(February 5, 2008 - Insidermedicine) From Denver - Patients with heart attack are at particularly high risk of developing another heart attack or dying in the 30 days after they stop taking the anti-clotting medication clopidogrel. The risk of having another heart attack or dying was nearly twice as high when compared to another time. Current recommendations are that the medicine be used for 1 year following a heart attack that is treated medically or with a bare metal stent.

From New Zealand - While smoking is known to raise the risk of gum disease, regular cannabis use may also be linked to this condition. In a study of over 900 subjects, which evaluated both cannabis use and periodontal disease, those in the highest cannabis exposure group had a 3 fold greater risk for having significant evidence of periodontal disease.

And finally, from Seattle - A study is raising concern regarding the safety of baby shampoos, powders and lotions. In a study evaluating the urine of over 150 babies, researchers noted various levels of phthalates, a chemical that has been linked to reproductive problems in animals. Phthalates are a group of widely used chemicals that make plastic softer and help stabilize fragrance in personal care products.

For Insidermedicine in 60, I'm Dr. Susan Sharma.