Platform wedges, slip dresses and mom jeans are among the '90s trends that have come back in vogue in recent years. But there are certain '90s trends, especially regarding health, that never went out of style.
"The 1990s were a time of novel health awareness, which differed in some distinct ways from the preceding and following decades," states Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. "The 1980s health news was dominated by the discovery of the HIV virus and AIDS."
After 9/11, Dr. Cutler says the risk of terrorism dominated the news and was seen as a top health threat. "The decade in between was dominated by the development of the internet, the popularity of exercise videos and the availability of treatment for HIV, along with the notion of 'safe sex.'"
Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Garage Gym Reviews, tells Parade it's important to reassess trends from prior decades and critically evaluate the current ones. Health advice changes regularly, and not every piece of advice out there is accurate to begin with, especially with so much information now available on the internet. For instance, he urges us to keep in mind that anecdotes are not always the best evidence.
"A personal success story can be encouraging, but it does not prove that something is safe or effective for everyone," Dr. Dasgupta notes. "Look for guidance from major medical organizations and studies involving meaningful numbers of people and always speak with your doctor."
However, doctors agree that there are some '90s health tips that still hold up today. Read on to find out what they are.
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Though it was still possible to smoke in some restaurants, the 1990s saw a rise in treatments to help people kick their smoking habits, like nicotine patches. Doctors, scientists and everyday people who urged patients and loved ones to quit smoking had it right then—and now.
"This trend needs little to no explanation," Dr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, a family physician, says. "There is an overwhelming body of scientific evidence that links smoking to numerous health problems, cancer and death. If you’re considering quitting, speak with your family physician for support and to discuss options."
What if you started smoking in the Y2K era (or never quit in the '90s)?
"Quitting at any age improves health and life expectancy—[this statement] is absolutely still true," Dr. Cutler says. "If anything, the evidence is even stronger today."
2. Avoid illicit drug use
Say what you want about the DARE program, which anyone who went to school in the '90s likely participated in—but that advice still holds up. Avoiding illicit drugs, including heroin, cocaine and prescription medications that aren't prescribed to you is still life-saving.
"Trends in recreational drug use come and go, but avoiding drugs will never fall out of favor as a way to improve health," Dr. Malchuk notes.
Dr. Dasgupta agrees, noting that illicit drugs can affect every organ in the body, like the brain, liver, heart and lungs. They can also wreak havoc on your mental well-being.
"Even occasional use can be risky since you may not know exactly what is in a drug or how strong it is," he says. "It also helps to talk about drug use without shame so people feel comfortable asking for help."
Doctors, public health officials and your parents were right (sorry about the last one). Dr. Cutler recalls that the "5 A Day" campaign, encouraging people to consume five servings of fruits and vegetables every day, began in the early 1990s. Since then, he points out that research continues to support the idea that fruits and vegetables (and legumes and whole grains) lower your risk of several issues, including cardiovascular disease, some cancers and premature death.
4. At-home workout videos are awesome
You may have ditched the VHS that once helped you sweat with Jane Fonda. But videos on an app or YouTube can work just as well. Dr. Malchuk loves how easy and accessible workout videos make it to exercise.
Dr. Cutler shares that the 1995 CDC/ACSM recommendation encouraged adults to accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days. That advice still holds today, with the American Heart Association recommending that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly, plus two strength-training sessions.
If indoor, at-home workout videos aren't your thing when it's 70 and sunny out, travel back in time on wheels. Rollerblading was a popular way to get around in the '90s. While we see e-bikes more often these days, rollerblading holds a special place in Dr. Dasgupta's heart.
"Rollerblading is one of those activities that feels more like fun than exercise, but it can still be a solid cardio workout," he says. "It gets your heart rate up while also working your legs and helping with balance and coordination."
He suggests beginners (or people who haven't worn rollerblades since *NSYNC was still together) wear a helmet and pads, choose a flat surface and start slowly.
"Spend 10 minutes at an indoor rink or on a smooth, flat trail and build up from there," Dr. Dasgupta notes.
Related: This Is the #1 Unexpected Way Your Body Is Telling You That You Have a Vitamin D Deficiency
6. Play outside
Yes, you too, adults. "Getting outside is an easy way to be more active without making it feel like a formal workout," Dr. Dasgupta tells Parade. "Walking is a great low-impact option that can improve heart health, stamina and mood. Activities like gardening, hiking or playing outside all count too."
He recommends taking a 20-minute walk in a park, spending time in the garden, or planning an outdoor activity with friends or family (pickleball or adult field day, anyone?).
In the '90s, soy products went from being niche health foods to mainstream products readily available at most major grocery stores. Dr. Dasgupta wasn't mad about it then or now.
"Foods like tofu, edamame, tempeh and soy milk are good sources of plant-based protein," he says. "They can be a healthy addition to your diet, especially when they replace foods that are higher in saturated fat. Soy may also help support healthy cholesterol levels."
To re-engage with this trend, Dr. Dasgupta suggests adding some edamame to a grain bowl, using tofu in a stir-fry, or sipping unsweetened, calcium-fortified soy milk.
8. Get recommended vaccinations
In 1989, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) recommended a second dose of the MMR vaccine for all children in response to measles outbreaks in vaccinated children. By 2000, measles was declared eliminated from the U.S.
Shoutout to the parents in the 1990s who got their kids vaccinated (and the little ones who rolled up their sleeves). Unfortunately, the U.S. has seen multiple measles outbreaks in recent years. Dr. Cutler says that the advice to stay up to date on vaccines hasn't changed. In fact, he says that we've been fortunate to gain access to several more vaccines since the 1990s, including:
HPVShinglesNewer pneumococcal vaccinesRSV vaccines for older adults and some infantsUpdated COVID-19 vaccinesChickenpox (in 1994)"Routine immunization has prevented millions of deaths," Dr. Cutler says.
California became the first state to enact a helmet law in 1987. Other states, including New Jersey (1992), Oregon (1993) and New York (1994) soon followed.
While states only require helmets for children under certain ages, some municipalities require everyone to wear one. Regardless, Dr. Cutler says it's worth rocking one in adulthood. He says helmet use can reduce:
Traumatic brain injurySkull fracturesFatal head injuriesShe notes that ski helmets also became popular in the 1990s.
10. In-person interaction is fulfilling
Ironically, social media may not fill our social cup like our 1990s-era gatherings. Indeed, before Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and even widespread use of AIM and text messaging, many people placed a greater emphasis on face-to-face time.
"This is important more than ever before, as smartphones and social media can detract from meaningful social interactions," Dr. Malchuk says. "Further, we’re learning more and more about the negative way that social media and 'clickbait' websites impact our self-esteem, brain, sleep and mood."
Related: We Asked 3 Psychologists What Group Activity Is Best for Adults—They All Said the Same Thing
5 '90s Health Trends That Are (Thankfully) Over
Doctors wish these health trends didn't exist in the 1990s, and it's best to avoid them today.
Dr. Cutler thinks that "the most profound trend change from the 1990s is our attitude toward opiate pain medication."
"These drugs were often seen as a panacea for all types of acute and chronic pain," he says. "Published studies lauded the low risk of addiction when treating pain."
So, OxyContin, fentanyl and similar drugs were used for managing numerous benign but painful conditions. "All that has changed with the recognition of the scourge of addiction, the epidemic of overdose deaths and the great harm caused by this illicit drug industry," Dr. Cutler explains.
Related: What To Know About the ‘Pink Salt Trick,’ the New Weight Loss Method Everyone’s Talking About
2. Using the "no pain, no gain" motto while exercising
"This is probably the worst PR campaign for exercise ever," Dr. Malchuk declares.
Indeed, contrary to what trainers may have barked out, he notes that exercise isn't supposed to be painful.
"It should be effective, yes, but also enjoyable," she says. "Enjoyable doesn’t mean easy. You want to challenge yourself, but exercise should not make you miserable or work to the point of maximal exertion at all times, or so sore you can barely walk the next day."
It wasn't your fault the ThighMaster didn't work. "These tools can help strengthen a muscle, but they cannot control where your body loses fat," Dr. Dasgupta notes. "You may feel your abs or thighs working, but that does not mean fat will come off from that exact area."
4. Drinking 12 ounces of orange juice to be healthy
OJ was once a ubiquitous breakfast-table staple. These days? Not so much.
"Orange juice does provide vitamin C, but a 12-ounce serving also contains a lot of natural sugar and very little fiber," Dr. Dasgupta reports. "It is not something you have to avoid completely, but a smaller portion makes more sense, and whole fruit is usually the better everyday choice."
5. Believing restrictive fad diets work
Good riddance to liquid diets, cabbagesoup diets and others like it.
"Totally eliminating a food or entire food group makes you feel deprived and does not improve health," Dr. Malchuk tells Parade, noting that rigid, restrictive diets can backfire. "For some people, it can contribute to disordered eating. There are exceptions—like people with certain medical conditions that need to limit their daily salt or water intake, or people with food allergies. But overall, all whole foods should be enjoyed."
"When we talk about ultra-processed foods—which includes everything from fast food to protein shakes—the evidence points toward limiting these," Dr. Malchuk clarifies.
Up Next:
Related: What Happens to Your Body When You Lift Weights Every Day?
Sources:
Dr. David Cutler, MD, a board-certified family medicine physician at Providence Saint John’s Health CenterDr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, the chief medical advisor for Garage Gym ReviewsDr. Alexa Mieses Malchuk, MD, MPH, a family physician Treatment Options for Smoking in the ‘90s. Therapeutic Review. California’s “5 a Day—for Better Health!” Campaign: An Innovative Population-Based Effort to Effect Large-Scale Dietary Change.American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Increasing fruit and vegetable variety helps to lower disease risk. American Society for Nutrition. Physical activity and public health. A recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine. JAMA. American Heart Association Recommendations for Physical Activity in Adults and Kids. American Heart Association.Saturated Fat. American Heart Association.Cumulative Meta‐Analysis of the Soy Effect Over Time. JAHA. History of Measles. CDC. Measles Cases and Outbreaks. CDC. MV PICCS Intervention: Bicycle Helmet Laws for Children. CDC. An experimental online study on the impact of negative social media comments on anxiety and mood. Scientific Reports. Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic. CDC.Hence then, the article about doctors say these 90s health tips actually hold up today was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
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