More people are lonely. Are you?
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.
STAAR test prep: How parents can detect and ease testing anxiety
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.
โNever in a million years did I think it would apply to meโ: Woman thrown in abortion ban debate
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 womenโs health.
Donโt miss out! Get expert insights on womenโs health from a Houston area doctor
๐ Join the conversation on women's health! ๐บ๐ช ๐ฃ๏ธ 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!
Remembering Kelsey Nalepa: 8-year-old killed in crash involving drunk driver gets highway sign in League City
In honor of National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, KPRC 2โฒs 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.
Ask 2 Live: Experts answer your questions about the coronavirus vaccine
HOUSTON โ 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.
Ask 2 Live: How to protect your mental health during the holidays and a pandemic
HOUSTON โ Weโve talked a lot about physical health since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic, but thereโs 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 areaDonโt 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.
Trust Index: Will masks go away after the election?
A lot of this election has been focused on the pandemic but the virus itself doesnโt 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 thatโs 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. โItโs not going to go away and God willing weโll get a vaccine soon.
Ask 2 Live: Expert advice on enjoying Halloween amid the pandemic
HOUSTON โ NOTE: This Ask 2 Live event has ended. ICYMI: Ask 2 Live: Expert advice for finding affordable health care in the Houston areaWhether youโre 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. Youโll want to wear a reusable cloth mask to make sure youโre protected.
With suicide rates on the rise due to pandemic, these are the signs to look for in your loved ones
HOUSTON โ Suicides and depression are another side effect from the coronavirus pandemic, psychologists from Menninger Clinic say. โFeeling at the end of their rope and so isolated without any means of soothing themselves,โ 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 doesnโt provoke a response, call police for a welfare check. โI think it takes even more courage to come back and face everything.โ
One Good Thing: KPRC 2 health reporter Haley Hernandez is expecting baby number 2!
Our health reporter Haley Hernandez announced Tuesday she is pregnant with baby number two! 2020 has been full of clouds โ๏ธ but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021 ๐๐ Thanks to everyone who knew it wasnโt just the quarantine 15! ๐๐คฐ๐ป Posted by KPRC2 Haley Hernandez on Tuesday, September 1, 2020โ2020 has been full of clouds but we can see our silver lining coming in 2021,โ Haley said in a Facebook post Tuesday. โThanks to everyone who knew it wasnโt just the quarantine 15!โHer son Travis is very excited to be a big brother. Haley shared a cute photo of him in a shirt that reads, โDoes this shirt make me look like a big brother?โHaley also shared a photo of her baby bump.
Ask 2: Will masks be required? When will a vaccine be ready?
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?
Ask 2: Answering questions about the surge in hospitalizations and current cases
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?
Find comfort in the sights and sounds of Texas: De-stress with these 35 soothing nature videos
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.
Haleyโs Health Inbox: How do I know what antibody testing places are approved?
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.
PHOTO: Image of man surrounded by officers with arms raised in water at Galveston beach surfaces on social media
GALVESTON, Texas โ 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.
WATCH: See what itโs like in Galveston this morning as beachgoers head out
Galveston beaches are open beginning Monday, but donโt 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.
Free mask distribution: This is where you can get a free mask, gloves in Houston
HOUSTON โ Jim โMattress Mackโ 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 Constableโs Office distributed the PPE. Godโs 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. โ 2 p.m. True Light Missionary Baptist Church, 7102 N Main in Houston, from 12 p.m. โ 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 to co-anchor KPRC 2 morning newscast
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. โI always believed Lisa was meant to be on KPRC 2 and we are thrilled that she was excited to join our team,โ 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.
30 movies over 3 hours long to stream while social distancing
Available to rent for $2.99 on Amazon PrimeโThe Sound of Musicโ - Uncut (1965): 3 hr. Available to rent for $3.99 on Amazon PrimeโThe Good, the Bad, and the Uglyโ (1969): 3 hr. Available to purchase for $17.99 on Amazon PrimeโThe Lord of the Rings: The Two Towersโ - Extended (2002): 3 hr. Available to purchase for $17.99 on Amazon PrimeโThe Lord of the Rings: The Return of the Kingโ - Extended (2003): 4 hr. Available to rent for $2.99 on Amazon PrimeโThe Irishmanโ (2019): 3 hr.
Beaches in unincorporated areas of Galveston County reopen
Galveston County announced that beaches in the unincorporated parts of the county had reopened as of April 13. โThe beaches will continue to be heavily patrolled by law enforcement to ensure social distancing requirements are being adhered to,โ 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 coverageโข Find cases by zip code: Harris County heat map shows coronavirus cases by ZIP codeโข Cases by county: A breakdown of how many coronavirus cases there are by county in the Houston areaโข Answering your questions: Weโve got answers to dozens and dozens of your health and financial coronavirus questionsโข Haleyโs Health Inbox: KPRC 2 reporter Haley Hernandez answers questions readers are sending her every dayโข Coronavirus charts: Who is getting coronavirus in the Houston area?
If you are caught not wearing a mask in public in this Texas county, youโll get fined $1,000
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. โThe 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,โ the order reads.
Britta is back and sheโs sharing new photos of her baby
HOUSTON โ KPRC 2 morning meteorologist Britta Merwin returned to the airwaves Friday after taking some time off to spend with her familyโs newest addition. Merwinโs 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 teamโs smiling faces again. She also shared some new pictures of Lila. You can watch the entire segment in the video attached to this story.
Haley Hernandez is back and talking about life as a new mom
HOUSTON โ 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 itโs 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.
KPRC 2 baby boom update
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.
Man reunites with rescued family after long night of waiting at Houston convention center
KPRC 2โs 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.