preserving food
Freezing food slows down the decay process by turning residual moisture into ice, inhibiting the growth of microorganisms that cause food spoilage
medical
Icing is effective at reducing pain and swelling because the cold constricts blood vessels and decreases circulation to the area. For example, if an athlete rolls an ankle in a volleyball match an immediate application of ice will cut down on long-term swelling and potentially lessen recovery time
how to ice
Ice injuries for 20 minutes at a time, with 20 minute breaks in between sessions. There is no long-term timeline for icing. If desired, the volleyball player mentioned earlier could ice the injured ankle after every practice and game to alleviate potential soreness.