Doctors are encouraging patients to be prepared ahead of the The Yorkshire Grand Départ, which marks the start of this year’s Tour de France.

About three million visitors are expected to come to the region to see the world’s most famous cycle race get underway and – with road closures in and around Kirklees on the Saturday before the July 6 stage in Huddersfield and Calderdale – it may be difficult to pick up prescriptions.

Making sure patients have enough medicines to see them through Le Tour weekend can also mean doctors are not called out unnecessarily.

Dr Steve Ollerton, Chair of NHS Greater Huddersfield CCG, said: “We’re asking people to be prepared over the busy, but exciting Grand Départ weekend.

“This is especially important for patients with long-term conditions such as diabetes, asthma and arthritis who need to plan ahead and think carefully about how much medication they have left and whether this is enough to see them through this period.

“They can then relax and enjoy the race without worrying about becoming ill. Being prepared can even avert a medical emergency.”

Meanwhile health chiefs are also reminding people about sun safety while out viewing the event.

Sunburn – which can occur even on a cloudy day – can double the risk of developing skin cancer.

Tour De France spectators are being advised to use factor 30+ sunscreen; keep babies out of the sun and spend time in the shade when the sun is at its strongest between 11am-3pm.

Doctors are also reminding patients of the benefits of using their local pharmacists who can offer free, confidential, expert advice on common symptoms, medicines and healthy living.

Click here to find out more about the Tour de France in Huddersfield.

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