The Federal Communications Commission says it plans to allocate spectrum bandwidth for use of body sensors that would monitor a patient's vital signs wirelessly. The spectrum will work specifically with MBAN (medical body area network) sensor devices. Similar in size and shape to a Band-Aid, the sensors would be disposable and include a low-power radio transmitter, according to an FCC official. The primary function is to monitor a patient's temperature, pulse, blood glucose level, blood pressure and respiratory health wirelessly. "The benefits are clear: increased mobility, better care and lower costs," FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski tells CNN. Here's how it works: Using the newly allocated spectrum bandwidth, the sensors on a patient's body would wirelessly form a network, aggregate the results and transmit that data to centralized computer systems. The idea is to provide real-time results for health care staff and more comfort for patients because they won't be attached to machines by wires. FCC officials say the amount of radiation involved with these devices is so low that they would pose no health risks. They say MBAN devices would use short-length radio waves at a frequency lower than a Bluetooth.  MBAN manufactures believe it will drive down health care costs. They estimate that disposable wireless sensors could save about $2,000 to $12,000 a patient. The FCC says this is just the beginning of innovation and more efficient medical care in theUnited States. They see use of MBAN devices eventually branching outside of hospitals and being used to monitor vital signs of patients in the comfort of their own home. However, FCC approval is just the first step needed before consumers see the wireless devices in hospitals. Next, manufactures such as GE Healthcare and Philips Healthcare will fine-tune their MBAN prototypes and begin the FDA approval process. The new FCC rules, expected to pass at an agency vote next Thursday, will make theUnited Statesthe first country in the world to allocate spectrum for MBAN devices. Filed under: 000 Sections , Conditions , Health and tech , Public Health Tagged: Danielle Dellorto – CNN Medical Senior Producer

Yesterday’s positive vote for Arena Pharmaceuticals’ lorcaserin raises the prospect that patients could soon have the first new drug therapy for weight loss in more than a decade. But as Dow Jones Newswires reports, we’re not quite there yet.

iStockphoto Here’s the health news this morning: Incoming J&J CEO says fixing problems at the company’s over-the-counter medicines business will be his No. 1 priority.   (WSJ). Alex Gorsky, who takes over J&J today, believes it’s taking the right steps to correct the problems that led to the recall of children’s Tylenol bottles and other popular over-the-counter medicines. He says J&J must return the recalled products to store shelves and regain the confidence of parents. A donated kidney is transplanted twice. (USAT). After the first transplant, the kidney started to fail. So it was removed and transplanted into a second patient, who is doing well with the kidney. The transplants mark the first time in the U.S. that a living recipient has passed along a donated kidney. An experimental drug showed promise treating autism-like behaviors in mice. (BG). The molecule, tested by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health and drug maker Pfizer,  increased social interactions and lessened repetitive self-grooming behavior in the mice. The Food and Drug Administration wants to detect malfunctions in medical devices by tapping medical and billing records from hospitals and insurance companies. (WSJ). The new system that FDA is creating aims to catch malfunctioning devices like St. Jude’s heart defibrillator, which was recently linked to at least 20 deaths. Contact lens maker Bausch & Lomb wants to sell more prescription drugs and surgical instruments. (WSJ). After a damaging recall of its ReNu with Moisture Loc cleaning solution, Bausch’s CEO Brent Saunders is trying to nurse the company back to health by developing innovative drugs and surgical products. Among the experimental drugs he’s excited about is a glaucoma treatment.

You work out every day at noon, but today, you just don’t feel like it. When you’re suffering from the workout blahs, you need a few techniques in your hydration tool belt to instantly inject some pep in your step. Think of these the next time you need quick motivation - you’ll be in your sports bra and sneakers in no time! Ask Madonna for help: You know how you hear your favorite upbeat song and you can’t help but bop your head and mouth the words? Use the power of music to motivate your workout, by blasting a booming, fast-paced tune. By the time the three minutes are up, you’ll be out the door. Need some new tunes? Check out this list of top 100 workout songs . The power of a few words: Sometimes all it takes is to hear one quote about sweating it out, and you’re on your feet, ready to go. This one always gets me psyched: “The hardest step for a runner is the first one out of the front door.” Read through these motivational quotes to inspire your workout, or print out your faves and look at them the next time you need a kick in the pants. Phone a friend: Make a quick call to a good friend. Tell them you’re thinking of skipping out, and they’ll tell you exactly what you need to hear, “Just do it because you know you’ll feel so much better afterward.” Maybe they’ll even join you! Follow the five-minute rule: Even if you don’t want to, get dressed and start working out for at least five minutes. Within the first few minutes, you’ll probably feel more energized and will want to keep going. If you still don’t feel like it, then you probably truly need a break.

FitSugar reader Dara8182 shared this filling yet light recipe for broccoli white bean soup in our Healthy Recipe group . Broccoli cheddar soup is a delicious but decadent treat. I designed this recipe to be a low-calorie alternative to butter-, cream-, and cheese-laden soups. At only 125 calories per serving, it’s a warm, filling, and packed with healthy veggies. Give this one a try! Learn more about the recipe after the break!

MPs are set to debate whether to hold a special committee to examine the question of when human life begins, a move many say is the first step to reopening the discussion on abortion.

Losing weight is no easy walk in the park. In order to drop those pounds, adopting a healthy diet is one of the most important changes you need to make, but sometimes, our eating habits get in the way. Keep reading and tell us which eating personality you have that prevents weight loss – acknowledging it is the first step in overcoming the hurdle. Source: Thinkstock and Flickr User Mr. T in DC View Slideshow ›

Only three of the first 24 grads from the Schulich School of Medicine’s Windsor program will complete their residency in Windsor.

Some First Nations in Ontario report up to 80 per cent of their population is hooked on prescription painkillers, and they are looking to the land to bring healing.

A Toronto man is being treated for the first case of rabies in a human in the city in more than 80 years, CBC News has learned.