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Take the following steps to reduce your risk of complications from Paget's disease:

• Prevent falls. Paget's disease puts you at high risk of bone fractures. Ask your physician for advice on preventing falls. He or she may recommend that you use a cane or a walker. Take measures to fall-proof your home. Remove slippery floor coverings, use nonskid mats in your bathtub or shower, tuck away cords, and install handrails on stairways and grab bars in your bathroom.

• Eat well. Be sure your diet includes adequate levels of calcium and of vitamin D, which facilitates the absorption of calcium. This is especially important if you're being treated with biphosphonates. Adults age 50 and younger should obtain at least 1,000 milligrams (mg) a day of calcium and 200 international units (IU) or 5 micrograms (mcg) a day of vitamin D. If you're age 50 or older, consume at least 1,200 mg a day of calcium and 400 IU or 10 mcg a day of vitamin D. If you're age 70 or older, increase your daily vitamin D intake to 600 IU or 15 mcg. Review your diet with your physician and ask him or her whether you should begin taking vitamin and calcium supplements.

• Exercise regularly. Exercising on a regular basis is essential for maintaining joint mobility and bone strength. Focus on weight-bearing exercise — such as walking, jogging and dancing — to maximize the benefit to your bones. Be sure to include strength training in your exercise program — strong muscles help support damaged joints. Talk to your doctor before beginning an exercise program to determine the right type, duration and intensity of exercise for you. Some activities may stress your affected bones.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Excess body weight may cause additional damage to your joints and may worsen pain in your joints. If you require surgery, excess weight also increases the risk of complications.

Living with a chronic condition like Paget's disease, even if you don't have symptoms, can be stressful. Focus on what you can do to reduce your risk of complications, such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet. Discuss any new symptoms or changes in your symptoms with your physician. Effective treatments are available.

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