carter, a physician at the VA Maryland Health Care System, was presented the Planetree Champion Award at the Planetree Convention by Senior Vice President of Planetree Randy Carter. (Photo courtesy GGDavis.com Photography)</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Dr. Carter Honored With Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Kennita Carter, a physician at the VA Maryland Health Care System, was presented the Planetree Champion Award at the Planetree Convention by Senior Vice President of Planetree Randy Carter. (Photo courtesy GGDavis.com Photography)</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Health Care Eligibility Myths Debunked</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/VA_Health_Care_Eligibility_Myths_Debunked.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 10 Dec 2010 00:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/welcome.jpg" alt="Veterans visits the Baltimore VA Medical Center to learn more about VA health care benefits. " title="Veterans visits the Baltimore VA Medical Center to learn more about VA health care benefits. "><div>]]>Five Common Myths about VA Health Care Eligibility Are Debunked.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Health_Care_Eligibility_Myths_Debunked_1291751249319</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/welcome.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veterans visits the Baltimore VA Medical Center to learn more about VA health care benefits. </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Five Common Myths about VA Health Care Eligibility Are Debunked.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Health Care Myths</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Five Common Myths about VA Health Care Eligibility Are Debunked.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Everyday is Veterans Day at the VA Maryland Health Care System</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Everyday_is_Veterans_Day_at_the_VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/veteransday2010.jpg" alt="A Grateful Nation Remembers Veterans Day: November 11" title="A Grateful Nation Remembers Veterans Day: November 11"><div>]]>At the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System every day is Veterans Day. But on Nov. 11, the entire nation honors those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Everyday_is_Veterans_Day_at_the_VA_Maryland_Health_Care_System_1289238581444</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/veteransday2010.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A Grateful Nation Remembers Veterans Day: November 11</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">At the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System every day is Veterans Day. But on Nov. 11, the entire nation honors those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">A Grateful Nation Remembers </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>At the Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System every day is Veterans Day. But on Nov. 11, the entire nation honors those 23 million Veterans who took a solemn oath to protect and defend all that we hold dear.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Local Veterans Win National Challenge Cup</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/Local_Veterans_Win_National_Challenge_Cup.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/HowardCox.jpg" alt="Howard Tony Cox on the rockwall." title="Howard Tony Cox on the rockwall."><div>]]>The VA Maryland Health  Care System now has new sports champions among its Veterans.  Team Neptune, comprised of Veterans from the Perry Point VA Medical Center recently returned from the Summer Sports Clinic, where they placed first out of 10 teams and were awarded the VA National Challenge Cup.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Local_Veterans_Win_National_Challenge_Cup_1288817305687</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/local/features/HowardCox.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Howard Tony Cox on the rockwall.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Maryland Health  Care System now has new sports champions among its Veterans.  Team Neptune, comprised of Veterans from the Perry Point VA Medical Center recently returned from the Summer Sports Clinic, where they placed first out of 10 teams and were awarded the VA National Challenge Cup.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Local Vets Win Challenge Cup</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA Maryland Health  Care System now has new sports champions among its Veterans.  Team Neptune, comprised of Veterans from the Perry Point VA Medical Center recently returned from the Summer Sports Clinic, where they placed first out of 10 teams and were awarded the VA National Challenge Cup.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Seasonal Flu Shot Schedule and Information</title> 
			<link>http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/features/flushot2010.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 18 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/thumbnail-flushot.jpg" alt="A VA provider consults with a female Veteran prior to giving her the seasonal flu shot" title="A VA provider consults with a female Veteran prior to giving her the seasonal flu shot"><div>]]>The VA is encouraging eligible Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic. More than 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the U.S., with another 226,000 requiring hospitalization from flu-related complications. 
<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/flushot2010_1287433865518</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.maryland.va.gov/MARYLAND/images/thumbnail-flushot.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">A VA provider consults with a female Veteran prior to giving her the seasonal flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA is encouraging eligible Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic. More than 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the U.S., with another 226,000 requiring hospitalization from flu-related complications. 
</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Flu Shots Now Available</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The VA is encouraging eligible Veterans throughout the state to get a free influenza vaccination at the nearest VA medical center or outpatient clinic. More than 36,000 people die from the flu each year in the U.S., with another 226,000 requiring hospitalization from flu-related complications. 
</hfs:indexdescription> 
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