If you are ever tempted to reach for a bag of frozen peas to use as an ice pack to ease painful bruising ­ beware! Doctors now say you could end up with frostbite. A report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine highlights how one sports teacher used a bag of frozen french fries to reduce swelling in her right foot. Unfortunately, she fell asleep. When she awoke 40 minutes later the pain had gone. But next day her foot became discoloured and painful. Doctors diagnosed frostbite and sent the poor woman off for emergency surgery. The authors of the report advise consumers to use their DIY ice packs for no more than 30 minutes, and only 10 minutes on the foot. File this little anecdote under the Strange but true' category. {{COUNTERPOINT }}