Lisa Cannada, MD, an orthopaedic trauma surgeon at St. Louis University Hospital, agrees that women should be their own advocates when it comes to preventing fractures. "Women need to be a squeaky wheel to get the information and treatment they need," said Dr. Cannada. "Don't wait to ask questions until you have experienced a fracture or until you think you're 'old enough' to start worrying. It's never too early to begin educating yourself, your sister or your daughter about how you can prevent the disease."

Dr. Cannada recommends the following tips to improve bone health and prevent fractures:

Learn about your risk factors. Aging, heredity, nutrition, lifestyle, medications and other illnesses can increase your risk of developing the disease. Maintain a diet rich in calcium with foods like yogurt, cheese and green leafy vegetables. Make sure you're taking in enough vitamin D, a minimum of 2,000 IU per day is recommended, and this will help your body absorb calcium. Quit smoking, and drink alcohol in moderation. Participate in at least 30 minutes of weight-bearing activity three to four times a week. Prevent falls by improving your motor skills through exercise and physical therapy. Also, examine the furniture in your house and rearrange it if necessary to reduce the risk of tripping.

Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons