An accident that left him seriously injured led him to take up marathon as a serious sport, Health Minister Ma. Subramanian said at the American Psychiatric Association in Los Angeles, USA, on Tuesday.

In his presidential address on ‘Daily walking and its impact on mental health’, the Minister said, after being confined to bed for three months following a road accident, he was advised against sitting on the floor, walking or running.

But through sheer determination he was back on his feet, and a decade later, he ran his first marathon. Earlier this year, he completed his 160th marathon, he said.

The Minister spoke at length on the State’s initiatives since 2021 in the health sector. As non-communicable diseases and lifestyle practices were closely connected, the State, based on the challenges faced, had introduced initiatives such as Makkalai Thedi Maruthuvam Scheme, Padham Padhukaapom Thittam, Idhayam Kaapom Thittam, and Innuyir Kaapom – Nammai Kakkum 48, he said.

The schemes had reduced out-of-pocket expenses of the people and improved health service coverage, making services available, accessible, and affordable, and had won international recognition as well, the Minister said.

The State had created 8-km walking and running corridors in all the 38 districts to encourage people to walk, he said

Not only does regular exercise have positive effects on mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improving mood and overall emotional well-being, but it also improves academic and cognitive performance as it boosts concentration, memory, and cognitive function, he added.