In hockey, a body check happens when one player attempts to separate another player from the hockey puck. This usually involves high-speed shoulder-to-chest contact. But off the ice, a body check can help you skate through life with a lot less bruising. Here are three that can deliver big news about your health.

Check your tongue. A bright-red, inflamed tongue could indicate a vitamin B-12 deficiency. Lesions (white, blue and smooth) can signal oral cancer. A white coating could mean you're breeding nasty bacteria. Ulcers (viral or bacterial) may pop up from chronic stress.

Smart moves: Get a blood test to check your vitamin B-12 level. Have your dentist check for signs of oral cancer at your twice a year (or more) cleaning. Brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth, and say "Om"!

Check your nails. Split nails could mean deficiencies in biotin, B-12 and vitamin C. Yellowing can indicate fungal infection. Rippled nails may signal inflammatory arthritis or psoriasis. Brittle nails can signal hypo- or hyperthyroid conditions. Changes in nail shape can be triggered by fungus or may indicate heart problems.

Smart moves: Don't ignore nail changes; go to your doc for a checkup.

Check your ears. Do you hear ringing? You may have a neurological condition called tinnitus or simply need your ear wax cleaned out. Ringing ears with dizziness? That could signal Meniere's disease, associated with fluid retention in the inner ear.

Smart moves: Don't postpone diagnosis; there are treatments that can ease and even eradicate symptoms.