There’s only so much that vitamin D can do

When your doctor tells you to go on vacation and get some sun to curb depression, well, you know how it goes: Doctor’s orders! Bon voyage!

But if you’ve taken time off work due to a diagnosis of major depression, and if you’re also receiving sick-leave benefits for that time off, it’s better not to post your vacation photos on Facebook.

That’s what a Canadian woman named Nathalie did. And then her sick- leave benefits stopped coming. When she contacted her insurance company, she was told that the photos proved she was no longer depressed. Which probably plunged her into deeper depression, but that’s another story.

Nathalie’s lawyer told the Associated Press that her coverage was wrongly discontinued because her doctor recommended the vacation. If this case goes to court, I hope the lawyer will use the vitamin D defense: His client needed sunlight, and the resulting vitamin D boost, to help kick her depression.

Unfortunately, Nathalie also posted other photos on Facebook: pics from her birthday party and a raucous night at a Chippendale’s bar show.

Hmmm. I’m not sure the vitamin D defense can support a trip to Chippendale’s.

To Your Good Health,

Jenny Thompson

Source:
“Canada Woman to Fight Insurance Co. Over Facebook” Amy Luft, Associated Press, 11/23/09, ap.org