You can use either a damp cloth or an ice pack for your cold compress. Put the compress against your swelling and apply firm pressure to help reduce the size of the edema. Keep the compress tight against your skin for 20 minutes at a time whenever you feel pain or want immediate relief. You can use a cold compress once every hour.  Avoid keeping ice on your skin for more than 20 minutes since you could give yourself frostbite. Cold compresses help reduce inflammation so your edema doesn’t feel as painful. Avoid wearing clothes that are tight against your skin since they can put stress on your edema and make it feel painful. Choose clothing that fits comfortably and doesn’t restrict your range of motion, such as sweatpants and baggy sweatshirts. If you have edema in your feet, pick wider shoes and tie the laces loosely so they’re less likely to cause pain. If tight clothing rubs against your edema over extended periods of time, you may develop irritation. Run warm water in your bath and add 2 cups (200 g) of Epsom salt. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water completely before getting in your tub. Keep the swollen area submerged for around 15–20 minutes so you can get relief from any aches or pains you’re feeling.  You can buy Epsom salt online or from your local drugstore. Epsom salt breaks into magnesium and sulfate that absorbs into your skin and helps alleviate pain. Choose a supplement that has around 200–400 mg of magnesium for the best effects. Take your supplement in the morning every day since it can help reduce your pain and limit your water retention, which helps reduce the size of your edema.  Always talk to your doctor before starting a new supplement to make sure it doesn’t interfere with other medications you’re taking. Magnesium helps your body reduce nerve pain, so it may help with your edema. Mix 2–3 drops of the lavender oil with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of a carrier, such as olive, avocado, or almond oil. Gently rub the oil into your skin where you’re swollen until it absorbs into your body. Keep applying the oil once or twice daily to help reduce your swelling and ease your pain.  Lavender is an antioxidant and has been shown to reduce and prevent edema. You may also try peppermint, eucalyptus, or chamomile oil as well.

Summary: Apply a cold compress if you have swelling from an injury. Put on loose-fitting clothing to reduce pressure on the swollen area. Soak the swollen area in an Epsom salt bath to ease pain. Take magnesium supplements to manage water retention and pain. Try applying lavender essential oil for a natural anti-inflammatory.


A classical guitar has nylon strings, which are softer and easier for a child to manipulate. These strings are less likely to hurt your child’s fingers, which means they’re great for complete beginners. Choose a classical guitar when your child is first learning to play so that they can slowly get used to the strings.  It’s common for metal guitar strings to cause calluses on your fingertips, but children are often sensitive to pain. Your child may not want to play as often if it hurts to do so. Classical guitars are typically lightweight, which makes them easier for a child to hold. Acoustic guitars are a bit heavier than a classical guitar, while electric guitars are the heaviest option. Your child may find that an electric guitar is too heavy for them, so have them try it out first. An acoustic guitar has steel strings, which often cause discomfort when your first start playing them. However, acoustic guitars are a popular choice for musicians and have a fuller sound than classical guitars. Let your child transition to an acoustic guitar once they’re used to manipulating the strings on a classical guitar.  Talk to your child about their progress. Ask them if their fingers are hurting, as well as well as how they're playing their guitar. Ask your child’s music teacher if they think it’s time for your child to upgrade to an acoustic guitar. Electric guitars typically use steel strings, but the strings aren’t as taut as an acoustic guitar’s strings. This makes it easier for a child to play. Consider an electric guitar if your child has experience with a classical guitar but prefers the sound of an electric guitar.  You can find electric guitars in child sizes, but you may have to look online because some music shops don’t carry them. You’ll need to buy cables and amps to go with an electric guitar because otherwise it’s hard to hear them. This typically drives up the price of the guitar. Plus, your child will need to learn how to plug up their instrument.

Summary: Pick a classical guitar for a true beginner because the strings are softer. Get an acoustic guitar if your child has some playing experience. Select an electric guitar for an experienced child who wants to rock.


Straighten your back and rest your arms at your sides. Inhale and you should be in a neutral position.

Summary: Know the basics of working out on an exercise ball before proceeding. Lie down with your back on the floor with your legs stretched straight out on top of the exercise ball.


A wide variety of prescription medications can interfere with fertility. If you're concerned about your fertility, talk to your doctor about any existing medications. See if anything you're taking is having an adverse effect on your fertility, and whether you can try a different medication.  Medications used to treat anxiety and depression may have an effect on sperm count. Certain medications used to treat an enlarged prostate can also cause fertility issues. Medications used for fungal infections may also adversely affect fertility. Infertility is a medical condition in which the body does not produce viable sperm. If you suspect you're infertile, make an appointment with your doctor for evaluation. Your doctor will do a physical examination of the external genitalia and skin and do a semen analysis. Your doctor may also test for autoantibodies and other biochemical derangements, complete sperm chromatin and DNA analyses, do genetic testing for the CFTR gene, and do endocrine tests to see if you have a pituitary or testosterone problem. You may notice some of the following symptoms:  Difficulty achieving an erection, a lower sex drive, and problems with overall sexual function Pain, discomfort, or a lump around the testicles Recent surgery around the groin A history of sexual problems, or problems with the prostate If you have any STIs, seek treatment right away. A round of antibiotics may be necessary to treat a sexually transmitted infection. If your fertility issues are caused by an STI, treatment will be necessary to correct the issue. Talk to your doctor about the right treatments, and ask him or her about anything else you need to do to restore fertility. Hormonal treatments are occasionally used to correct fertility issues. If your doctor finds you have a hormonal imbalance affecting fertility, talk to him or her about your options in terms of hormonal treatments.  High or low levels of certain hormones can affect fertility. Synthetic replacement hormones can help correct this problem. Your doctor will determine which hormones will be most helpful to correct your issues. Endocrine abnormalities include the following: androgen receptor issues, low serum testosterone and high FSH or LH levels. Your In rare cases, infertility is caused by damage to the reproductive organs. If your doctor determines this is the case, they may recommend surgery. Your doctor will go over your specific surgery with you, and give you the details about things like the procedure and recovery time.
Summary: Talk to your doctor about your prescription medications. See a doctor if you suspect infertility. Treat any existing infections. Discuss hormonal treatments. Have surgery, if necessary.