Every year on the second Thursday of March, we observe World Kidney Day to raise awareness about kidney health and its essential role in our overall well-being. This year, the day falls on March 13. Such health days are important as it highlights the need for paying attention to each part and organ of our body, which is essential to keep us going. The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs which act as body's most essential and primary filtration system. They remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The day is important to highlight because more often than you think, kidney diseases go unnoticed. Max Healthcare, a hospital chain in India states that 8 to 10% of adults are affected with some form of kidney damage. However, not many know about it, until severe complications arise. Each year, millions die prematurely from such conditions, this is why early detection is important as it can make a significant difference. Theme For World Kidney DayThis is what has reflected in this year's theme for World Kidney Day: "Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health". This year's theme aims to target the importance of regular checkups for early detection and intervention at the right time to prevent any kidney disease. As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the kidneys are important to maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals. These are extremely essential for regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and ensuring overall body equilibrium. What Happens When Your Kidney Fails?When kidneys fail to perform its primary function, which is to filter out the waste and produce erythropoietin, which is a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production, it can lead to health complications. Your body gets filled with extra water and waste products, this condition is called uremia. As a result, your hands and feet may also swell. At the time of complete and irreversible kidney failure, your kidneys stop working completely. This condition is called End-stage renal disease or ESRD. History of World Kidney DayThis day was for the first time observed in 2006 as a joint initiative by the Internal Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF). The aim back then too was to raise awareness about kidney health and to promote preventive measures to reduce the burden of kidney diseases worldwide. Since then, it has been observed on every second Thursday of March, every year. Significance of World Kidney DayThe significance of World Kidney Day lies in its role in addressing the growing prevalence of kidney diseases. Many of the cases go undiagnosed. Other than that there are many cases among children where parents do not know whether it is a kidney disease or an unrelated infection. Thus this day also highlights the importance of paying attention to your child's health for any pediatric kidney issues. As this disease is often associated with adults only, but not always is this the case.ALSO READ: Why Do Cases Of Pediatric Kidney Issues Go Unnoticed?