By Matthew White

Sun Staff Writer

mwhite@evesun.com

CHENANGO COUNTY – In addition to the number of risks and dangers directly susceptible to children and youth, the obesity epidemic has continued to grow over the past decade at an alarming rate.

Parenting has never been more difficult, and society has paved the way for sedentary lifestyles. Regardless of what some may claim to be the beneficial impacts of modern technology, the majority of middle school aged children owning cell phones and other electronic gadgets being the norm is an obvious detriment.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued figures Wednesday confirming what society has been aware of, yet reluctant to openly talk about with those directly affected – teenagers.