Because our lifestyle choices at this age will determine our health later, says OB-GYN Tiffany Rhodes.

Osteoporosis occurs more frequently in women than men, and makes bones fragile so they are more likely to break.

"Usually people don't have to be screened until they're in their 50s, postmenopausal," Rhodes says.

But in order to have their tests come back with pleasing results, Rhodes says women should start paying attention to their health now.

"It's when you reach your peak bone mass," Rhodes says. Peak bone mass is the highest bone mass you'll reach in your life.

"So it's important when you're in your teens and 20s to make sure that you're doing everything you can to make sure you get a good bone mass."

Having a healthy bone mass means more than drinking milk.

Rhodes says the three most important things to do are exercise, have an adequate calcium intake and maintain a healthy weight.

She also recommends getting screened for thyroid problems.

Because calcium builds bones, Rhodes says, it's important to get at least 1,000 milligrams of calcium per day if you are in your 20s or 30s.

"I recommend to my patients that they start taking calcium carbonate, which is just over the counter calcium," Rhodes says.

It's also important to know how to take your calcium.

Rhodes says that since the body can only absorb about 750 milligrams of calcium at a time, it's good to divide the supplement into two doses for maximum absorption.

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, so that should also be an important part of a woman's diet.

If your diet is not rich in Vitamin D or if the supplements you're taking do not have the vitamin, Rhodes suggests getting 15 minutes of sunlight a day, which lets your body produce its own Vitamin D.

It's not all about doing something to prevent osteoporosis, sometimes it's about not doing it. Rhodes says not smoking and limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake will prevent bone loss.

And while prevention might sound like a dirty word now, it may help you continue the whole invincibility thing well into retirement.

Ana Parra can be reached at 298-3766.