(Posted February 18, 2003)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Alternative medical methods such as acupuncture, homeopathy and botanical medicine will be discussed by a Juniata College biologist at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25 in Neff Lecture Hall in the von Liebig Center for Science on the Juniata campus.

Debra Kirchhof-Glazier, professor of biology and director of the college's health professions program, will talk on "Alternative Medicine: An Inside View and What's in it for You." Kirchhof-Glazier spent the fall semester on an educational sabbatical at the University of Bridgeport's College of Naturopathic Medicine and Acupuncture Institute in Bridgeport, Conn.

The talk is free and open to the public. After the talk, refreshments will be served by student members of the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

"Naturopathic medicine focuses on the healing power of nature," Kirchhof-Glazier explains. "There is a great interest in alternative medicines nationwide, and we have had students come in and ask about these methods as well."

Kirchhof-Glazier will explain what is involved in naturopathic medicine, including the use of medicinal plants, homeopathy, acupuncture, manipulation and other methods. She also will offer tips on how consumers can easily incorporate some alternative medicine principles into their own lives.

Kirchhof-Glazier earned a bachelor's degree from Lebanon Valley College and went on to earn a doctorate from Cornell University. At Juniata, she teaches the introductory biology course and directs the Health Professions Program. She serves as advisor-at-large for health professions students and chairs the 12-member, interdisciplinary Health Professions Committee.

She is a member of the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions and is advisor for the Juniata chapter of HOSA and the Baha'i Club.

Kirchhof-Glazier's honors include Juniata's "Woman of the Year" (1987 and 1996) and the Lindbach Award for Distinguished Teaching (1987).

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.