“
Building – and walking up a lot of steps.
This year, the Capitol Building is closed due to undergoing a renovation project, necessitating a move into temporary offices for now.
But Girder likened climbing the stairs at the 120-year-old building to being on a stairclimber machine.
“ I tried to stay as active as I can, and one of the reasons, to be honest with
“ I woke up early that morning and had quite a bit of pressure( in his chest), but I thought,‘ Well, It will pass.’”
— Sen. Chris Girdler you, is I hate to slow down now,” Girdler said.“ Buddies of mine who have retired, the next thing you know they’ re having issues like crazy. That don’ t mean I ain’ t having issues, it just means they haven’ t killed me yet.”
Girdler himself retired from the insurance business in 2021, but will continue to serve as senator at least until the end of his term at the end of 2028.
Both the insurance business and politics are stressful professions, Girdler admits. That stress can sometimes lead to medical issues, which is why part of his advice for others who may be facing heart-related illness is to manage stress factors.
He also said that he takes his blood pressure medicine“ religiously” to try to control that better. Some risk factors for heart disease can be
genetic, some lifestylerelated and some are just from not following the doctor’ s orders, he said.
“ Take your meds,” he said simply when asked for advice.
He also notes that he has something that gives him a reason to live – his family, including his nine grandkids.
“ They give you something to look forward to,” he said.
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February 2026 SEKY- Southeast Kentucky Life • 9