THE DOC REPLIES

I’m 70 but would like to try giving yoga a go. Am I too old?

There is no age limit on starting an activity such as yoga. It is worth speaking to the instructor prior to your first class and they will help you through the early stages of trying a new hobby. It might be that you do some moves slightly differently but this would be explained to you in the class. There are increasing numbers of exercise classes aimed at older people and it is worth having a look to see if there are any yoga classes specifically for people such as yourself in your area. My wife complains that coffee is giving me bad breath. Any tips that don’t involve giving up coffee?

Coffee is often felt to give people halitosis. Good oral hygiene will help reduce this. This is something you could discuss further with your dentist who may be able to share some hints and tips with you.

Is multiple sclerosis hereditary?

MS, strictly speaking, is not an inherited disease passed from generation to generation. However, it is possible certain genetics increase the risk and so a relative being affected might very slightly increase the risk of another family member.

What causes a herniated disc?

This is caused when the spongy discs that sit between the bones of the back slip and press upon the nerve that goes to the legs. This can typically give a horrible pain going down one leg and a lot of people would refer to this as sciatica. This is an unpleasant but common condition and, thankfully, usually settles within a few weeks. Occasionally operations are required to fix the disc.