School Experts Anticipate Fewer Students Getting Checkups, More Sick Days

Education experts said they expect to see more sick kids at the nurses’ office this school year as families trim their budgets and cut back on annual checkups.

Teachers and support staff attending an annual Pennsylvania State Education Association in State College on Wednesday told WJAC-TV that they’ve seen an increase in parents delaying doctors’ visits and sending sick kids to the nurses’ office.

"Parents are reluctant to take their children to the doctor because they don't know how much it's going to cost and what the medications will cost,” said PSEA President of Department of Pupil Services Maggie Beall. “Kids are out of school longer and they're become more severely ill and the cycle perpetuates itself. They miss days from school and it interferes with their learning."

Despite healthy lunch options added to many school cafeterias, school dental hygienist Karen Buis said more families are buying inexpensive junk food and has seen an increase in dental issues at younger ages.

"Starch and sugar is relatively cheaper than fruits and vegetables; you're going to see higher instances of cavities and abcesses because of this,” said Buis.

Centre Volunteers in Medicine, which offers free or low-cost dental care to low-income families in Centre County, said their current waiting list tops 1,600 people.