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		<title>Local Features - Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center - Houston, Texas</title>
		<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/index.asp</link>
		<description>Listing of local health features.</description>
		<language>en-us</language>
		<copyright>Copyright 2010 VA</copyright>
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		<lastBuildDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 16:35:00 CDT</lastBuildDate>
		<item>
			<title>Houston VA Doctor Named President of Surgical Association </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Doctor_Named_President_of_Surgical_Association.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120426_Berger.jpg" alt="VA Doc Pres of Surgical Assoc." title="VA Doc Pres of Surgical Assoc."><div>]]>Houston VA Doctor Named President of Surgical Association <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Doc Pres of Surgical Assoc.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Members of the Association of VA Surgeons recently elected David H. Berger, M.D., M.H.C.M. to serve as the organization&#8217;s new president. Listed as one of the best doctors in the nation in the field of surgical oncology, Berger is the Operative Care Line executive at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Doc Pres of Surgical Assoc.</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Houston VA Doctor Named President of Surgical Association </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Receives Grant from Lance Armstrong Foundation</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Receives_Grant_from_Lance_Armstrong_Foundation.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120426_Armstrong.jpg" alt="Houston VA Recieves Grant" title="Houston VA Recieves Grant"><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) received a $3,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to enhance quality of life for Veterans with cancer.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Houston_VA_Receives_Grant_from_Lance_Armstrong_Foundation_1335471581329</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120426_Armstrong.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Houston VA Recieves Grant</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) received a $3,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to enhance quality of life for Veterans with cancer.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Houston VA Recieves Grant</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) received a $3,000 grant from the Lance Armstrong Foundation to enhance quality of life for Veterans with cancer.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Domiciliary Awarded Accreditation for Residential</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Domiciliary_Awarded_Accreditation_for_Residential.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120412_RehabDom.jpg" alt="VA Domiciliary Awarded " title="VA Domiciliary Awarded "><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Houston_VA_Domiciliary_Awarded_Accreditation_for_Residential_1334351367372</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120412_RehabDom.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Domiciliary Awarded </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Domiciliary Awarded </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Domiciliary Care for Homeless Veterans Program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Doctor Receives Prestigious Award </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Doctor_Receives_Prestigious_Award.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120412_Carabello.jpg" alt=" VA Doctor Receives Award" title=" VA Doctor Receives Award"><div>]]>The editors of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) honored Blase A. Carabello, M.D., F.A.C.C., with the Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship at their editorial board meeting in Chicago on March 25, 2012. The Simon Dack Award, named for the founding editor of JACC, recognizes peer reviewers who assist the journal in its mission of publishing important new clinical information. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120412_Carabello.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string"> VA Doctor Receives Award</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The editors of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) honored Blase A. Carabello, M.D., F.A.C.C., with the Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship at their editorial board meeting in Chicago on March 25, 2012. The Simon Dack Award, named for the founding editor of JACC, recognizes peer reviewers who assist the journal in its mission of publishing important new clinical information. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Doctor Receives Award</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The editors of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) honored Blase A. Carabello, M.D., F.A.C.C., with the Simon Dack Award for Outstanding Scholarship at their editorial board meeting in Chicago on March 25, 2012. The Simon Dack Award, named for the founding editor of JACC, recognizes peer reviewers who assist the journal in its mission of publishing important new clinical information. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New High-tech, Telemedicine Devices Lead Veterans to Better </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/New_High_tech_Telemedicine_Devices_Lead_Veterans_to_Better.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Mar 2012 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120330_TelemedDevice.jpg" alt="Telemedicine Devices " title="Telemedicine Devices "><div>]]>Veterans with chronic medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring now have access to a wide variety of convenient, easy-to-use telemedicine devices that send daily health updates from their homes to VA health care providers. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120330_TelemedDevice.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Telemedicine Devices </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Veterans with chronic medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring now have access to a wide variety of convenient, easy-to-use telemedicine devices that send daily health updates from their homes to VA health care providers. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Telemedicine Devices </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veterans with chronic medical conditions requiring frequent monitoring now have access to a wide variety of convenient, easy-to-use telemedicine devices that send daily health updates from their homes to VA health care providers. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Awarded Accreditation for Homeless and Vocational</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Awarded_Accreditation_for_Homeless_and_Vocational.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120322_HCHVAccred.jpg" alt="Houston VA Awarded Accreditation for Homeless and Vocational Rehab Programs" title="Houston VA Awarded Accreditation for Homeless and Vocational Rehab Programs"><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120322_HCHVAccred.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Houston VA Awarded Accreditation for Homeless and Vocational Rehab Programs</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Accreditation for VA Programs</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) was recently awarded a three-year accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) for its Health Care for Homeless Veterans (HCHV) and Vocational Rehabilitation Programs.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Injured Navy Veteran Finds Balance at Houston VA Rehab Cente</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Injured_Navy_Veteran_Finds_Balance_at_Houston_VA_Rehab_Cente.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 14 Mar 2012 17:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120316_InjuredNavy.jpg" alt="Navy Veteran Finds Balance" title="Navy Veteran Finds Balance"><div>]]>Darion Nelson served as an operational specialist in the U.S. Navy from 2002 until 2011. Like more than 24 million Americans who have served in the military, the Houston native risked life and limb to serve and protect his country.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Injured_Navy_Veteran_Finds_Balance_at_Houston_VA_Rehab_Cente_1331763546029</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120316_InjuredNavy.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Navy Veteran Finds Balance</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Darion Nelson served as an operational specialist in the U.S. Navy from 2002 until 2011. Like more than 24 million Americans who have served in the military, the Houston native risked life and limb to serve and protect his country.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Navy Veteran Finds Balance</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Darion Nelson served as an operational specialist in the U.S. Navy from 2002 until 2011. Like more than 24 million Americans who have served in the military, the Houston native risked life and limb to serve and protect his country.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Psychologist Recognized by Veterans County Service Officers Association for Changing Live</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Psychologist_Recognized_by_Veterans_County_Service_Officers_Association_for_Changing_Live.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 28 Feb 2012 19:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120228_VSO.jpg" alt="VSO Recognizes VA Psychologist" title="VSO Recognizes VA Psychologist"><div>]]>On February 7, 2012, the Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas (Harris County) recognized Ashley Clinton, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), for her work with Veterans who served in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Houston_VA_Psychologist_Recognized_by_Veterans_County_Service_Officers_Association_for_Changing_Live_1330480198327</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120228_VSO.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VSO Recognizes VA Psychologist</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">On February 7, 2012, the Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas (Harris County) recognized Ashley Clinton, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), for her work with Veterans who served in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VSO Recognizes VA Psychologist</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>On February 7, 2012, the Veterans County Service Officers Association of Texas (Harris County) recognized Ashley Clinton, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), for her work with Veterans who served in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Doc&#8217;s Article Rated #1 by Medical Journal</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Houston_VA_Doc_s_Article_Rated_1_by_Medical_Journal.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 14:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120126_VA_Docs_thmbnl.jpg" alt="Houston VA Doc&#39;s #1" title="Houston VA Doc&#39;s #1"><div>]]>Neena S. Abraham M.D., M.S.C.E., F.A.C.G., F.A.S.G.E., a gastroenterologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), has authored an article that was rated as the most highly read of 2011 by an online medical journal service. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Houston_VA_Doc_s_Article_Rated_1_by_Medical_Journal_1329512069403</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120126_VA_Docs_thmbnl.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Houston VA Doc&#39;s #1</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Neena S. Abraham M.D., M.S.C.E., F.A.C.G., F.A.S.G.E., a gastroenterologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), has authored an article that was rated as the most highly read of 2011 by an online medical journal service. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Houston VA Doc&#39;s #1</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Neena S. Abraham M.D., M.S.C.E., F.A.C.G., F.A.S.G.E., a gastroenterologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC), has authored an article that was rated as the most highly read of 2011 by an online medical journal service. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Richmond VA Clinic is Ft. Bend&#8217;s Best Kept Secret - Unfortunately</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Richmond_VA_Clinic_is_Ft_Bend_s_Best_Kept_Secret_Unfortunately.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Feb 2012 12:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120217_Richmond.jpg" alt="Richmond Staff" title="Richmond Staff"><div>]]>The Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic is making a difference in the lives of Veterans in the Ft. Bend area, but not as many as the staff would like. In fact, the clinic only sees about 170 patients a week.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Richmond_VA_Clinic_is_Ft_Bend_s_Best_Kept_Secret_Unfortunately_1329510738754</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120217_Richmond.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Richmond Staff</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic is making a difference in the lives of Veterans in the Ft. Bend area, but not as many as the staff would like. In fact, the clinic only sees about 170 patients a week.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Richmond VA Clinic Best Secret</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Richmond VA Outpatient Clinic is making a difference in the lives of Veterans in the Ft. Bend area, but not as many as the staff would like. In fact, the clinic only sees about 170 patients a week.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Need to Talk to Your doc? Use Email!</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Need_to_Talk_to_Your_doc_Use_Email.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120201_SecureMessaging.jpg" alt="Secure Messaging" title="Secure Messaging"><div>]]>A new secure, online communication tool called &#8220;Secure Messaging&#8221; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#8217;s MyHealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20120201_SecureMessaging.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Secure Messaging</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A new secure, online communication tool called &#8220;Secure Messaging&#8221; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#8217;s MyHealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Use Email to Talk to Your Doc!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A new secure, online communication tool called &#8220;Secure Messaging&#8221; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#8217;s MyHealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Outpatient Pharmacy Reducing Wait Times </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Outpatient_Pharmacy_Reducing_Wait_Times.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:38:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120127_Veteran_Doyle_at_Pharmacy_thmbnl.jpg" alt="Pharmacy Reduces Wait Times" title="Pharmacy Reduces Wait Times"><div>]]>The Outpatient Pharmacy at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) fills almost 2,000 prescriptions at its window every day. Many of these are for routine refills and non-urgent medications; consequently, creating long wait times for Veterans who have critical medication needs, are being discharged from the hospital, or were seen in the emergency room.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Outpatient_Pharmacy_Reducing_Wait_Times_1327691057109</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120127_Veteran_Doyle_at_Pharmacy_thmbnl.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Pharmacy Reduces Wait Times</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Outpatient Pharmacy at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) fills almost 2,000 prescriptions at its window every day. Many of these are for routine refills and non-urgent medications; consequently, creating long wait times for Veterans who have critical medication needs, are being discharged from the hospital, or were seen in the emergency room.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Pharmacy Reducing Wait Times</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Outpatient Pharmacy at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) fills almost 2,000 prescriptions at its window every day. Many of these are for routine refills and non-urgent medications; consequently, creating long wait times for Veterans who have critical medication needs, are being discharged from the hospital, or were seen in the emergency room.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Returning Veterans Needed for PTSD Study: New Medical Technique for PTSD</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Returning_Veterans_Needed_for_PTSD_Study_New_Medical_Technique_for_PTSD.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120111_thbnl.jpg" alt="Veteran receiving Magnetic Resonance Imaging" title="Veteran receiving Magnetic Resonance Imaging"><div>]]>Many Veterans return to civilian life having experienced traumatic events. Researchers recently discovered these experiences actually produce changes in the brain. A new medical study currently being conducted at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to learn how deployment affects the brain and to improve treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD).<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/20120111_thbnl.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran receiving Magnetic Resonance Imaging</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Many Veterans return to civilian life having experienced traumatic events. Researchers recently discovered these experiences actually produce changes in the brain. A new medical study currently being conducted at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to learn how deployment affects the brain and to improve treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD).</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veterans Needed for PTSD Study</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Many Veterans return to civilian life having experienced traumatic events. Researchers recently discovered these experiences actually produce changes in the brain. A new medical study currently being conducted at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) in cooperation with Baylor College of Medicine uses functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to learn how deployment affects the brain and to improve treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD).</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Wheelchair-Bound to Walking</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20120111.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 11 Jan 2012 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Therapist_and_Veteran_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Therapist and Veteran" title="Therapist and Veteran"><div>]]>When Army Veteran David Pruitt moved to Houston to be closer to his family, his doctors referred him to the DeBakey VA for treatment.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20120111_1326313558551</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Therapist_and_Veteran_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Therapist and Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">When Army Veteran David Pruitt moved to Houston to be closer to his family, his doctors referred him to the DeBakey VA for treatment.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Wheelchair-Bound to Walking</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>When Army Veteran David Pruitt moved to Houston to be closer to his family, his doctors referred him to the DeBakey VA for treatment.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>I Came To the Houston VA and the World Was Opened Up To Me</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20120104b.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 04 Jan 2012 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Jeri_Gates_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Jeri Gates, L.C.S.W., a Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing case manager " title="Jeri Gates, L.C.S.W., a Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing case manager "><div>]]>The Houston VA played a major part in getting me back on track,&#34; said a formerly homeless Veteran.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20120104_1325708456284</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Jeri_Gates_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Jeri Gates, L.C.S.W., a Housing and Urban Development VA Supportive Housing case manager </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Houston VA played a major part in getting me back on track,&#34; said a formerly homeless Veteran.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Makes a Difference</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Houston VA played a major part in getting me back on track,&#34; said a formerly homeless Veteran.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>People Who Have Suffered with the Flu Can Tell You What You Are Missing</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20120105.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Flu_shot_thumbnail2.jpg" alt="Flu shot" title="Flu shot"><div>]]>Each year, people at risk of severe, even life-threatening influenza refuse the flu shot. The reasons vary, but the most frequent excuses health care providers hear are &#39;I never get the flu;&#39; &#39;the shot gave me the flu;&#39; or simply, &#39;I don&#39;t like shots.&#39;<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20120105_1325799475538</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Flu_shot_thumbnail2.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Flu shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each year, people at risk of severe, even life-threatening influenza refuse the flu shot. The reasons vary, but the most frequent excuses health care providers hear are &#39;I never get the flu;&#39; &#39;the shot gave me the flu;&#39; or simply, &#39;I don&#39;t like shots.&#39;</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Get Your Flu Shot Today!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Each year, people at risk of severe, even life-threatening influenza refuse the flu shot. The reasons vary, but the most frequent excuses health care providers hear are &#39;I never get the flu;&#39; &#39;the shot gave me the flu;&#39; or simply, &#39;I don&#39;t like shots.&#39;</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Veteran_Family_Safety_Free_Gun_Locks.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111205.jpg" alt="Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks" title="Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks"><div>]]>Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Veteran_Family_Safety_Free_Gun_Locks_1323102813650</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111205.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center is participating in a Gun Safety Lock Program that has made thousands of free gun safety locks available to Veterans and their families.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Family Safety</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Veteran Family Safety: Free Gun Locks</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Using Air to Blast Away Infection</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111205.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 05 Dec 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Dr_Darouiche_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dr. Darouiche" title="Dr. Darouiche"><div>]]>The DeBakey VA is initiating a pilot study of a novel device to determine its ability to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection after procedures requiring insertion of prostheses.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111205_1323187583427</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Dr_Darouiche_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Darouiche</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The DeBakey VA is initiating a pilot study of a novel device to determine its ability to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection after procedures requiring insertion of prostheses.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Blasting Away Infection</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The DeBakey VA is initiating a pilot study of a novel device to determine its ability to decrease the incidence of surgical site infection after procedures requiring insertion of prostheses.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Caring Enough to Help Recover Veteran&#8217;s Lost Historical Keepsakes</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111129.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Green_and_Branscomb.jpg" alt="Green and Branscomb" title="Green and Branscomb"><div>]]>A nurse at the DeBakey VA Medical Center recently helped recover an important piece of Vietnam War history using a special nursing technique.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111129_1322755682908</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Green_and_Branscomb.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Green and Branscomb</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A nurse at the DeBakey VA Medical Center recently helped recover an important piece of Vietnam War history using a special nursing technique.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Caring Enough to Help</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A nurse at the DeBakey VA Medical Center recently helped recover an important piece of Vietnam War history using a special nursing technique.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Pulls Nail from Vietnam Veteran&#8217;s Coffin</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111124.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 24 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111123.jpg" alt="Nail Pulled from Veteran&#8217;s Coffin" title="Nail Pulled from Veteran&#8217;s Coffin"><div>]]>Nail Pulled from Veteran&#8217;s Coffin<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Houston_VA_Pulls_Nail_from_Vietnam_Veteran_s_Coffin_1322057435882</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111123.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Nail Pulled from Veteran&#8217;s Coffin</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Recently, VA cancer experts successfully treated a patient&#8217;s liver cancer using a medically advanced, fully laparoscopic, anatomic liver resection technique. Just days later, the Veteran left the hospital cancer-free with a new outlook on life.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Nail Pulled from Vet&#8217;s Coffin</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Nail Pulled from Veteran&#8217;s Coffin</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Doc_s_Service_to_Veterans.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 23 Nov 2011 08:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111123b.jpg" alt="Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans" title="Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans"><div>]]>Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Doc_s_Service_to_Veterans_1322058128656</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20111123b.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Sally Ann Holmes, M.D., the Spinal Cord Injury Care Line executive at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center, received the Operation American Heroes Foundation Founder&#39;s Award at a ceremony at the Sugarland Marriott on November 10, 2011</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Doc&#39;s Service to Veterans</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Conroe VA Clinic Expansion </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Conroe_VA_Clinic_Expansion.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:24:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20111117thumbnail.jpg" alt="Conroe VA Clinic Expansion " title="Conroe VA Clinic Expansion "><div>]]>Conroe VA Clinic Expansion <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Conroe_VA_Clinic_Expansion_1321561599235</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20111117thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Conroe VA Clinic Expansion </hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA announced this week that it will expand its Conroe VA Outpatient Clinic to handle the growing Veteran demand for health care in the area.

</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Conroe VA Clinic Expansion </hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Conroe VA Clinic Expansion </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Medical Center Plans New Parking Structures</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111114.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Parking_Garage_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Parking Garage Sketch" title="Parking Garage Sketch"><div>]]>VA Medical Center Plans New Parking Structures<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111114_1321286369618</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Parking_Garage_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Parking Garage Sketch</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">New parking structures are in the works for the DeBakey VA. The project, scheduled to begin in February, is expected to provide much-needed parking relief for a medical center that logged more than one million outpatient visits last fiscal year.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Plans New Parking Garages</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Medical Center Plans New Parking Structures</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>World&#39;s Smallest Heart Pump Offers Veterans New Hope</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111109.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Paniagua_and_GIORGBERIDZE_thumbnail.jpg" alt="World&#39;s Smallest Heart Pump" title="World&#39;s Smallest Heart Pump"><div>]]>A miniature pump, so small that it can be inserted through an artery and placed inside the heart within a few minutes, offers new hope to critically ill heart attack and heart failure patients at the DeBakey VA.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111109_1320861321142</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Paniagua_and_GIORGBERIDZE_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">World&#39;s Smallest Heart Pump</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A miniature pump, so small that it can be inserted through an artery and placed inside the heart within a few minutes, offers new hope to critically ill heart attack and heart failure patients at the DeBakey VA.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">World&#39;s Smallest Heart Pump</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A miniature pump, so small that it can be inserted through an artery and placed inside the heart within a few minutes, offers new hope to critically ill heart attack and heart failure patients at the DeBakey VA.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Hospital Food Is No Joke at the Houston VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111107.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Food_System_thumbnail.jpg" alt="New Food System" title="New Food System"><div>]]>Hospital patients do not normally look forward to mealtime, but at the DeBakey VA, patients are being treated like valued guests when it is time to eat. The hospital recently began use of a new meal transportation system that keeps each food the right temperature and speeds delivery.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111107_1320676329743</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Food_System_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New Food System</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Hospital patients do not normally look forward to mealtime, but at the DeBakey VA, patients are being treated like valued guests when it is time to eat. The hospital recently began use of a new meal transportation system that keeps each food the right temperature and speeds delivery.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Hospital Food Is No Joke</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Hospital patients do not normally look forward to mealtime, but at the DeBakey VA, patients are being treated like valued guests when it is time to eat. The hospital recently began use of a new meal transportation system that keeps each food the right temperature and speeds delivery.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Lake Jackson VA Clinic Already Helping Vets</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111028.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Lake_Jackson_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Already Helping Veterans" title="Already Helping Veterans"><div>]]>Not even a month old and the Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic has already made a difference in the lives of Veterans living nearby. To switch your health care to the new clinic, call 979-230-4852.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111028_1319810595203</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Lake_Jackson_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Already Helping Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Not even a month old and the Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic has already made a difference in the lives of Veterans living nearby. To switch your health care to the new clinic, call 979-230-4852.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Already Helping Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Not even a month old and the Lake Jackson VA Outpatient Clinic has already made a difference in the lives of Veterans living nearby. To switch your health care to the new clinic, call 979-230-4852.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Participants Needed For Schizophrenia and Bipolar Illness Study</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111024.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Brain_Graphic_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="Brain Graphic" title="Brain Graphic"><div>]]>If you are a Veteran who has been given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar illness, has received treatment for either of these illnesses at the VA, and would like to participate in research to enhance understanding and treatment, please contact 713-791-1414, ext. 6911/6910.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111024_1319480940757</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Brain_Graphic_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Brain Graphic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you are a Veteran who has been given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar illness, has received treatment for either of these illnesses at the VA, and would like to participate in research to enhance understanding and treatment, please contact 713-791-1414, ext. 6911/6910.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Schizophrenia &amp; Bipolar Study</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>If you are a Veteran who has been given a diagnosis of schizophrenia or bipolar illness, has received treatment for either of these illnesses at the VA, and would like to participate in research to enhance understanding and treatment, please contact 713-791-1414, ext. 6911/6910.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Death&#8217;s Door and Back: VA Doctors Save Korean War Veteran&#8217;s Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111020.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 20 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Pisimisis_and_Bechara_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Pisimisis and Bechara" title="Pisimisis and Bechara"><div>]]>1st in Texas: VA doctors save Korean War Veteran&#8217;s life by repairing a contained aortic aneurysm rupture with a fenestrated stent-graft.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111020_1319120425984</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Pisimisis_and_Bechara_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Pisimisis and Bechara</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">1st in Texas: VA doctors save Korean War Veteran&#8217;s life by repairing a contained aortic aneurysm rupture with a fenestrated stent-graft.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Death&#8217;s Door and Back</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>1st in Texas: VA doctors save Korean War Veteran&#8217;s life by repairing a contained aortic aneurysm rupture with a fenestrated stent-graft.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Researcher Promotes Better Care for Liver Cancer Patients</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111011.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Dr_El_Serag_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dr. El-Serag with patient Winston" title="Dr. El-Serag with patient Winston"><div>]]>VA Researcher Promotes Better Care for Liver Cancer Patients<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111011_1318429373148</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Dr_El_Serag_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. El-Serag with patient Winston</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Each year, more than half a million people worldwide receive a diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of primary liver cancer. Hepatocellular carcinoma related to the hepatitis C virus is the fastest rising cause of U.S. cancer-related deaths. A researcher at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) has summarized recent advances in prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, and treatment in order for physicians everywhere may be better educated and improve care for their patients.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Better Care for Liver Cancer</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA Researcher Promotes Better Care for Liver Cancer Patients</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Hosts 11th Annual Stand Down for Homeless Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111012.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 12 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/homeless_vet_thnumbnail.jpg" alt="Homeless Veteran" title="Homeless Veteran"><div>]]>The 11th Annual Stand Down is an opportunity for homeless Veterans to access a broad spectrum of services at one convenient location and to create a plan for re-entry into mainstream society.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111012_1318524401553</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/homeless_vet_thnumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Homeless Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The 11th Annual Stand Down is an opportunity for homeless Veterans to access a broad spectrum of services at one convenient location and to create a plan for re-entry into mainstream society.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Stand Down for Homeless Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The 11th Annual Stand Down is an opportunity for homeless Veterans to access a broad spectrum of services at one convenient location and to create a plan for re-entry into mainstream society.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Patients See a Difference at Expanded Eye Clinic</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20111004.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 04 Oct 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Orengo_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Orengo with patient" title="Orengo with patient"><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently completed a highly anticipated renovation of its nationally recognized Eye Clinic. Eight new examination rooms or eye lanes, four new procedure rooms, and more space to provide care to Veterans were added during this expansion project.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20111004_1317758651083</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Orengo_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Orengo with patient</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently completed a highly anticipated renovation of its nationally recognized Eye Clinic. Eight new examination rooms or eye lanes, four new procedure rooms, and more space to provide care to Veterans were added during this expansion project.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Eye Clinic Expansion Completed</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently completed a highly anticipated renovation of its nationally recognized Eye Clinic. Eight new examination rooms or eye lanes, four new procedure rooms, and more space to provide care to Veterans were added during this expansion project.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Program for Homeless Veterans Receives Prestigious Award</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110930.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Sebrina_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Sebrina at Stand Down" title="Sebrina at Stand Down"><div>]]>DeBakey VA employee and Army Veteran Sebrina Levy serves lunch at a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. This year&#39;s Stand Down will take place on October 20, 2011, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Emancipation Park Community Center located at 3018 Dowling Street.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110930_1317659389345</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Sebrina_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Sebrina at Stand Down</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">DeBakey VA employee and Army Veteran Sebrina Levy serves lunch at a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. This year&#39;s Stand Down will take place on October 20, 2011, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Emancipation Park Community Center located at 3018 Dowling Street.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Program Recognized</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>DeBakey VA employee and Army Veteran Sebrina Levy serves lunch at a Stand Down for Homeless Veterans. This year&#39;s Stand Down will take place on October 20, 2011, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., at the Emancipation Park Community Center located at 3018 Dowling Street.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Women are Veterans, Too! Expo</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110916.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 16 Sep 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/women_vet_thumbnail.jpg" alt="&#34;Women are Veterans, Too&#34; EXpo" title="&#34;Women are Veterans, Too&#34; EXpo"><div>]]>The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin is sponsoring a &#8220;Women are Veterans, Too!&#8221; Expo on October 14, 2011. This event is free and open to all women Veterans living in east Texas.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110916_1316116597328</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/women_vet_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">&#34;Women are Veterans, Too&#34; EXpo</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin is sponsoring a &#8220;Women are Veterans, Too!&#8221; Expo on October 14, 2011. This event is free and open to all women Veterans living in east Texas.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Women are Veterans, Too!&#8221; Expo</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin is sponsoring a &#8220;Women are Veterans, Too!&#8221; Expo on October 14, 2011. This event is free and open to all women Veterans living in east Texas.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Offers Free Flu Shots for Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110920.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 15 Sep 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20110920thumbnail.jpg" alt="Free Flu Shots for Veterans" title="Free Flu Shots for Veterans"><div>]]>Free Flu Shots for Veterans<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Offers_Free_Flu_Shots_for_Veterans_1316525550215</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20110920thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Free Flu Shots for Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">While many people associate the flu with cold weather, the CDC recommends getting a shot as soon as the vaccine becomes available.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Free Flu Shots for Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Free Flu Shots for Veterans</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>National Drug Take Back</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110912.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 12 Sep 2011 09:30:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20110901_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="National Drug Take Back" title="National Drug Take Back"><div>]]>National Drug Take Back<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/National_Drug_Take_Back_1314887658436</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Feature_20110901_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">National Drug Take Back</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Bring your unused, unwanted, or expired prescription drugs to the main entrance of DeBakey VA during the week of October 24-28, 2011 for free disposal, no questions asked.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">National Drug Take Back</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>National Drug Take Back</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Parking Update</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110913.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Sat, 10 Sep 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_car.jpg" alt="Parking update" title="Parking update"><div>]]>To enforce parking laws at the DeBakey VA Medical Center and to free up parking spaces for our Veterans, all parking lots will soon be gated.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110913_1315923965729</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_car.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Parking update</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To enforce parking laws at the DeBakey VA Medical Center and to free up parking spaces for our Veterans, all parking lots will soon be gated.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Parking Update</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To enforce parking laws at the DeBakey VA Medical Center and to free up parking spaces for our Veterans, all parking lots will soon be gated.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>ABC&#8217;s of Vaccines</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110906.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 02 Sep 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/flu_shot_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Flu Shot" title="Flu Shot"><div>]]>The development of vaccines has been one of the most important advances in medical science.  Don&#8217;t ignore the benefits of these potentially life-saving immunizations.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110906_1315333102863</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/flu_shot_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Flu Shot</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The development of vaccines has been one of the most important advances in medical science.  Don&#8217;t ignore the benefits of these potentially life-saving immunizations.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">ABC&#8217;s of Vaccines</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The development of vaccines has been one of the most important advances in medical science.  Don&#8217;t ignore the benefits of these potentially life-saving immunizations.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Truth about Food Claims</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110817.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 17 Aug 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Kelly_and_Vet_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Kelly and Veteran John" title="Kelly and Veteran John"><div>]]>Have you wondered what it means when a food is labeled as &#8220;Low cholesterol&#8221; or &#8220;Reduced sodium?&#8221; What is the difference between &#8220;Sugar free&#8221; and &#8220;No sugar added?&#8221;. Food companies often put claims on their products to make them sell better. Fortunately, many of these claims are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, a product must meet certain standards to have these labels.  <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/feature_20110817_1313605331925</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Kelly_and_Vet_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Kelly and Veteran John</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Have you wondered what it means when a food is labeled as &#8220;Low cholesterol&#8221; or &#8220;Reduced sodium?&#8221; What is the difference between &#8220;Sugar free&#8221; and &#8220;No sugar added?&#8221;. Food companies often put claims on their products to make them sell better. Fortunately, many of these claims are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, a product must meet certain standards to have these labels.  </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Truth about Food Claims</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Have you wondered what it means when a food is labeled as &#8220;Low cholesterol&#8221; or &#8220;Reduced sodium?&#8221; What is the difference between &#8220;Sugar free&#8221; and &#8220;No sugar added?&#8221;. Food companies often put claims on their products to make them sell better. Fortunately, many of these claims are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, a product must meet certain standards to have these labels.  </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Air Force Veteran Selected as New Deputy Director of VA Medical Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110808.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Bayley_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C" title="Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C"><div>]]>Air Force Veteran Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C. was recently selected as the new deputy director for the DeBakey VA Medical Center.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110808_1312902691800</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Bayley_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Air Force Veteran Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C. was recently selected as the new deputy director for the DeBakey VA Medical Center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">AF Veteran New Deputy Director</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Air Force Veteran Bryan T. Bayley, M.H.A., F.A.C.H.E.-B.C. was recently selected as the new deputy director for the DeBakey VA Medical Center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Complex Aneurysm Surgery Saves Air Force Veteran&#8217;s Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110809.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Kougias_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Kougias Pisimisis King and Bechara" title="Kougias Pisimisis King and Bechara"><div>]]>Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed complex aneurysm surgery using a special stent configuration to save the life of a 76-year-old, Air Force Veteran suffering from complex aortoiliac aneurysm. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110809_1312987559530</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Kougias_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Kougias Pisimisis King and Bechara</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed complex aneurysm surgery using a special stent configuration to save the life of a 76-year-old, Air Force Veteran suffering from complex aortoiliac aneurysm. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Surgery Saves Veteran&#8217;s Life</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed complex aneurysm surgery using a special stent configuration to save the life of a 76-year-old, Air Force Veteran suffering from complex aortoiliac aneurysm. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Lake Jackson VA Clinic Opens for Patient Care on October 11</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110815.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 08 Aug 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/lake_jackson_clinic_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Lake Jackson Clinic" title="Lake Jackson Clinic"><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will open a VA outpatient clinic in Lake Jackson on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110815_1313433241477</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/lake_jackson_clinic_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Lake Jackson Clinic</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will open a VA outpatient clinic in Lake Jackson on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Lake Jackson Clinic</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) will open a VA outpatient clinic in Lake Jackson on Tuesday, October 11, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Consistently Achieves Low Surgical Mortality Rates</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110801.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 01 Aug 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/52_Surgery.jpg" alt="Low Surgical Mortality Rates" title="Low Surgical Mortality Rates"><div>]]>The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center consistently demonstrates low observed-to-expected mortality rates in general surgery, all surgery, and all non-cardiac surgery.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110801_1312230314267</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/52_Surgery.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Low Surgical Mortality Rates</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center consistently demonstrates low observed-to-expected mortality rates in general surgery, all surgery, and all non-cardiac surgery.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Low Surgical Mortality Rates</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center consistently demonstrates low observed-to-expected mortality rates in general surgery, all surgery, and all non-cardiac surgery.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>More Funds for Homeless Veterans (Families) Prevention Initiative</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110727.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 27 Jul 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/thumbnail_homeless.jpg" alt="Homeless Family" title="Homeless Family"><div>]]>Grant will help about 270 homeless and at-risk Veteran families as part of the new Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110727_1311790137026</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/thumbnail_homeless.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Homeless Family</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Grant will help about 270 homeless and at-risk Veteran families as part of the new Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Veteran Families</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Grant will help about 270 homeless and at-risk Veteran families as part of the new Supportive Services for Veteran Families program.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Kosten Named New Head of Research at Houston VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110725.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Dr_Kosten.jpg" alt="Dr. Kosten" title="Dr. Kosten"><div>]]>Thomas R. Kosten, M.D.  is a distinguished fellow in the American Psychiatric Association, a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, past president of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110725_1311623380399</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Dr_Kosten.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Kosten</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Thomas R. Kosten, M.D.  is a distinguished fellow in the American Psychiatric Association, a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, past president of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Kosten New Head of Research</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Thomas R. Kosten, M.D.  is a distinguished fellow in the American Psychiatric Association, a fellow of the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology, past president of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry, and president of the College on Problems of Drug Dependence.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Leads Fight against Esophageal Cancer</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110721.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 21 Jul 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/thumbnail_20110721.jpg" alt="Dr. Shaib and Vet Joseph Armiak" title="Dr. Shaib and Vet Joseph Armiak"><div>]]>An outpatient treatment that destroys pre-cancerous tissue in the lining of the esophagus is now widely available for Veterans at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110721_1311257742168</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/thumbnail_20110721.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Shaib and Vet Joseph Armiak</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">An outpatient treatment that destroys pre-cancerous tissue in the lining of the esophagus is now widely available for Veterans at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Fight against Throat Cancer</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>An outpatient treatment that destroys pre-cancerous tissue in the lining of the esophagus is now widely available for Veterans at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Grant Provides More Than $666K for Permanent Housing for Homeless Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/feature_20110720.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 20 Jul 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/feature_201107120.jpg" alt="Homeless Female Veterans" title="Homeless Female Veterans"><div>]]>VA has awarded $666,765 to the Harris County Housing Authority to increase permanent housing and case management for area Veterans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Grant_Provides_More_Than_666K_for_Permanent_Housing_for_Homeless_Veterans_1311170879298</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/feature_201107120.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Homeless Female Veterans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">VA has awarded $666,765 to the Harris County Housing Authority to increase permanent housing and case management for area Veterans.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">$666K for Homeless Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>VA has awarded $666,765 to the Harris County Housing Authority to increase permanent housing and case management for area Veterans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Participants Needed For TBI Treatment Studies</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/feature_20110712.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Negrete.jpg" alt="Participants Needed For TBI Treatment Studies" title="Participants Needed For TBI Treatment Studies"><div>]]>The DeBakey VA is currently recruiting participants for several clinical research studies investigating traumatic brain injury. To learn more, call 713-794-7493.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Participants_Needed_For_TBI_Treatment_Studies_1310491565038</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Negrete.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Participants Needed For TBI Treatment Studies</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The DeBakey VA is currently recruiting participants for several clinical research studies investigating traumatic brain injury. To learn more, call 713-794-7493.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Study Needs TBI Patients</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The DeBakey VA is currently recruiting participants for several clinical research studies investigating traumatic brain injury. To learn more, call 713-794-7493.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Million Veteran Program</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Million_Veteran_Program.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110708.jpg" alt="Million Veteran Program" title="Million Veteran Program"><div>]]>Million Veteran Program<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Million_Veteran_Program_1310158325913</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110708.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The DeBakey VA Medical Center has been selected to participate in a new national research initiative. Visit http://www.research.va.gov/mvp  for more details.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Million Veteran Program</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Million Veteran Program</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>New Gateway to Your Benefits</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/New_Gateway_to_Your_Benefits.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Jul 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_2010705.jpg" alt="New Gateway to Your Benefits" title="New Gateway to Your Benefits"><div>]]>New Gateway to Your Benefits<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/New_Gateway_to_Your_Benefits_1309896266632</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_2010705.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New Gateway to Your Benefits</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">eBenefits is your one-stop shop for online benefits-related tools and information. Visit www.eBenefits.va.gov today!</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New Gateway to Your Benefits</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>New Gateway to Your Benefits</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Depression versus anxiety: know the symptoms, similarities and differences </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Tips_to_Lose_Weight_and_Improve_Your_Health.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110701.jpg" alt="Depression vs. Anxiety" title="Depression vs. Anxiety"><div>]]>Depression vs. Anxiety<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Tips_to_Lose_Weight_and_Improve_Your_Health_1309546401848</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110701.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Depression vs. Anxiety</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The connection between depression and anxiety is stronger than what it was previously thought to be.  However, experts caution that medications for the two cannot necessarily be used interchangeably.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Depression vs. Anxiety</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Depression vs. Anxiety</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Tips to Lose Weight and Improve Your Health</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Features_20110701.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110701b.jpg" alt="Weight Loss Tips" title="Weight Loss Tips"><div>]]>Weight Loss Tips<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Features_20110701_1309546716318</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110701b.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Weight Loss Tips</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A healthy diet can reduce the risk of major chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and some cancers. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Weight Loss Tips</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Weight Loss Tips</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>Bipolar Disorder - My Personal Journey to Understanding</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110617.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 17 Jun 2011 15:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110617.jpg" alt="Bipolar Disorder - My Journey" title="Bipolar Disorder - My Journey"><div>]]>Bipolar Disorder - My Journey<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Bipolar_Disorder_My_Personal_Journey_to_Understanding_1308342144309</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110617.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Bipolar Disorder - My Journey</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you are a Veteran suffering from severe and persistent mental illness with significant functional impairment, contact the Psychosocial Rehabilitation &amp; Recovery Center at 713-791-1414, ext. 6712. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Bipolar Disorder - My Journey</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Bipolar Disorder - My Journey</hfs:indexdescription> 
		</item>
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			<title>36 Local Veterans Compete in 25th National Veterans Golden Age Games</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/36_Local_Veterans_Compete_in_25th_National_Veterans_Golden_Age_Games.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 15 Jun 2011 09:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110615.jpg" alt="Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii" title="Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii"><div>]]>Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/36_Local_Veterans_Compete_in_25th_National_Veterans_Golden_Age_Games_1308146849361</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110615.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Thirty-six Veterans from the Houston area recently participated in the 25th National Veterans Golden Age Games held in Honolulu.  The team brought home five gold, ten silver, and nine bronze medals.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Houston Vets Compete in Hawaii</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Introduction to Epilepsy and Seizures</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110609.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Epileps_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Epilepsy Center of Excellence" title="Epilepsy Center of Excellence"><div>]]>Epilepsy Center of Excellence<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110609_1307635925245</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Epileps_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Epilepsy Center of Excellence</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA Epilepsy Center of Excellence will hold a free education conference, &#8220;Introduction to Epilepsy and Seizures,&#8221; for Veterans and caregivers to improve the health of patients with epilepsy and other seizure disorders.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Free Audio Conference</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Epilepsy Center of Excellence</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Prepare Today for Hurricane Season</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Prepare_Today_for_Hurricane_Season.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 15:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110602.jpg" alt="The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially started on June 1, 2011. It is important to prepare your family for unexpected disasters and emergencies." title="The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially started on June 1, 2011. It is important to prepare your family for unexpected disasters and emergencies."><div>]]>Prepare Now - Hurricane Season<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Prepare_Today_for_Hurricane_Season_1307047195655</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110602.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially started on June 1, 2011. It is important to prepare your family for unexpected disasters and emergencies.</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The 2011 Atlantic Hurricane Season officially started on June 1, 2011. It is important to prepare your family for unexpected disasters and emergencies.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Prepare Now - Hurricane Season</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Prepare Now - Hurricane Season</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Finally Cancer-free after Medically Advanced, Laparoscopic Liver Surgery</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110602.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Jun 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Anaya_and_Mikel_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Anaya and Mikel" title="Anaya and Mikel"><div>]]>Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently removed a patient&#39;s liver tumor using a medically advanced, laparoscopic technique.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110602_1307021247962</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Anaya_and_Mikel_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Anaya and Mikel</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently removed a patient&#39;s liver tumor using a medically advanced, laparoscopic technique.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Veteran Finally Cancer-free</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently removed a patient&#39;s liver tumor using a medically advanced, laparoscopic technique.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) App Helps Thousands</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110527.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 27 May 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/PDA_thumbnail.jpg" alt="New App Helps PSTD Sufferers" title="New App Helps PSTD Sufferers"><div>]]>New App Helps PSTD Sufferers<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Post_traumatic_Stress_Disorder_PTSD_App_Helps_Thousands_1306508267053</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/PDA_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New App Helps PSTD Sufferers</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A new PTSD Coach smartphone application helps Veterans coping with PTSD connect with important mental health information and resources.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">New App Helps PSTD Sufferers</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>New App Helps PSTD Sufferers</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Stop Identity Thieves - Get Your New VA I.D. Card!</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110526.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 26 May 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/VIC_front.jpg" alt="New ID card" title="New ID card"><div>]]>To reduce Veteran vulnerability to identity theft, the DeBakey VA and its outpatient clinics are replacing Veteran identification cards with a new, more secure ones.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110526_1306433746331</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/VIC_front.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">New ID card</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">To reduce Veteran vulnerability to identity theft, the DeBakey VA and its outpatient clinics are replacing Veteran identification cards with a new, more secure ones.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Get Your New VA I.D. Today</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>To reduce Veteran vulnerability to identity theft, the DeBakey VA and its outpatient clinics are replacing Veteran identification cards with a new, more secure ones.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Whole Grain Goodness</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Whole_Grain_Goodness.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 09 May 2011 08:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110509.jpg" alt="Whole Grain Goodness" title="Whole Grain Goodness"><div>]]>Whole Grain Goodness<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Whole_Grain_Goodness_1304948089625</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110509.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Whole Grain Goodness</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">What is a whole grain? Whole grains contain the &#34;whole&#34; kernel.  These grains are the &#34;wheat&#34; or &#34;brown&#34; products; for example, whole wheat bread and brown rice. If you want to know if a product is whole grain, check the label. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Whole Grain Goodness?</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Whole Grain Goodness</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Outrageous Number of Veteran Deaths Caused by Smoking</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110505.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 05 May 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Smoking_thumbnail1.jpg" alt="Smoking" title="Smoking"><div>]]>Smoking is a chronic condition which affects every organ of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 443,000 deaths are caused each year by cigarette smoking. This is more than HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Outrageous_Number_of_Veteran_Deaths_Caused_by_Smoking_1304540084405</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Smoking_thumbnail1.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Smoking</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Smoking is a chronic condition which affects every organ of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 443,000 deaths are caused each year by cigarette smoking. This is more than HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Help to Stop Smoking</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Smoking is a chronic condition which affects every organ of your body. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 443,000 deaths are caused each year by cigarette smoking. This is more than HIV (Human immunodeficiency virus), illegal drug use, alcohol use, motor vehicle injuries, suicides, and murders combined.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>New Housing Option for Homeless, Female Veterans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110502.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 02 May 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Woman_Veteran_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="Woman Veteran" title="Woman Veteran"><div>]]>In order to meet the growing needs of homeless, female Veterans in southeast Texas, the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a VA Per Diem Project to the Santa Maria Hostel, a 501&#169;(3) non-profit organization located in Houston.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Homeless_Female_Veterans_1304449255725</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Woman_Veteran_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Woman Veteran</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In order to meet the growing needs of homeless, female Veterans in southeast Texas, the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a VA Per Diem Project to the Santa Maria Hostel, a 501&#169;(3) non-profit organization located in Houston.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless, Female Veterans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>In order to meet the growing needs of homeless, female Veterans in southeast Texas, the Department of Veterans Affairs has awarded a VA Per Diem Project to the Santa Maria Hostel, a 501&#169;(3) non-profit organization located in Houston.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Use Secure Email to Talk with Your Doctor</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Use_Secure_Email_to_Talk_with_Your_Doctor.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 25 Apr 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110425.jpg" alt="Secure Email with Your Doc" title="Secure Email with Your Doc"><div>]]>A new secure, online communication tool called &#34;Secure Messaging&#34; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#39;s My HealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Use_Secure_Email_to_Talk_with_Your_Doctor_1303761400364</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110425.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Secure Email with Your Doc</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A new secure, online communication tool called &#34;Secure Messaging&#34; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#39;s My HealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Secure Email with Your Doc</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A new secure, online communication tool called &#34;Secure Messaging&#34; is now available for Veterans at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) through the VA&#39;s My HealtheVet website at www.myhealth.va.gov.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Test Discovered by VA Physician Detects Carotid Plaques</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110419.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 19 Apr 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/football_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Detecting Carotid Plaques" title="Detecting Carotid Plaques"><div>]]>Detecting Carotid Plaques<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/04192011_1303231783908</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/football_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Detecting Carotid Plaques</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">With retired National Football League players as research study participants, a physician from the DeBakey VA discovered a specialized cholesterol test may predict carotid plaques better in those individuals with metabolic syndrome.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Detecting Carotid Plaques</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Detecting Carotid Plaques</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>The Magic of CT Scans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110416.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 15 Apr 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/CT_thumbnail.jpg" alt="CT Scans" title="CT Scans"><div>]]>The invention of Computed Tomography has undoubtedly been one of the greatest advances for the diagnosis and treatment of disease ranging from strokes to cancers.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/20110416_1302880076149</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/CT_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">CT Scans</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The invention of Computed Tomography has undoubtedly been one of the greatest advances for the diagnosis and treatment of disease ranging from strokes to cancers.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">The Magic of CT Scans</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The invention of Computed Tomography has undoubtedly been one of the greatest advances for the diagnosis and treatment of disease ranging from strokes to cancers.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Infection Control Practices Featured in New England Journal of Medicine</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110414.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 14 Apr 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Hand_Washing_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Hand Washing" title="Hand Washing"><div>]]>A VA initiative that reduced the global health care issue of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by more than 60 percent in intensive care units across the Nation is featured in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Infection_Control_Practices_Featured_in_New_England_Journal_of_Medicine_1302795662487</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Hand_Washing_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Hand Washing</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A VA initiative that reduced the global health care issue of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by more than 60 percent in intensive care units across the Nation is featured in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Drop in Deadly Infections</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A VA initiative that reduced the global health care issue of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections by more than 60 percent in intensive care units across the Nation is featured in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in African-Americans</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110411.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 11 Apr 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Lacy_and_Morehead_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Lacy and Morehead" title="Lacy and Morehead"><div>]]>Elevated levels of a type of cholesterol known as Lipoprotein(a) should be considered linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in African-Americans, as reported by a physician from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Heart_Disease_in_African_Americans_1302536970537</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Lacy_and_Morehead_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Lacy and Morehead</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Elevated levels of a type of cholesterol known as Lipoprotein(a) should be considered linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in African-Americans, as reported by a physician from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">African-American Heart Disease</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Elevated levels of a type of cholesterol known as Lipoprotein(a) should be considered linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in African-Americans, as reported by a physician from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the American Heart Association, Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention 2011 Scientific Sessions in Atlanta.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Predicting Atrial Fibrillation</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/20110407.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 07 Apr 2011 08:00:00 CST</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/S_Virani_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dr. Salim S.Virani Discovers Genetic Markers That Help Predict Atrial Fibrillation in Bypass Surgery Patients" title="Dr. Salim S.Virani Discovers Genetic Markers That Help Predict Atrial Fibrillation in Bypass Surgery Patients"><div>]]>Genetic markers have been identified that can predict the likelihood of patients developing atrial fibrillation after bypass surgery, as reported by a physician from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the American College of Cardiology 60th Annual Scientific Session &amp; Expo and Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit 2011 in New Orleans.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Physician_Discovers_Genetic_Markers_That_Help_Predict_Atrial_Fibrillation_in_Bypass_Surgery_Patie_1302190034237</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/S_Virani_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Salim S.Virani Discovers Genetic Markers That Help Predict Atrial Fibrillation in Bypass Surgery Patients</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Genetic markers have been identified that can predict the likelihood of patients developing atrial fibrillation after bypass surgery, as reported by Salim S. Virani, M.D., a staff cardiologist at the DeBakey VA.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Predicting Atrial Fibrillation</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Genetic markers have been identified that can predict the likelihood of patients developing atrial fibrillation after bypass surgery, as reported by a physician from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center at the American College of Cardiology 60th Annual Scientific Session &amp; Expo and Innovation in Intervention: i2 Summit 2011 in New Orleans.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Houston VA Physician Helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Jneid_Creates_Treatment_Plan.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Jneid_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Dr. Jneid helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina" title="Dr. Jneid helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina"><div>]]>Dr. Jneid helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Jneid_Creates_Treatment_Plan_1302030084213</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Jneid_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Jneid helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">New guidelines for the management of patients with unstable angina and non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (termed acute coronary syndromes) have been released by the American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). The guidelines were created by a consortium of national experts including a cardiologist from the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Doc Creates Treatment Plan</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Dr. Jneid helps Draft the National Guidelines for Unstable Angina</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>El Campo Mom of Two Selected as VA Volunteer of the Year</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/El_Campo_Mom_of_Two_Selected_as_VA_Volunteer_of_the_Year.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 01 Apr 2011 13:44:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_2011070401.jpg" alt="Mom is Volunteer of the Year" title="Mom is Volunteer of the Year"><div>]]>Mom is Volunteer of the Year<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/El_Campo_Mom_of_Two_Selected_as_VA_Volunteer_of_the_Year_1301683631136</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_2011070401.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Mom is Volunteer of the Year</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently selected El Campo, Tx. resident Georgia Mican as its Volunteer of the Year.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Mom is Volunteer of the Year</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Mom is Volunteer of the Year</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Navy Veteran Selected as New VA Medical Center Associate Director</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Navy_Veteran_Selected_as_New_VA_Medical_Center_Associate_Director.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:19:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110331.jpg" alt="Vet Hired as Associate Director" title="Vet Hired as Associate Director"><div>]]>Vet Hired as Associate Director<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Navy_Veteran_Selected_as_New_VA_Medical_Center_Associate_Director_1301603344491</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110331.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Vet Hired as Associate Director</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Navy Veteran Francisco Vazquez, B.S.C.S., M.B.A., was recently selected as the new associate director for the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC). In his new post, Vazquez, who has been with VA since 1995, will serve as the MEDVAMC&#39;s chief operating officer charged with day-to-day operations and management of the facility&#39;s $630 million annual budget.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Vet is new Associate Director</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Vet Hired as Associate Director</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Food Safety in Your Home</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/food_safety.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Holt_and_Vet_Klotz.jpg" alt="Holt and Veteran Klotz" title="Holt and Veteran Klotz"><div>]]>Food-borne illness (also referred to as food poisoning) is any illness which results from the consumption of contaminated food. There are two types of food poisoning: infectious agent and toxic agent.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/food_safety_1301341209846</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Holt_and_Vet_Klotz.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Holt and Veteran Klotz</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Food-borne illness (also referred to as food poisoning) is any illness which results from the consumption of contaminated food. There are two types of food poisoning: infectious agent and toxic agent.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Food Safety in Your Home</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Food-borne illness (also referred to as food poisoning) is any illness which results from the consumption of contaminated food. There are two types of food poisoning: infectious agent and toxic agent.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Veteran Does Push-ups Just 2 Days after Robotic Lung Surgery</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/fast_recover.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 21 Mar 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Chu_and_Davis.jpg" alt="David with Dr. Chu" title="David with Dr. Chu"><div>]]>Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed a robotic-assisted lung resection to successfully and rapidly treat a 59-year-old Veteran suffering from lung cancer.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/fast_recover_1300810818600</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Chu_and_Davis.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">David with Dr. Chu</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed a robotic-assisted lung resection to successfully and rapidly treat a 59-year-old Veteran suffering from lung cancer.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Push-ups 2 Days After Surgery</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Surgeons at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center (MEDVAMC) recently performed a robotic-assisted lung resection to successfully and rapidly treat a 59-year-old Veteran suffering from lung cancer.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Travel Benefits</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/VA_Travel_Benefits.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_car.jpg" alt="Car" title="Car"><div>]]>If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or special mode transportation associated with obtaining VA health care services.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/VA_Travel_Benefits_1300392868057</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_car.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Car</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or special mode transportation associated with obtaining VA health care services.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Travel Benefits</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>If you meet certain criteria, you may be eligible for mileage reimbursement or special mode transportation associated with obtaining VA health care services.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Advanced Primary Stroke Center</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/stroke_center.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 15 Mar 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Stroke_Center.jpg" alt="Advanced Primary Stroke Center" title="Advanced Primary Stroke Center"><div>]]>Advanced Primary Stroke Center<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/stroke_center_1300136202114</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Stroke_Center.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Advanced Primary Stroke Center</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The DeBakey VA earned the Gold Seal of Approval from The Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center, the first VA medical center with this designation.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Advanced Primary Stroke Center</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Advanced Primary Stroke Center</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Outpatient Clinic in Texas City Opens</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/TC_clinic_opens.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 14 Mar 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/texas_city_logo.jpg" alt="VA Outpatient Clinic in Texas City Opens" title="VA Outpatient Clinic in Texas City Opens"><div>]]>The new VA outpatient clinic, located at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 206, will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 18.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/TC_clinic_opens_1300131441498</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/texas_city_logo.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">VA Outpatient Clinic in Texas City Opens</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The new VA outpatient clinic, located at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 206, will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 18.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Texas City Clinic Opens</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The new VA outpatient clinic, located at 9300 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Suite 206, will hold a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Friday, March 18.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Stop Identity Thieves - Get Your New VA I.D. Card Today!</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Stop_Identity_Thieves_Get_Your_New_VA_I_D_Card_Today.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:47:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110304.jpg" alt="Stop Identity Thieves" title="Stop Identity Thieves"><div>]]>Stop Identity Thieves<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Stop_Identity_Thieves_Get_Your_New_VA_I_D_Card_Today_1299512996009</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110304.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Stop Identity Thieves</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">In order to reduce Veteran vulnerability to identity theft, the VA is replace prior versions of Veteran I.D. cards with a new, more secure one that eliminates sensitive identifying information.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Stop Identity Thieves</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Stop Identity Thieves</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Participants Needed For Novel Intervention Study for Treatment-Resistant Depression</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Participants_Needed_For_Novel_Intervention_Study_for_Treatment_Resistant_Depression.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 02 Mar 2011 08:30:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_News_20110302.jpg" alt="Participants Needed for Depression Study" title="Participants Needed for Depression Study"><div>]]>Participants Needed for Depression Study<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Participants_Needed_For_Novel_Intervention_Study_for_Treatment_Resistant_Depression_1299076793145</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_News_20110302.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Participants Needed for Depression Study</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The DeBakey VA is conducting several clinical research studies offering novel interventions for patients with treatment-resistant depression. Both Veterans and non-eterans, male and female, ages 18 to 80, are encouraged to enroll.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Depression Study</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Participants Needed for Depression Study</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Homeless, Downcast Veteran Turns Life Around with VA Support </title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Homeless_Vet_Pushes_Restart.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumb_20110125.jpg" alt="Avery with employee Johnson" title="Avery with employee Johnson"><div>]]>Homeless Vet Pushes Restart<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Homeless_Vet_Pushes_Restart_1295992513371</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumb_20110125.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Avery with employee Johnson</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">For 30 long, agonizing years, Air Force Veteran Oliver L. Avery, III abused alcohol to &#39;survive life&#39;s challenges.&#39; The Vocational Rehabilitation Transitional Work Experience Program and the Substance Dependence Treatment Program at the DeBakey VA provided a safe environment to help him get back on his feet. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Homeless Vet Pushes Restart</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Homeless Vet Pushes Restart</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Docs Give Veteran&#8217;s Double Cancer a Quick One, Two Punch</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Cancer_Gets_Quick_1_2_Punch.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 21 Jan 2011 15:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110121.jpg" alt="Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell" title="Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell"><div>]]>Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently performed two unique procedures in a very short timeframe to successfully treat a 71-year-old Army Veteran suffering from both liver and rectal cancer<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Cancer_Gets_Quick_1_2_Punch_1295642979259</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/Thumbnail_20110121.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently performed two unique procedures in a very short timeframe to successfully treat a 71-year-old Army Veteran suffering from both liver and rectal cancer.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Cancer Gets Quick 1, 2 Punch</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Cancer experts at the DeBakey VA recently performed two unique procedures in a very short timeframe to successfully treat a 71-year-old Army Veteran suffering from both liver and rectal cancer</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Preventing Surgical-Site Infections</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/infections.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 14 Jan 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/dr_darouiche.jpg" alt="Dr. Darouiche" title="Dr. Darouiche"><div>]]>Pivotal study could establish new standard of care for preventing surgical-site infections<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/infections_1295034159943</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/dr_darouiche.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Dr. Darouiche</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Patients, whose surgeons use chlorhexidine-alcohol rather than povidone-iodine to cleanse their skin before surgery, are approximately 40 percent less likely to experience surgical-site infections.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Preventing Surgical Infections</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Pivotal study could establish new standard of care for preventing surgical-site infections</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Larger-Than-Life Statue of Charlie Wilson</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Charlie.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 13 Jan 2011 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Charlie_statue.jpg" alt="Charles Wilson" title="Charles Wilson"><div>]]>The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin will hold a special ceremony to dedicate a remembrance statue of its namesake, Charles &#34;harlie&#34;Nesbitt Wilson, on Jan. 12, 2011.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Charlie_1294088317111</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Charlie_statue.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Charles Wilson</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin will hold a special ceremony to dedicate a remembrance statue of its namesake, Charles &#34;Charlie&#34; Nesbitt Wilson, on Jan. 12, 2011. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Larger-Than-Life Charlie</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>The Charles Wilson VA Outpatient Clinic in Lufkin will hold a special ceremony to dedicate a remembrance statue of its namesake, Charles &#34;harlie&#34;Nesbitt Wilson, on Jan. 12, 2011.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>VA Physicians Help Draft American Heart Association Guidelines on Vascular Closure Devices</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Guidelines_on_Vascular_Devices.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Wed, 29 Dec 2010 10:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/12282010_JneidandRojas_180x130.jpg" alt="Jneid and Rojas" title="Jneid and Rojas"><div>]]>Guidelines on Vascular Devices<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Guidelines_on_Vascular_Devices_1293639723776</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/12282010_JneidandRojas_180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Jneid and Rojas</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Recommendations on the safety and effectiveness of vascular closure devices have been released by an American Heart Association expert panel made up of physicians and researchers, including two cardiologists from the DeBakey VA Medical Center</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Guidelines on Vascular Devices</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Guidelines on Vascular Devices</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Turned Away by 2 Hospitals, VA Saves Young Veteran&#39;s Life</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Turned_Away_by_2_Hospitals_VA_Saves_Young_Veteran_s_Life.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Tue, 21 Dec 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Dr_Chu_and_Collins.jpg" alt="Turned Away by 2 Hospitals, VA Saves Young Veteran&#39;s Life" title="Turned Away by 2 Hospitals, VA Saves Young Veteran&#39;s Life"><div>]]>Army Veteran Thaddeus Collins talks with Danny Chu, M.D., associate chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery during a follow-up appointment. The state-of-the-art infrastructure and team approach coupled with the surgical expertise at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center enables its staff to achieve good outcomes while performing high risk cases that other medical centers turn down<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_Dr_Chu_and_Collins.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Turned Away by 2 Hospitals, VA Saves Young Veteran&#39;s Life</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">HOUSTON - Army Veteran Thaddeus Collins had his first heart attack three months ago. At 42 years old, he underwent an emergency coronary catheterization, a minimally invasive procedure using a thin, flexible tube that accesses the heart, at a local Houston hospital. Tests showed he had severe coronary artery disease stopping blood and oxygen from getting to his heart and blocked carotid arteries stopping oxygen from getting to his brain. Cardiac surgical specialists told him he would never survive surgery and prescribed medication.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">VA Saves Young Veteran&#39;s Life</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Army Veteran Thaddeus Collins talks with Danny Chu, M.D., associate chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery during a follow-up appointment. The state-of-the-art infrastructure and team approach coupled with the surgical expertise at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center enables its staff to achieve good outcomes while performing high risk cases that other medical centers turn down</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Rebuilding Injured Lives</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Rebuilding_Injured_Lives.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 20 Dec 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_rebuilding_Injured_lives.jpg" alt="Rebuilding Injured Lives" title="Rebuilding Injured Lives"><div>]]>Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan has demonstrated the nature of modern warfare has changed. There are new causes of injury, improvements in body armor, and surgical stabilization at the front-line of combat. More war-wounded are returning with complex, multiple injuries such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and psychological adjustment problems. Moreover, improvised explosive devices, blasts (high pressure waves), landmines, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosive fragments now account for the majority of combat injuries.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/thumbnail_rebuilding_Injured_lives.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Rebuilding Injured Lives</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan has demonstrated the nature of modern warfare has changed. There are new causes of injury, improvements in body armor, and surgical stabilization at the front-line of combat. More war-wounded are returning with complex, multiple injuries such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and psychological adjustment problems. Moreover, improvised explosive devices, blasts (high pressure waves), landmines, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosive fragments now account for the majority of combat injuries. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Rebuilding Injured Lives</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Combat in Iraq and Afghanistan has demonstrated the nature of modern warfare has changed. There are new causes of injury, improvements in body armor, and surgical stabilization at the front-line of combat. More war-wounded are returning with complex, multiple injuries such as amputations, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injury, visual impairments, and psychological adjustment problems. Moreover, improvised explosive devices, blasts (high pressure waves), landmines, rocket-propelled grenades, and explosive fragments now account for the majority of combat injuries.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Smoking Cessation for Vets</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/smoking_cessation.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 13 Dec 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Smoking_Thumbnail.jpg" alt="Smoking" title="Smoking"><div>]]>Smoking cessation treatment that is made part of mental health care for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) improves quit rates, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study published in the Dec. 8 Journal of the American Medical Association. <![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Smoking_Thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Smoking</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Smoking cessation treatment that is made part of mental health care for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) improves quit rates, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study published in the Dec. 8 Journal of the American Medical Association. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Smoking Cessation for Vets</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Smoking cessation treatment that is made part of mental health care for Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) improves quit rates, according to a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study published in the Dec. 8 Journal of the American Medical Association. </hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>24/7 Online Access to VA</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/24_7_Online_Access_to_VA.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Thu, 02 Dec 2010 14:26:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/heathevet180x130.jpg" alt="Man at a computer" title="Man at a computer"><div>]]>24/7 Online Access to VA<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/24_7_Online_Access_to_VA_1291322120249</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/heathevet180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Man at a computer</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">My HealtheVet is VA&#39;s e-health Web site, which offers Veterans, active duty soldiers, their dependents, and caregivers anywhere, anytime Internet access to trusted, secure, and current VA health care information and services.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">24/7 Online Access to VA</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>24/7 Online Access to VA</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Welcome Home!</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Welcome_Home.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 29 Nov 2010 15:23:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/military-mom-with-child180x130.jpg" alt="Military mom with child" title="Military mom with child"><div>]]>assisting OEF/OIF with a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
			<guid isPermaLink="false">templatedata/content/features/data/Welcome_Home_1291066827666</guid> 
			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/pressrel/military-mom-with-child180x130.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Military mom with child</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">The VA has developed special programs to serve the nation&#39;s newest Veterans - the men and women who served in Operations Enduring Freedom &amp; Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) - by assisting them with a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life. </hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Welcome Home!</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>assisting OEF/OIF with a smooth transition from active duty to civilian life</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Special Showing of Documentary, &#34;Chosin&#34;</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/chosin.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Fri, 29 Oct 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/chosin_thumbnail.jpg" alt="Chosin" title="Chosin"><div>]]>A special showing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, 1 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium at the DeBakey VA. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/chosin_thumbnail.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Chosin</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">A special showing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, 1 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium at the DeBakey VA. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">&#34;Chosin&#34;</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>A special showing will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2010, 1 p.m. in the 4th Floor Auditorium at the DeBakey VA. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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			<title>Link between PTSD and Dementia</title> 
			<link>http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/features/Link_between_PTSD_and_Dementia.asp</link> 
			<pubDate>Mon, 04 Oct 2010 08:00:00 CDT</pubDate> 
			<description><![CDATA[<img src="http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Link_between_PTSD_and_Demontia_thumbnails.jpg" alt="Soldier in Combat" title="Soldier in Combat"><div>]]>Results of a new study suggest Veterans with PTSD have a greater risk for dementia than Veterans without PTSD, even those who suffered traumatic injuries.<![CDATA[</div>]]></description> 
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			<hfs:imagelink type="url">http://www.houston.va.gov/HOUSTON/images/Link_between_PTSD_and_Demontia_thumbnails.jpg</hfs:imagelink> 
			<hfs:imagealt type="string">Soldier in Combat</hfs:imagealt> 
			<hfs:intro type="string">Results of a new study suggest Veterans with PTSD have a greater risk for dementia than Veterans without PTSD, even those who suffered traumatic injuries.</hfs:intro> 
			<hfs:titleshort type="string">Link between PTSD and Dementia</hfs:titleshort> 
			<hfs:indexdescription>Results of a new study suggest Veterans with PTSD have a greater risk for dementia than Veterans without PTSD, even those who suffered traumatic injuries.</hfs:indexdescription> 
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