A public health epidemic is stalking Americans and they don't even know it. Results of a nationwide survey conducted by the Arthritis Foundation prove many Americans don't realize they already may be showing signs of arthritis, and far more do not realize they are now at prime risk.

To demonstrate the need for individuals to take control of their joint health, the Arthritis Foundation conducted a free joint health survey at various locations around the U.S. Participants were asked to complete a 12-question quiz to assess their risk of arthritis and determine if they are already showing symptoms of the disease.

Of the more than 5,000 people surveyed, 67 percent were found to be at risk for arthritis, while 52 percent were not aware they were at risk for developing arthritis, and more than half (53 percent) were already exhibiting symptoms.

"These statistics are alarming," said Tino Mantella, president and CEO, Arthritis Foundation. "People who are at risk or are already showing symptoms should discuss the results with their doctor so they can take measures now to reduce future pain and disability."

Surprisingly, of those surveyed, 51 percent do not plan to see their doctor about their joint health.

"Many people wait to see a doctor because they think they are too young to have arthritis, yet millions of Americans, especially baby boomers, will reach retirement and not be able to live the way they had hoped," said Dr. John Klippel, medical director, Arthritis Foundation. "It is distressing that denial is going to cause people to be in a lot of pain."

Although genetics can put a person at risk for arthritis, there are a number of healthy lifestyle measures Americans can take to prevent and manage arthritis. To maintain healthy joints, the Arthritis Foundation recommends the following:

* Lose weight. You won't just look better, you'll feel better, too. Every extra pound you gain puts four times the stress on your knee. Even a small weight loss will give your knees relief. Research has shown that as little as 11 pounds may cut your risk of osteoarthritis of the knee by 50 percent.

* Build Strong Bones. Boost your calcium intake because a diet rich in this important mineral helps to keep your bones sturdy and can lower your risk of osteoporosis (the brittle bone disease). There are plenty of sources besides milk, including yogurt, broccoli, kale, figs, salmon and calcium supplements.

* Bulk Up. Strength training is the best way to boost your metabolism (and get a sleeker body, too). Research also shows lifting weights creates denser bones and builds stronger muscles that help stabilize and protect joints.

One in every six Americans has a form of arthritis, but the many different faces of arthritis can be surprising. Arthritis is the nation's number one cause of disability, affecting children, teens, baby boomers and seniors alike. As the population ages, the impact of arthritis is expected to affect an estimated one in five people (or nearly 60 million) by 2020.

"Arthritis is a serious and debilitating disease that impacts quality of life for millions of people, but what Americans may not know is that in many cases, it can be prevented,” Klippel added.