Texas health regulators are considering sweeping changes that could dramatically reshape the hemp-derived THC industry, and many small business owners say the cost alone could put them out of business.

Attention, Houstonians! It's that time of year again—Medicare open enrollment is here, and there are some important updates you need to know.

In a city like Houston, known for housing the largest medical center in the world and five medical schools, a troubling trend is emerging: healthcare providers are disappearing.

You’ve had all of the yearly check-ups and everything seems fine. Still, your child could have a deadly heart condition that could strike at any moment. This terrifying reality led one family to push for more testing to help as many people as possible in the area.

After parents and students had the opportunity to address Houston ISD Superintendent Mike Miles on Thursday, we’re hoping to learn more by taking your questions directly to Miles later today.

CenterPoint Energy says it expects to have power restored to 1 million customers “by the end of the day on Wednesday" but what about the other half? Here's what they told us.

A reduction in the number of newborn deaths is possible thanks to researchers at Rice University.

Crews from Union Pacific have started another round of testing in Houston’s Fifth Ward to determine whether or not the area contains dangerous chemicals for its residents.

In KPRC 2′s ‘Our Town’ coverage of Acres Homes we are looking at the health issues many people in the area have to deal with. Health reporter Haley Hernandez explains the struggles and unique effort to bring change. Despite being home to the largest medical center in the world Houston has healthcare desserts all around us. People in communities like Acres Homes, don’t have access to basic health information.

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared loneliness an epidemic. An epidemic is classified as something that has risen suddenly and is widespread. Health reporter Haley Hernandez is looking into why more people are lonely, the health issues it can cause and what we can do about it. But the good news is, you do have power to improve or recover from loneliness.

Anxiety is at an all time high among children with the societal pressure of the world, social media, peers, family and friends -- they are also trying to balance succeeding in their education -- such as preparing for the upcoming STAAR test.

Texas students and parents are gearing up for another year of STAAR testing, which can be a stressful time in prepping your child to the best of their needs to pass.

A case that made headlines around the world. A pregnant Texas mother was thrown in the middle of the abortion ban debate. Her life was in danger and doctors were confused about what they could do to help. Health reporter Haley Hernandez has her story and looks into the impact the abortion ban is having on women’s health.

🌟 Join the conversation on women's health! 🌺💪 🗣️ We're excited to announce that our Health Reporter, Haley Hernandez, will be speaking with a Houston area doctor about all things related to women's health. From preventative care to reproductive health, heart disease to mental health, and much more - we want to hear your burning questions!

In honor of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, KPRC 2′s Amy Davis and Haley Hernandez were able to speak with a League City couple whose daughter was killed in a crash involving a drunk driver in 2017.

An etiquette expert explains how to navigate tricky situations that may come up at your next holiday party.

Catch up with Owen and Sofia on KPRC 2 News Today at 10AM on Monday, October 16.

Dr. David Persse, Chief Medical Officer for the City of Houston, joins KPRC 2+ Now at 7 to share more on the highly contagious disease

Dr. Maneesh Kumar from Kumar Pediatrics in southwest Houston sees patients in a medically underserved part of the city. He said child obesity rates are even higher than the national average in his practice.

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans through 2025, women in their 20s should eat 2,000 to 2,400 calories, depending on activity level. Calories decrease to all the way down between 1,600 to 2,000 calories by the time a woman is in her 60s.

President and CEO Mary Beck sat down with KPRC 2 to explain the fentanyl crisis and how to speak with young people about this pervasive drug.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND?

Plants may brighten your home, but some can also be lethal. Every year, more than 100,000 people are poisoned by plants in the U.S., and many of them are children.

You may hear ads on the radio or television about lawsuits against Tylenol.

This Thanksgiving week, we posed the question to members of our KPRC 2 team -- What are you thankful for this year?

After a mother allegedly stabbed her 5-year-old daughter to death at a park, KPRC 2 Health Reporter Haley Hernandez is taking a deeper look at the mother’s mental health.

The American Cancer Society’s Road To Recovery program offers free transportation to those undergoing cancer treatment.

September is Suicide Prevention Month, but awareness of this issue should be front of mind no matter the season.

For the second year in a row, KPRC 2 paid tribute to the hard-working heroes in our medical community.

Diane Anderson is facing a problem many parents are battling now - a shortage of baby formula. It’s a dire situation across the country, as families jump from store to store trying to find formula on shelves.

KPRC Health Reporter Haley Hernandez sat down with Kelsey-Seybold’s managing physician of vaccine practices to get more information on the Omicron variant.

KPRC 2 reporter Haley Hernandez speaks with Dr. Gary Sheppard, president of the Harris County Medical Society, to break down what people need to know about the COVID-19 booster shots.

He’s become a household name during the pandemic as the leading infectious disease expert.

HOUSTON – A panel of medical experts gathered Thursday for an Ask 2 Live discussion aimed at answering your questions about the coronavirus vaccine. The first doses of the vaccine will be given to essential workers and people living in long-term care facilities. She said people with some preexisting conditions are at a higher risk of complications from the virus, which makes them getting vaccinated even more important. Giordano said the 95% efficacy rate means that you are protected at that rate from developing the coronavirus disease. He said a person who has an active infection going to a clinic full of people who are getting vaccinated could infect a lot of people.

HOUSTON – We’ve talked a lot about physical health since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, but there’s also been an impact on mental health. With the holidays approaching and the pandemic still impacting our daily lives, how can you protect your mental health? ICYMI: Expert advice for finding affordable health care in the Houston areaDon’t put off taking care of your mental health any longer. On Thursday, anchor Kris Gutierrez and health reporter Haley Hernandez moderated an Ask 2 Live discussion with local experts and help answer your questions. If you need immediate assistance for mental health and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities related crisis, please call The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD 24-hour Crisis Line at 713-970-7000, option 1, to speak with a crisis counselor.

A lot of this election has been focused on the pandemic but the virus itself doesn’t identify with a political party. In fact, the virus can cause severe complications in any age group, although the most harm is often to the elderly and chronically ill.KPRC 2 wanted to debunk one myth that’s been thrown around: Masks will go away after the election. So, in any county with 20 or more positive COVID-19 cases, people must wear masks with few exceptions. Although many elements of the pandemic have been politicized, of all the doctors and hospital CEOs interviewed by KPRC 2 Health Reporter Haley Hernandez, none of them anticipate mask orders going away after the election. “It’s not going to go away and God willing we’ll get a vaccine soon.

HOUSTON – NOTE: This Ask 2 Live event has ended. ICYMI: Ask 2 Live: Expert advice for finding affordable health care in the Houston areaWhether you’re planning to skip the holiday or celebrate the night while social-distancing, there are many options to choose from and how to do it safely. KPRC 2 was joined by experts from the Houston Health Department, Crime Stoppers of Houston and Sugar Land Sara. First things first, no matter the costume, make sure you wear a mask. You’ll want to wear a reusable cloth mask to make sure you’re protected.

HOUSTON – Suicides and depression are another side effect from the coronavirus pandemic, psychologists from Menninger Clinic say. “Feeling at the end of their rope and so isolated without any means of soothing themselves,” explained Dr. Cory Walker of the Menninger Clinic. Kevin Briggs teamed up to help end the stigma and help families take action to save lives. Both Briggs and Walker agree that if reaching out to a loved one first doesn’t provoke a response, call police for a welfare check. “I think it takes even more courage to come back and face everything.”

Our health reporter Haley Hernandez announced Tuesday she is pregnant with baby number two! 2020 has been full of clouds ☁️ but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021 💙💗 Thanks to everyone who knew it wasn’t just the quarantine 15! 😆🤰🏻 Posted by KPRC2 Haley Hernandez on Tuesday, September 1, 2020“2020 has been full of clouds but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021,” Haley said in a Facebook post Tuesday. “Thanks to everyone who knew it wasn’t just the quarantine 15!”Her son Travis is very excited to be a big brother. Haley shared a cute photo of him in a shirt that reads, “Does this shirt make me look like a big brother?”Haley also shared a photo of her baby bump.

Are we soon going to be required to wear masks everywhere? This would likely require people to wear masks inside of businesses (employees and customers). If you test negative for COVID should you take an antibody test? If you are trying to determine if you previously had the virus, you can take an antibody test. What can an antibody test do?

HOUSTON During a Facebook Live Thursday morning, KPRC2 Health Reporter Haley Hernandez talked about the surge in coronavirus cases across Texas hospitals and answered your questions below. Are schools going to reopen if the cases keep going up? Heres an example of what they know about UV light on surfaces. Can you get the virus twice? Here are two websites that can help:Are the number of recoveries subtracted from the positive cases?

Are you struggling with stress and need a quick diversion? Take a beat. Embark on a virtual visit into nature and explore a corner of the Lone Star State different than your own with these soothing videos. Whether you listen to birds chirp in a field of bluebonnets , watch the sun rise in West Texas or take virtual walk along Jamaica beach, these videos will offer you a calming break during a stressful time. Find comfort in these sights and sounds of Texas.

How do I know what antibody testing places are approved? The FDA has only approved a handful of companies to do antibody testing. Most of the testing you see in Houston that are run through diagnostic testing centers are approved. [Restaurant Guidelines]Where can I find a COVID-19 testing site? From mobile testing to stop and go testing, there are new options for testing.

GALVESTON, Texas – A photo making the rounds on social media shows a man being escorted from Galveston beach on the first day that the beach opened back up. A picture taken by Adrees Latif of Reuters shows a man with his hands above his head in the beach water. According to Reuters, bystanders said the man repeatedly walked onto Seawall Boulevard, disrupting traffic. On Monday, the public beaches opened from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily for exercise only and other non-stationary activities. The Galveston City Council voted to allow people to surf, swim, wade fish, and access the rock groins during the designated hours.

Galveston beaches are open beginning Monday, but don’t pack the car with chairs and an umbrella too soon. Beginning April 27, the public beaches will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. daily for exercise only and other non-stationary activities. The Galveston City Council voted to allow people to surf, swim, wade fish, and access the rock groins during the designated hours. As of April 25, Galveston County reported 255 active cases of COVID-19. Finally got to walk on the beach in Galveston.

HOUSTON – Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale helped give away 10,000 free masks Friday from 5 a.m. - 9 a.m. at the Gallery Furniture North Freeway store to help Houstonians stay safe from COVID-19. The Harris County Precinct One Constable’s Office distributed the PPE. God’s Grace Church, 9944 W. Montgomery in Houston, at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.Canaan Baptist Church, 5117 Lockwood Drive in Houston, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 7102 N Main in Houston, from 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. Effective Monday, April 27, masks are legally required in Harris County per an executive order signed today by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo.

Lisa Hernandez is joining the KPRC 2 News Today team. She will co-anchor with Owen Conflenti and join Britta Merwin, Amy Davis, Haley Hernandez (no relation) and Anavid Reyes in getting Houstonians ready for the day. “I always believed Lisa was meant to be on KPRC 2 and we are thrilled that she was excited to join our team,” said KPRC 2 Vice President/General Manager Jerry Martin. Hernandez is a familiar face in Houston; she served as a KHOU anchor for eight years. Hernandez moved to Houston in 2011.

Available to rent for $2.99 on Amazon Prime‘The Sound of Music’ - Uncut (1965): 3 hr. Available to rent for $3.99 on Amazon Prime‘The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly’ (1969): 3 hr. Available to purchase for $17.99 on Amazon Prime‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ - Extended (2002): 3 hr. Available to purchase for $17.99 on Amazon Prime‘The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King’ - Extended (2003): 4 hr. Available to rent for $2.99 on Amazon Prime‘The Irishman’ (2019): 3 hr.

Galveston County announced that beaches in the unincorporated parts of the county had reopened as of April 13. “The beaches will continue to be heavily patrolled by law enforcement to ensure social distancing requirements are being adhered to,” officials wrote. The city of Galveston announced on March 29 that it was closing all public beaches in the city and restricting traffic on the beach west of the end of the Seawall. If you have any questions, you can contact the Galveston County Office of Emergency Management at 281-309-5002. More coronavirus coverage• Find cases by zip code: Harris County heat map shows coronavirus cases by ZIP code• Cases by county: A breakdown of how many coronavirus cases there are by county in the Houston area• Answering your questions: We’ve got answers to dozens and dozens of your health and financial coronavirus questions• Haley’s Health Inbox: KPRC 2 reporter Haley Hernandez answers questions readers are sending her every day• Coronavirus charts: Who is getting coronavirus in the Houston area?

All rights reserved)Willacy County, which covers parts of South Padre Island, is enforcing its residents to wear a mask when out in public. Or face a$1,000 fine. The requirement also states surgical masks or N95 respirators should not be worn and should continue to be reserved for medical professionals on the frontline. The order states those found in violation of the order can be fined up to $1,000. “The penalty for violating the Mandatory Cloth Face Covering requirement of the provision shall be punishable by a fine not exceed $1,000.000 per violation,” the order reads.

HOUSTON – KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Britta Merwin returned to the airwaves Friday after taking some time off to spend with her family’s newest addition. Merwin’s baby daughter Lila Rose was born Sept. 17, which was just as Tropical Storm Imelda hit Houston. RELATED READ: Haley Hernandez is back and talking about life as a new momDuring her welcome-back segment Friday, she said it was hard to leave her family and return to work, but she was happy to see all of the morning team’s smiling faces again. She also shared some new pictures of Lila. You can watch the entire segment in the video attached to this story.

HOUSTON – The KPRC 2 morning team was all smiles Thursday as they welcomed health reporter Haley Hernandez back to the show after her maternity leave. Hernandez gave birth Sept. 26 to her son, Travis, and has been spending a few months at home getting to know him. RELATED READ: KPRC 2 reporters Haley Hernandez, Sophia Beausoleil deliver baby boys on same dayDuring her welcome back segment, Hernandez talked about what it’s like to be a new mom and shared new photos of her smiling baby boy with a head full of hair. You can watch the segment in the video attached to this story. Morning meteorologist Britta Merwin, who has also been out on maternity leave, is scheduled to return to the newscast Friday.

She's expecting a boy; his name will be Rivers Monaco Roth. The 5 pm anchor and mother to four other boys says she's craving ice. Freeman was part of the big KPRC baby boom of 2011. The Houston native says her cravings have changed throughout her pregnancy and that right now she's craving OJ, lemonade and fruit juices. The former beauty pageant star says she's craving watermelon, sorbet and chips--and that she has a big aversion to chicken.

With the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, KPRC2 anchors and reporters take a look back at covering the catastrophic storm and its aftermath.

KPRC 2’s Haley Hernandez met Angel at the George R. Brown Convention Center Sunday night. He was carrying a plastic bag filled with prescription medications and clothing for the family members he lost earlier in the day. His family members were rescued and taken away and he stayed on the second float waiting to be rescued himself. Angel -- carrying his pool raft -- and his aunt, Amelia, we're at the convention center all night, waiting by the door hoping to find their family members. Hernandez said she saw him several times looking through the sleeping and dining areas at the convention center, searching for his family.