prevent

Ok so i got my 7x7 cube like a couple of days ago and i can solve it alright, the only problem i have is that i get edge-parity almost every time. So my question is, is there any way to prevent edge-parity in previous steps? i tried to google this but i couldnt really find anything...

Has anyone else injured themselves in anyway due to cubing? This topic was motivated by my recent wearing away of the skin on the back of my pinky due to excessive use of the finger trick R' with pinky in OH. So its not a very serious injury.... Other injuries: My friend had a massive lockup...