HEPA, HEPA Hooray!
On August 5th, Portland, Oregon, topped the list of IQAir's 10 cities with the worst air pollution. And in mid-July 2026, extensive areas of the Midwest had air quality readings ranging from unhealthy to hazardous (100-500). Between global warming and wildfires, highly polluted air is forcing folks to limit outdoor activity, wear masks outside, keep windows sealed and use air filters indoors.
These self-protective measures are vital. Not only does long-term exposure to air pollution -- especially when it is filled with fine particles (PM2.5) -- lessen the benefits of exercise by up to 15%, but a new study in Radiology shows that it harms your heart. Researchers followed more than 11,000 participants for 10 years, using CT scans to reveal changes in heart health that developed in relation to air quality in their hometowns. They found that air pollution is associated with dangerous plaque buildup in men and women's coronary arteries. In women, it's also associated with obstructive coronary artery disease.
That's not all. Poor air quality fuels premature aging -- upping inflammation, lowering immune strength and increasing your risk for respiratory and metabolic problems and cancer.
Your smartest move is to invest in HEPA air filters (installed in your whole-house system or as stand-alone room filters). They can remove 99.97% of ultra-tiny 0.3-micron particles that are abundant in wildfire smoke. And the combo of a HEPA/carbon filter can effectively reduce indoor concentrations of PM2.5. For more ways to breathe easy and increase your healthy longevity, become a member for free at "4 You Health Community" at 4youngevity.com/community.
Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at drmikerealage@gmail.com.
(c)2026 Michael Roizen, M.D.
Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
(c) 2026 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.
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