FORT MYERS, Fla. We all know smoking can have life-threatening consequences. But did you know it can also put you at increased risk if you get surgery? Dr. Michael Kim joined us in the studio to discuss what you need to know before you go under the knife.
Stories you need to know

Pope Francis to undergo intestinal surgery under general anesthesia
Pope Francis was admitted to the hospital for intestinal surgery Wednesday, the latest malady to befall the 86-year-old pontiff who had part of his colon removed two years ago.

Loneliness poses risks as deadly as smoking: surgeon general
About half of U.S. adults say they’ve experienced loneliness, Dr. Vivek Murthy said in an 81-page report from his office.

Seeing smoke? Controlled burns happening in Lee County
The South Florida Water Management District announced on Thursday that a prescribed burn will be conducted in the CREW Management Area

How bloodless open heart surgeries are performed
500,000 open heart surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year, and half of those patients require a blood transfusion.
Don't Miss

Naples man killed in crash with pickup truck on Immokalee Rd.
A Naples man is dead after a crash with a pickup truck on Immokalee Road in Collier County.

Gas leak closes SR-31 off Palm Beach Blvd. by Fort Myers Shores
Gas is spewing from a broken line on State Road 31 off Palm Beach Boulevard, closing SR-31 traffic in both directions.

Morning showers transition into Wednesday afternoon storms
Showers and storms are expected to begin in the mid-morning, particularly to the south in Collier County, before continuing to develop up along the coast into Lee County by the late morning. Storms will continue on and off until the late afternoon.