Doctors and dentists and recognition — Oh, my!

On March 6, we celebrate National Dentists’ Day, and March 30 brings us National Doctors’ Day, so it’s time for salutes and white lab coats all around.

In all seriousness, those of us in the healthcare business know just how key doctors and dentists are to our society’s health and well-being. First, we’ll look at the docs, and pick up a few pointers about regular checkups:

It keeps you accountable. If you’ve gained weight, for example, your doctor will talk to you about possible medical concerns.

As we age, our bodies change. What didn’t hurt at 40 may be a pain at 50. Everything from sore knees to insomnia is fair game at the annual physical.

Lab work. The doctor’s office is still the best and most efficient place to get a cholesterol check, as well as lots of other tests.

Flu shots and boosters. A checkup is a good time to make sure tetanus and other shots are up to date. If you’ve gotten a flu shot at work or elsewhere, let your doctor know so records can be updated.

We don’t know what we don’t know. You might feel fine, but your doctor may see or hear something that needs further study. A calcium score, for example, is a quick and painless chest scan that can show serious heart problems — which can then be dealt with before they become worse.

Just like the medical doctor, the dentist is there to help keep us healthy. And just like the doctor, the dentist can see problems coming early on, and head them off — if we are diligent about going twice a year for cleaning, and taking care to exercise good dental hygiene in the interim.

And thanks to the American Dental Association, a few reasons, tips and tricks about when we should hustle on into the dentist’s office:

•       Teeth that are sensitive to hot and/or cold
•        Puffy, bleeding gums
•       Maintenance of fillings, crowns, dental implants and dentures
•       Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
•       Family history of gum disease or tooth decay
•        Difficulty chewing or swallowing
•        A medical condition such as diabetes, heart disease or an eating disorder
•       Dry mouth
•        Smoking or use of tobacco products

Alert from the broken-record department: Good health is a team effort, so don't’ go it alone. If you don't’ have a doctor, click here to find a provider near you. No dentist? Solve that right here. Build up your team’s bench with the players who will back you and make sure your health is as good as it can possibly be — and thank them on their special days!

Dig into National Nutrition Month all through March

Whether it’s following a pyramid (old school) or a plate diagram, finding a good system for eating right is well worth the time and effort. And during National Nutrition Month, there’s no better time to slow down, look at your diet and see if there are changes to be made.

This year’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” and there are loads of tips and tricks to be found in this toolkit put out by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Here you’ll find ways to get the community involved, plan your own nutrition awareness event and much more. If you’re a registered dietician, or work with one (or a team), consider partnering up to organize some fun, informational programming in the workplace.

What we eat, and how much we eat, is a big deal. Dining out often means huge portions, hidden fat and sugar, and much more. Consider starting to cook and eat at home as one way to get your diet under control — and save some cash at the same time. Who knows, that dusty veggie cookbook you got for Christmas a few years back may contain your new favorite recipe!

Exercise is right in there with diet, so as you’re looking for ways to up the ante in terms of mindful, healthy eating, explore putting your best foot forward as well. Even if it’s just a 30- minute walk after dinner, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, every little bit helps.

And finally, keep in mind that diet and exercise are the twin pillars of good health. If you’re in good shape, keep those good habits up — and maybe add in one or two new ones/ Tired, run down, overweight or dealing with a diagnosis of hypertension, type 2 diabetes or other issue? Know that a healthy diet along with a sensible exercise program can help reduce or even eliminate these ailments, and all the worry that goes along with them.

Not sure where to start? Try talking to a registered dietician, a personal trainer — or both. Sure, it’s an investment, but getting professional help (and having someone to hold you accountable) is a terrific way to start down, or keep moving on, the path to a happier, healthier life.

Bon appetit!