Q: In most cases, emetophobia is triggered by something specific, such as a scent or sitting in the back seat of a car. Figuring out what triggers your emetophobia can help you avoid it or tackle it in therapy. Some common triggers are:  Seeing or thinking of another person or animal vomiting Pregnancy Travel or transportation Medication Scents or smells Foods For many people, dealing with their emetophobia may be as simple as avoiding what triggers the disorder and its related anxiety. However, be aware that this may not always be possible, such as if you have a sick child, and you should have alternative ways to deal with your fear if necessary.  Figure out in advance how to avoid your trigger. For example, if certain foods stimulate your fear, don’t keep them in your home. If you are in a restaurant, you could ask your tablemates to avoid or cover foods that may make you sick. Stay away from your triggers as long as it doesn’t affect your life or that of someone else. For example, if using a public restroom makes you nauseous, make sure this isn’t causing you to stay at home. Emetophobia is relatively common, but it can still be debilitating if you suffer from it. Making peace with yourself about fearing vomit may help you relax, which could actually help you deal with the anxiety related to your fear.  Accepting your emetophobia may also help others accept your disorder. Embracing your disorder may not happen overnight because the fear can be significant. Gradually tell yourself “It’s okay to have this fear, and I am okay.” Consider giving daily positive affirmations to help bolster your confidence and relax you. For example, tell yourself: “I take public transportation successfully every day and today will be no different.” Read online forums from sources such as the International Emetophobia Society, which can give you tips on accepting your disorder as well as put you in touch with emetophobic people. People react strangely to your behavior in situations where you’re avoiding triggers. Be honest about your disorder with others, which may prevent uncomfortable situations or questions. In turn, this may help you relax and control your fear.  Let others know about your fear before anything happens. For example, if the smell of ranch dressing bothers you, say, “I just want to let you know that I apologize if I react badly. I have this disorder that makes me nauseous when I’m around ranch dressing,” or, “Changing dirty diapers makes me slightly nauseous, even as cute as your baby is.” You may find that people can help you avoid triggers like this by not ordering the food or changing diapers when you’re not present. Consider using humor to your benefit. Making a joke about your emetophobia may release tension. For example, if you’re in a car you can say, “May I please sit in the front seat so this doesn’t turn into the vomit comet?” Some people may not understand emetophobia or believe it exists. Try and be understanding if they stigmatize you and realize that their behavior may simple come from ignorance about the disorder.  Ignore any statements that upset you or counter them with information on the disorder. Talking to or leaning on family and friends can help you deal with your feelings and any stigmatization your feel. Because emetophobia is so common, there are different actual and virtual support groups you can join. Being a part of a community that has similar experiences may help you more effectively deal you’re your emetophobia or get treatment for it.  Take part in discussions and forums on your type of emetophobia. Ask your doctor or local hospital about support groups. You can also search online for virtual communities, including the International Emetophobia Society.  Consider joining a support group for people who suffer from anxiety, since emetophobia is an anxiety disorder. Groups such as the Anxiety and Depression Association of America can help you locate a local or virtual support group for your emetophobia-related anxiety.  Talk to your family and friends about your disorder, which may provide immediate support if your fears flare up.
A: Identify your triggers. Avoid triggers. Accept your disorder. Communicate with people. Tolerate social stigmas. Join a support group.

Q: If you are growing marigolds indoors, you can start growing six to eight weeks before the last frost date. Because you are growing the flowers indoors, you do not need to worry about the soil being too cold for the plants, which is why you can start growing them earlier. If you are growing marigolds in a pot outdoors, you should wait until after the last frost to begin the process. Use a pot filled with soilless/seed-starting potting mix. Soilless potting mix is made up of materials like peat and bark. You can find it at gardening stores or stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s.  Make sure the pot you are using has drainage holes in the bottom. This will allow water to pass through the pot naturally as it does in the ground. You may want to put a board or plate underneath the pot to catch any excess water or soil that comes out of the drainage holes. Marigolds grown in containers can be planted closer together, but you want to make sure to give the seeds a couple inches of space in between them. Cover the seeds with ¼ inch of soil. Use about a teaspoon per plant of slow-acting granular fertilizer. This will give your marigolds the nutrients that they need to grow, and are active over a long period of time, about 8-12 weeks. 70 degrees is a good temperature to aim for in your home. Check your thermostat and make sure that your marigolds are being kept around this temperature. If needed, you can buy a heating pad to put under the pot to keep it at this temperature. Also make sure that you start growing your marigolds away from direct light until germination. Your marigold plant should start sprouting within 5-7 days. Once the plant has started sprouting, you will want to place it in direct light for at least 6-8 hours everyday. Either place the pot by a window if you live in a sunny climate, or put the pot under a grow lamp. If you are growing marigolds in a pot outdoors, keep them in direct sunlight. Marigolds do not generally require a lot of water, so water every few days. You want to let the soil partially dry out between watering. Too much dampness in the soil can over stimulate marigolds and isn’t good for the plant. Water at the roots, and avoid getting the blooms, leaves and stems wet.
A: Wait until the start of spring to plant marigolds indoors. Use a soilless potting mix for indoor containers. Sow the seeds a couple inches apart. Mix in a slow-acting granular fertilizer. Keep the temperature around 70 degrees. Place the plant in direct light once germination begins. Water the marigolds occasionally.

Q: If you are in question, assume that the material is asbestos. If you need to be sure, bring in a consultant that is uniquely qualified to identify asbestos. This could be an experienced contractor or someone like a building inspector. These contacts can be found on the internet. Don't attempt to take a sample on your own as you could expose yourself and others in the area to asbestos. Get a qualified professional to take the sample as they will have the necessary personal protective equipment and tools to do the job. For instance, they may need to put on coveralls, gloves, and a respirator before chipping off a piece of the material and putting it in a sealed container. They can use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to contain dust particles and clean the area.   The professional will also dispose of their equipment and the waste from the HEPA vacuum as per your area's regulations. Lab tests can tell you with certainty whether a material contains asbestos or not. Take your sample to a NATA certified lab. If there is one in your area, you can drive it there. If you have to send it off in the mail, follow any regulatory guidelines for mailing asbestos. The lab will identify the material and report back to you.
A:
Consult someone experienced in identifying asbestos. Have a professional collect a sample. Send the sample to a verified lab.