Category: Uncategorised

The OPA are pleased to welcome aboard two new Trustees –

Mr Javed Sultan – Trustee

MSc MD FRCS Consultant Oesophago-Gastric, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon and Greater Manchester Clinical Lead for Oesophgo-Gastric Cancer

Javed Sultan started his consultant career in 2014 at Guildford, to help expand and develop the regional oesophago-gastric cancer unit for Surrey. He was a Consultant Surgeon at the largest internationally renowned Northern Oesophago-Gastric Cancer Unit (Newcastle upon Tyne) prior to his appointment at the Royal Surrey County Hospital.

 

Stephen Brinkworth – Trustee and Treasurer

Born in Cardiff, spent my childhood in the Rhondda Valley, where I attended the local Grammar School, before attending Cardiff University to study economics.

On leaving University, joined NatWest Bank when I spent the next 31 years, initially working in various Branches in S Wales and Bristol, before moving to London in 1984 to a Head Office Dept.  Took early retirement in 2003 following the Bank’s acquisition by RBS.

Upon leaving the Bank, joined the local NHS Hospital and spent 6 years as a Project Manager implementing several HR related projects.

In 2010, diagnosed with Oesophageal cancer, but fully recovered following surgery at the Royal Surrey Hospital in Guildford.

A keen sportsman over the years, having played a high level of Soccer and then Squash, and has now progressed to Lawn Bowls, and spends many hours each week on the Bowls green, not only playing but is involved in the greenkeeping duties of his local Club.

Also involved as the Treasurer for a local Probus Club, and still involved with the local Squash Club as Treasurer/Secretary.

These filling drinks pack up to 35 grams of the macronutrient in one serving!

Believe it or not, you can slurp your way to stronger muscles. While many smoothie recipes are devoid of nutrients and sneak in high amounts of sugar, high-protein smoothies can be a healthy eater’s dream if you blend wisely.

“When sipped at the right times, in the right amount and blended with the right things, smoothies can build and repair lean muscle tissue, help you feel full and satisfied and may help decrease levels of ghrelin, a hunger-related hormone,” says Jenna A. Werner, RD, creator of Happy Slim Healthy.

An ample amount of protein is a must for the biggest benefits, she suggests. “A lot of time smoothies with just fruit and juice or milk can fill us up right away, but they increase blood sugar very quickly—and bring it down even quicker. Add protein to a smoothie for a more balanced food choice. The protein will slow down digestion, keeping you fuller longer, and help prevent sugar spikes and crashes,” Werner explains. If you’re making your smoothie a meal, aim for at least 25 grams of protein. For a snack, 10 or more grams will do, Werner says. Consider adding one of these protein powders to your smoothie for an extra boost of the hunger-curbing macronutrient. So dig out your blender and give these high-protein smoothie recipes a spin.

Making Thyme for Health
Turmeric Carrot Cake Smoothie

Yogurt and walnuts crank up the protein level of this dessert-inspired smoothie recipe. With carrots (of course), 1/2 a frozen banana and a date in the mix, you’ll be well on your way to scoring your five a day of fruits and veggies, too.

Protein:13 grams

Get the recipe from Making Thyme for Health »

1 of 15
Prevention

Sweet ‘n’ Spicy Tropical Smoothie

One sip of this delicious smoothie will transport you to an island vacation. Creamy avocado provides a boost of healthy fats while coconut water helps restore electrolytes after a tough workout. Ginger works to keep tummy woes at bay, and pineapple supplies ample amounts of vitamin C.

Protein: 27.3 grams

Get the recipe from Prevention »

Sweet Peas and Saffron
Blueberry Coconut Water Smoothie Recipe

With coconut water for hydration, blueberries for ample antioxidants and Greek yogurt for protein, this is an ideal post-workout snack. “Unsweetened Greek yogurt or plain cottage cheese are both awesome additions to smoothie recipes,” Werner says. “Both can add around 15 to 20 grams of protein with simple, natural ingredients.”

Protein: 17 grams

Get the recipe from Sweet Peas and Saffron »

Live Eat Learn
Cherry Oat Smoothie

Yes, oats have protein! A whopping 13 grams per half cup (dried), in fact. A splash of milk and a scoop of yogurt give this cherry smoothie an enviable protein count, while a frozen banana makes it thick and rich.

Protein: 11 grams

Get the recipe from Live Eat Learn »

Cotter Crunch
Chia Matcha Overnight Breakfast Smoothie

One ounce of chia seeds, approximately how much is in each serving of this energizing smoothie, offers 5 grams of protein. Yogurt, milk and oats round out the protein-rich line-up of this unique and high-fiber morning meal.

Besides yogurt, “vegetarians can consider blending silken organic tofu into shakes and smoothies, too. You won’t even taste it and it will thicken things nicely,” Werner says.

Protein: 12 grams

Get the recipe from Cotter Crunch »

A Virtual Vegan Creamy Banana Smoothie

When you’re craving banana bread but have zero time to bake, turn to this single-serving smoothie. Walnuts, oats and milk provide the protein, while dates sweeten and cinnamon and nutmeg warm up the flavors.

Protein: 11 grams

Get the recipe from A Virtual Vegan »

Well Plated
Strawberry Kiwi Smoothie

Fruit smoothies aren’t always protein powerhouses, but this tropical treat is thanks to milk and oats. For an even stronger dose, Werner recommends a scoop of vanilla or strawberry protein powder. “Choose plant-based or all-natural according to your diet. Whichever you choose, powders can add a great amount of protein to your smoothies,” she says.

Protein: 11 grams

Get the recipe from Well Plated »

The Healthy Foodie
Gingerbread Smoothie

The perfect treat for the season, this smoothie has 35 grams of protein (in other words, about as much protein as six medium eggs)! You won’t even taste the beans in this cookie-inspired meal replacement once they’re blended with cinnamon, molasses, and ginger. Greek yogurt, flaxseed meal, soy milk and protein powder round out the muscle-building menu.

Protein: 35 grams

Get the recipe from The Healthy Foodie »

A Clean Bake
Mocha Protein Smoothie

Wake up to a buzzy breakfast beverage with a triple-play of protein all-stars: Greek yogurt, protein powder and tahini (sesame seed paste). You’re probably familiar with seeing the latter in hummus, but it’s a subtle smoothie star here, adding just a hint of nuttiness that pairs nicely with the cocoa. Two tablespoons of tahini provides around 6 grams of protein.

Protein: 28 grams

Get the recipe from A Clean Bake »

Jillian Michaels
Berry Vanilla Smothie

This vegan-friendly berry smoothie from Jillian Michaels boasts more than 35 grams of protein, thanks to the hemp protein powder and coconut yogurt. Enjoy it as a refreshing post-workout smoothie or an on-the-go breakfast.

Protein: 35.9 grams

Get the recipe from Prevention »

Cupcakes and Kale Chips
Blueberry Almond Butter Smoothie

Choose cottage cheese or Greek yogurt to amplify the protein power of this blueberry smoothie. If you’re watching your fat and calorie intake, try another one of Werner’s powdered picks.

“Powdered nut butters offer all the flavor of peanut or almond butters, just with much less fat,” she says. For one teaspoon of almond butter (the amount called for in this high-protein smoothie recipe), trade in one teaspoon of powdered peanut butter mixed with a half teaspoon of water.

Protein: 17 grams

Get the recipe from Cupcakes and Kale Chips »

Diabetes Strong
Vegan Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

This high-protein peanut butter breakfast smoothie might just remind you of Chunky Monkey ice cream. Banana, cacao and vanilla protein powder make it taste like the fan-favorite dessert (just without the diet-busting nutrition stats). Be sure to go for natural peanut butter varieties to avoid added sugar.

Protein: 17 grams

Get the recipe from Diabetes Strong »

My Darling Vegan
Black Forest Smoothie

A drink that tastes like dessert is always a satisfying option—but isn’t always so waistline-friendly. (We see you, Mississippi Mudslides.) This chocolate-cherry option, however, has about twice as much protein as it has fat. Milk provides the protein while dates and cherries provide natural sugars, and spinach tacks on vitamin A, folate, and other nutrients.

Protein: 11 grams

Get the recipe from My Darling Vegan »

Cookie + Kate
Basic Blueberry Smoothie

Muffins have met their match. Almond butter and milk upgrade the protein level of this creamy, frozen fruit smoothie, while maple syrup makes it taste like a breakfast treat. For even more body benefits, try one of the optional boosters: 1/4 cup of oats or two tablespoons of flaxseed (2 1/2 grams of protein each).

Protein: 10 grams

Get the recipe from Cookie + Kat »

Prevention
Apple Crisp Smoothie

If you could have apple pie in a glass, it would be this smoothie! Made with fiber-rich rolled oats, pecans, cinnamon, and apple cider, this creamy concoction gets its high-protein content from Greek yogurt.

Protein: 13.5 grams

Get the recipe from Prevention »

Christmas is coming…………a unique gift………Order Now

Thrill your walls now with stunning print/s from the OPA’s new art gallery.
Choose from a selection of prints taken and donated by our very own Chairman David Chuter ©

£50 price for each print includes the P & P. – Prints are 20 x 16 inches approx.

See some of the prints below…

To view all the prints on sale, please click here.

So..we have listened to your suggestions about fundraising for the OPA and have some exciting news! A new fundraising pack will be available soon.

Oesophageal & gastric cancers are amongst the fastest rising most unpleasant cancers. The Oesophageal Patients Association (OPA) has led the fight against these devastating cancers for over thirty years and is not only supporting the patient, carer & their family but continue working to promote public awareness of these lesser known but rapidly increasing cancers. This will mean that many more lives can be saved through earlier diagnosis and better treatment.

Most of all we want be there to raise awareness, support and provide information to every single patient, carer and their family who is having to cope with two of the worst forms of cancer.

Please note, if you are fundraising via JustGiving or Virgin Money Giving you do not need to fill in a Permission to Fundraise Form (PE1). But please contact us to get your OPA fundraising materials!

Step 1: Permission to Fundraise Form (PE1)

Before you start fundraising for us, ensure you have either completed

a) the online PE1 form (coming soon)

or

b) the downloadable PE1 form 

or

c) you would like to obtain a PE1 form by post, by emailing charity@opa.org.uk with your full name and postal address.

RETURN POSTAL FORMS TO:   Fundraising Department, The OPA, 6 & 7 Umberslade Business Centre, Pound House Lane, Hockley Heath, Solihull, B94 5DF

Step 2: Get your Fundraising Pack

Once we have received your PE1, we will then post out a pack.

Our fundraising pack includes a t-shirt, sponsorship form, poster, collection box, bunting, balloons and much more.

Have questions or need further help?

If you have any questions or queries, please call 0121 704 9860 or email at charity@opa.org.uk and we will do our best to help.

One of the current Strictly Celebrities, Catherine Tyldesley, wearing the OPA Fiona Wade Wristband.

Catherine Tyldesley is best known for the role of Eva Price which she played on Coronation Street. Catherine can also been seen on Trollied, 15 Days and Scarborough.

The OPA would like to send a massive thank you to Catherine and Fiona.

Fiona Wade Appeal Wristbands can be ordered on the OPA Online Shop – https://www.opa.org.uk/products/fiona-wade-appeal-wristband.html