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City Cast Houston

It’s that time of the year, when it’s darker earlier than usual and colder outside. Some of you may be fighting the winter blues, and others may have a type of depression called seasonal affective disorder. Whatever you’re struggling with this winter season, here are tips on how to cope.

Seasonal affective disorder affects many people during the winter months. It’s more severe than just a case of the winter blues 

because it can interfere with how you function daily.

 You might lose interest in hobbies or other activities, or overall feel hopeless, worthless, or irritable. Talk to your doctor or a licensed therapist about your symptoms if you think you have SAD. Many companies offer employee assistant programs that sometimes include free therapy sessions. Check with your company.

Light therapy can help many people. Less sunlight during the fall and winter months can mess up your body’s internal clock and trigger SAD. Health professionals recommend 

sitting in front of a light box every morning for 30 minutes

 or more. However, some people may need other kinds of treatment, such as antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapy.

Maybe you’re just fighting winter blues, which is less serious than a clinical diagnosis of SAD. If so, 

try to get your body moving at least four times a week.

 Luckily in Houston, we still have some sunshine and warm days during the winter, so it’s the perfect time for a bike ride, run or walk around your neighborhood or at the park.

Stick to a solid sleep routine. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time during the week and weekends.

Laugh! Giggles have been shown to counteract depressive symptoms in your brain. Meet up with a funny friend, or find a fun holiday movie, or rewatch one of your favorite television episodes.

Some things that always make me happy during the winter: strolling through 

; getting a warm drink from one of my favorite coffee shops like 

; baking a dessert for myself; putting on one of my favorite TV shows, listening to my favorite songs, and spending time with friends and family.

In need of more ways to enjoy January? We have a 

guide filled with fun activities to partake in all month long

How are you fighting the winter blues in Houston? 

How To Fight The Winter Blues

Tips and tricks for living your best Houston life, by locals, for locals.

Houston Life Hacks

Growing up in south Louisiana on a small rice and crawfish farm, Brittany Franklin explored the area’s festival pageant scene. Her mom got her started, and at a cattle festival, she won her first pageant and through that, began spending time with kids diagnosed with cancer. Inspired to help kids facing the disease, Franklin launched 

 at only 21 years old. Since 2007, the Houston non-profit has raised funds for groundbreaking cancer research and provides once-in-a-lifetime experiences to vulnerable children.

“I had never been in a pageant in my life. It was a big surprise that I won that title, and that’s what launched me into volunteering. It was such an eye-opening experience, and I fell in love with helping people. I was able to visit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at 16 years old. When I visited St. Jude, we went into the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis, which only houses patients’ families from St. Jude’s Research Hospital. We cooked a gumbo, hosted a Mardi Gras parade, and I distinctly remember seeing so many kids of all ages that were fighting for their lives. I met a little boy named Dalton. He was 8 years old, very very sick from his chemotherapy treatments, and he hadn’t eaten in a while. He sat down with me and gobbled up an entire bowl of gumbo. His parents cried. The seed was planted. God said, ‘This is something you’re going to do in your life.’”

What challenges did you face starting this nonprofit at a young age?

“Although a challenge, it was kind of a blessing at the same time to be so naive and not know all of the details. I didn’t know what nonprofit meant. I didn’t know what a 501-c-3 was. I didn’t know any of this stuff. I grew up being taught to outwork our neighbor and to be very confident in whatever we set our mind to doing. I’ve always been somewhat fearless. Obviously, there were challenges from day one. As a woman, I was launched into working in a male-dominant industry. It was either sink or swim right out of the gates. The challenge was more on the side of not being taken seriously. I had to develop this persistence. I had to repeat, repeat, repeat until I was taken seriously, until the mission shined through me so passionately.”

Can you think of a specific kid who has benefitted from Sky High and stands out to you?

“Berra was diagnosed at 9 with brain cancer. I talked to Berra’s parents, and during her journey, which was chemo, radiation, they learned her brain tumor was inoperable. She loved arts and crafts. So, her dream was to have an art shed in her backyard. So, we gathered with some donors, and we were able to fund building her own art shed in her backyard. Berra wanted to 

create her own organization called ‘Let’s Beat Cancer Together.’

 She did that by making bracelets and selling the bracelets, and she wanted the money to go directly to brain cancer research. Our organization was able to give Berra something to look forward to every morning when she woke up. There were so many beautiful things that she did and said. She was determined to help other kids that were in her same situation.”

this Houstonian’s harrowing journey of surviving cancer

This conversation with Brittany Franklin was edited lightly for clarity.

Since 2007, Brittany Franklin has been in charge of Sky High for Kids, which helps kids suffering from cancer. 

Former Pageant Queen Starts Sky High to Help Kids with Cancer

Former Pageant Queen Starts Nonprofit to Help Kids with Cancer

What Houston celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Houston Public Figures

3 Questions With

Unfortunately, we’re about to smack dab in the middle of cold, flu, and COVID season. To stay on top of it, you can now 

 that will be mailed to your home via U.S. Postal Service. Each household can get four nasal swab rapid tests to detect the current virus strains, while supplies last.

COVID-19 tests have a shelf-life for when they can best detect the virus, but some expiration dates on diagnostic tests have actually been extended. 

 to search your test by manufacturer or name to see if it’s still a viable option.

 was approved by U.S. regulators last month to target the most recent virus strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

 for ages 6 months and older — and especially for people who have underlying health conditions, are over 65, or are pregnant. Previous vaccines no longer cover the current strain, and if you’ve been previously infected, your immunity wanes overtime.

If you want to get a vaccine somewhere other than your primary care office, check the local 

 are also offering COVID-19 boosters. If you're an older adult, have a disability, or a veteran, you can call 832-393-4301 to see if you qualify for an in-home vaccination through the Houston Health Department.

How can Houstonians get free COVID-19 tests? 

How Houstonians Can Get Free COVID Tests 

 How To Get Free COVID Tests This Month

After Hurricane Beryl hit on July 8, more than 2.2 million Houstonians were left without power and at least 13 people died. The storm 

also left up to $3.5 billion in property damage

 because of high winds. And the total economic loss from the storm in the United States could reach $32 billion! But when Beryl made landfall in Houston, it was a Category 1 hurricane, the weakest category possible. So, why did it cause so much damage?

As Hurricane Beryl was making its way closer to Houston, its wind speeds began to intensify. Eric Blake, a forecaster at the National Hurricane Center, said that if Beryl had stayed in the Gulf of Mexico six more hours, 

then it could’ve progressed to a Category 2 hurricane.

 Once the storm made landfall, it took a while for its momentum to slow down, causing high wind speeds. Lake Jackson, Angelton, Baytown, La Porte, and Alvin 

It’s important to remember that even tropical-storm force winds, which can range from 60 mph to 95 mph, can rip off roofs and blow out windows at houses with poor or average construction, 

according to the National Weather Service.

 Those wind speeds can also result in numerous power outages with downed wires and power poles. Meanwhile, hurricane force winds that range from 74 mph to 110 mph can blow out glass in high-rise office buildings and uproot trees. Another important factor: Houston 

was also on the dirty side of Hurricane Beryl,

 known as the right side, which sees more extreme winds.

Hurricane Beryl’s financial damage for Houston is expected to be less than Hurricane Ike and Hurricane Harvey – but we still learned how much damage even a Category 1 hurricane can cause. So, where do we go from here?

No matter the category of a hurricane, prepare for the worst case scenario: 

Even if a storm is only classified as a tropical storm, it can still cause significant damage. In 2001, 

 left Houston with significant damage and 

. In 2017, came Hurricane Harvey. Once it moved towards Houston, it had weakened to a tropical storm. 

But Harvey still managed to dump 4.5 feet of rainfall

Be prepared for widespread power outages: 

 in May and Beryl in July, Houston will experience widespread power outages during high wind storms. Make a power outage plan before the storm happens: buy non-perishable food items, 

, and other items you’ll need. If possible, consider buying a generator and use these 

Pay attention to the forecast during hurricane season: 

Hurricane season lasts until Nov. 30. Before Beryl, some of us were caught up with our Fourth of July plans and not paying attention to Beryl’s track, which changed unexpectedly only a few days before landfall. Pay attention to local meteorologists, 

 from Mike Iscovitz, chief meteorologist at Fox 26 Houston.

Why Did Hurricane Beryl Cause So Much Damage?

What Houstonians have been wondering. We break down why things in Houston are the way they are and how they work.

Houston, Explained

 Jaila Lewis, a doctoral student at University of Houston, wanted to figure out a way to improve treatment for minorities diagnosed with cancer. She teamed up with University of Houston researcher, Dr. Dinler Amaral Antunes, to design a HEALTH-RCMI Pilot Program study that seeks 

to develop immunotherapies specifically for underrepresented minorities

What sparked your interest in the Fifth Ward cancer cluster?

 “My Dad actually grew up in Texas. I grew up with a lot of Houstonian culture. I was trying to figure out how I could improve things for minorities in my own way. Since I work in a very specific side of science, I figured maybe I could utilize some type of computational biology to address health disparities in these particular neighborhoods. I have quite a few friends that have degrees in public health, so I learned about health disparities, including cancer clusters through them. So, I was wondering if cancer clusters existed in Houston. I came across a Houston Chronicle article, and that’s how I started putting things together.”

What are your goals for this program you’ve developed?

“The short-term goal is to test the specific targets from cancer treatments, considering the genetics of these minority populations, and then try to use computational tools to improve the use of these targets so we can have more efficient treatment for these patients. In the long-term, we want to expand that, so that any patient that comes through a personalized treatment can have a better possible treatment for their particular type of cancer.”

“There’s a historical context as to why there’s so little representation of patients of color in medicine and in healthcare, especially in terms of structural data and information. There’s a lot of mistrust between the Black community and healthcare. That’s a short-term goal, to show that there are options being studied currently, specifically for patients of color. Not in a way to exploit them... [but provide] something that they can utilize and benefit from.”

How can healthcare continue to serve underrepresented communities like the Fifth Ward?

 “[It’s] a multifaceted approach. Having a collection of multiple researchers together. It’s going to take some patience, because of course that trust isn’t going to form overnight. It’s going to take some resilience in actually listening to these particular populations in the first place.”

“The involvement of the community can not happen only on the basis of what we need [as] researchers. We also need to see how we can pair this with something that the community needs. Maybe, there are other researchers taking blood samples for other purposes. We can connect with them to access this information and at the same provide something more complete that can benefit the community.”

University of Houston researchers are striving to improve immunotherapies for minority patients. 

UH Researchers Strive to Improve Cancer Treatment For Minority Patients

UH Researchers Strive to Improve Cancer Treatment for Minority Patients

The 2024 tornado season has been the most active in U.S. history. According to the National Weather Service, 

 have been reported nationwide. April alone saw at least 

, the second-highest since 2011. There’s some possible relief: AccuWeather predicts 

But tornado behavior is changing, which experts say could have 

. A larger number of tornadoes now occur on the same day or fewer days than before and occur earlier in the spring. The 

 reference — which spanned from the Dakotas to western Colorado and down to Texas — may be 

 and further south. April’s record-setting numbers were most numerous in central states.

, already beating 2023’s total number of tornadoes, and currently behind Illinois and Alabama for the most tornadoes in the U.S. On May 16, an 

EF1 tornado with peak winds of 100 to 110 miles per hour

 hit Cypress, severely damaging homes and neighborhood structures.

 to these changes, what is certain is that more communities will be forced to build infrastructure and adopt new protocols to mitigate a tornado’s effects.

Because tornadoes can hit with little notice, experts recommend building an 

 for real-time weather and emergency alerts and the 

And tornado damage doesn’t discriminate: If you struggle to find insurance coverage, look into your state’s 

Fair Access to Insurance Requirements Plan

Familiarize yourself with the warning signs of a tornado, and confirm if your community has a warning siren

If a tornado warning has been issued, follow 

If you’re unable to make it to a city shelter, go to the basement or an 

 on the lowest floor. Get under a sturdy surface and ride out the warnings. 

, drive to the closest shelter, or abandon your car and find shelter in a low-lying area.

Stay out of damaged buildings and away from 

 during clean-up to protect yourself and others from disease and contamination, and 

Check in with your family and neighbors, too. 

 if possible until emergency response teams arrive.

 if you or someone you know could benefit from counseling.

Tornado season is changing, and experts say that could have major consequences. Check out this guide to preparing and protecting yourself during a tornado. 

Your Guide to Tornado Season in Texas

Get to know the natural side of Houston: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Houston Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

After getting involved in a spin studio community, Sherilyn Hardy decided to turn her passion for fitness into a fulfilling career. Now, she serves as the chief operating office at 

, a luxury fitness brand that offers exciting HIIT workouts, stretch, and recovery services. Hardy is also aiming to compete in a bodybuilding competition later this year. “The goal is always to place and come home with a prize, but honestly, just getting there and walking that stage would be a win in itself,” Hardy says.

“When I stopped playing lacrosse in school, I knew I needed to do something with a group of people to stay active and motivated. I was introduced to the fitness community by joining a spin studio. It was there that I found a supportive boss who not only believed in my potential but also inspired me to envision a future in the fitness industry. I realized fitness could be more than a pastime; it could be a fulfilling career. My coaching expanded into strength training, which eventually led me to ONESWEAT, where I am excited to continue building a community and sharing the power of group fitness.”

What makes your workout classes different from others in Houston?

“ONESWEAT stands out in Houston with its 50/50 high intensity workout – 50% tread, 50% floor – under the blue lights. The blue light setting enhances focus and performance, while the workout itself is intense and enjoyable. What truly sets us apart is the personal touch. Each instructor crafts creative, personalized workouts paired with incredible playlists. With diverse coaching styles, there's a perfect match for everyone.”

What’s one of the biggest misconceptions people have about health and fitness?

“One prevalent misconception is equating fitness solely with physical appearance. True health extends beyond aesthetics. It's about overall well-being, mental health, and sustainable lifestyle choices. Which is why we opened up ONESWEAT Stretch + Wellness to help our clients in the recovery aspect as well.”

Sherilyn Hardy is the chief operating officer at ONESWEAT, a luxury fitness brand that offers exciting HIIT workouts, stretch, and recovery services.

Houston Instructor Finds Passion For Fitness 

Houston Instructor Discovers Passion For Fitness

Ben King, a clinical assistant professor at the Tilman J. Fertitta Family College of Medicine at University of Houston, has always been passionate about public health and helping vulnerable communities. He also is an advocate for ending homelessness, serving on the National Health Care for the Homeless Council's Research Committee.

What first sparked your interest in public health?

“My first job career was inpatient mental health, psychiatric units. I had a lot of exposure during college and the two years afterwards, seeing how porous and mostly unhelpful the crisis system is for mental health in America. I got to work in New York, Austin, and even Honolulu for a while doing inpatient psych work. I became really disillusioned with what I was seeing. Public health was a way to try to answer some of the big questions I had about what was broken. It was to answer that question, how is this system not working for people going through it?”

You're drawn to helping vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. What drew you to work in that area?

“I started working in a free clinic here in Houston. It really changed the way I thought about how healthcare could be delivered. It was a space where people who were usually rejected and turned away or at least derided by the healthcare system were given compassionate and thoughtful care plans. We would spend over an hour with each patient, which is unheard of in a normal clinic setting. It was partly better care than these folks could get anywhere else. I felt encouraged by that, and I also realized that I didn’t have to go abroad to find good care systems and to find people who were dramatically under-resourced.”

How do you think Houston can continue to help its homelessness problem?

“We know what works. Houston is having more success than almost any other city in the country. What they do is unlike any other city I’ve spoken to. The whole approach of giving 30 days of engagement, rapport building, and then a tight window where you try to get every single person in that encampment into housing with services. The answer to this is housing with wraparound case management that can support people while they transition and heal from the trauma they’re experiencing. It takes time for them to heal, recover, and rebalance. They need services and they need to be placed in housing first, and then have everything else wrapped around them and available to them.”

on how Houston is leading the way to end homelessness.

Ben King, a professor at University of Houston, has always been passionate about public health and helping vulnerable communities.

University of Houston Professor Advocates for Public Health

record-breaking oak pollen count in March

 as weed and grass pollen, plus mold spores, are rapidly switching up between slightly painful and terribly horrible. While you can’t control Mother Nature, here are some tips for reducing allergens in your home.

 are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. They can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).

 that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.

Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses 

Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.

Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub counters and bathroom surfaces weekly.

When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.

If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — 

Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

 — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. Check pollen trackers for day-of counts.

Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.

Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors. (

And check the pollen count during peak allergy season

If you live in a humid region (hello, Houston summer), consider a 

📣 What tips do you have for allergy season? 

Plus, why allergies especially suck in Houston

Allergies in Houston really suck. Check out this guide to control allergens in your home this year. Your sinuses will thank you.

Tips for surviving Houston allergies in 2025

Prepare Your Houston Home For Allergy Season

COVID-19 is no longer considered a public health emergency

, it remains an illness that many people contract regularly, and acquiring treatment can be expensive and difficult to navigate. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has partnered with the pharmaceutical company Pfizer 

, a common treatment medication that typically costs upward of $1,400, which means you can get it for free or at a discounted price. Here’s what you need to know.

 to help fight COVID-19 infections. It works by keeping the virus from multiplying in your body. The company ran a clinical trial with over 2,000 people infected with COVID-19 and says that 

the drug reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by 86%

 that are taken orally twice daily for a total of five days. There is also a reduced dose for individuals with kidney disease. Your healthcare provider can prescribe the dosage and pack that is best for you.

You first need to get a prescription for Paxlovid from your doctor. Once you have a prescription, you can sign up for the free or reduced-cost medication option 

, or by calling 1-877-219-7225. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, and address. If you need assistance filling out the information, a local pharmacist should be able to help you.

Can You Get Paxlovid if You’re Uninsured?

Yes. The Paxcess program allows individuals without insurance, as well as those covered by Medicaid or Medicare, to get Paxlovid for free.

There might be a small cost if you have health insurance through a commercial provider, but it’s worth signing up through Paxcess, as it could help drastically reduce the cost of Paxlovid.

Paxlovid helps fight COVID-19, but it can be expensive. Here’s how to get it for free or at a reduced cost.

public health

How To Fight The Winter Blues

Former Pageant Queen Starts Nonprofit to Help Kids with Cancer

How To Get Free COVID Tests This Month

Latest articles

How To Fight The Winter Blues

Former Pageant Queen Starts Nonprofit to Help Kids with Cancer

How To Get Free COVID Tests This Month

Why Did Hurricane Beryl Cause So Much Damage?

UH Researchers Strive to Improve Cancer Treatment for Minority Patients

Your Guide to Tornado Season in Texas

Houston Instructor Discovers Passion For Fitness

Latest articles

Why Did Hurricane Beryl Cause So Much Damage?

UH Researchers Strive to Improve Cancer Treatment for Minority Patients

Your Guide to Tornado Season in Texas

Houston Instructor Discovers Passion For Fitness

University of Houston Professor Advocates for Public Health

Prepare Your Houston Home For Allergy Season

How to Get Paxlovid for Free