My cousin's biology teacher told her class that the water we shower in is not hot enough to actually kill bacteria but it promotes bacteria to grow through its warmth. He said it is best to take as cool a shower as one can stand. Is this true? --Freaked about bacteria

The water that we use for showering has chlorine in it, which prevents bacteria from existing in the water itself. As far as killing the bacteria on our body, your cousin's biology teacher is right that the water is not hot enough to kill them and could potentially cause growth. The cool shower idea makes sense, but does not sound especially pleasant (unless you're used to living in a developing country). Try using a washcloth or loofah sponge in the shower to rub off the dead skin and bacteria, rather than being so overly concerned and fearful that you have to take a cold shower every morning! Any microbiologists out there, feel free to correct Alice!